Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has officially confirmed his long-awaited return to the ring, set to headline a major event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 12 September 2026. The card is being promoted under the banner "Mexico against the world" and will see Alvarez fight for a world title.
The Road Back from Crawford Defeat
The date marks a poignant return for the Mexican icon, coming almost exactly one year to the day since he suffered a stunning defeat to the now-retired Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. That loss cost Alvarez the undisputed super-middleweight crown, fracturing the division's championship landscape.
Since that fight, Alvarez has been recovering from elbow surgery, which led him to turn down a previous opportunity to contest the vacant IBF belt against Osleys Iglesias. His comeback will now be orchestrated by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who announced the event will be the first under Alvarez's own promotional banner, Canelo Promotions.
A World Title and a Surprise Opponent
While the specific opponent for the 35-year-old Alvarez remains a mystery, Alalshikh has guaranteed the bout will be for a world championship. "It will be a surprise in Saudi Arabia," he stated, adding to the anticipation.
The fragmentation of the super-middleweight belts following Crawford's retirement has opened multiple paths. Currently, only the WBA has a full champion in Jose Armando Resendiz, with the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles all vacant. This gives Alvarez and his team several options for the September showdown.
Potential Challengers and Event Significance
One name circulating as a potential foe is Britain's rising star, Hamza Sheeraz. The 26-year-old, if he secures a world title beforehand, would be a strong candidate to face Alvarez on the global stage. The event's timing is also strategically significant, falling on the Saturday before Mexican Independence Day, ensuring massive interest from Alvarez's homeland.
The "Mexico against the world" concept will extend beyond the main event, featuring a team of Mexican fighters selected by Alvarez taking on international talent. This setup promises a night of high-stakes boxing, as one of the sport's biggest names seeks to reclaim championship gold and restore his legacy after a year of absence.
