In a recent interview with Oso Trava on YouTube, Canelo admitted the emotional toll the defeat had on him, revealing how deeply it affected his mindset at the time. “It hurt me a lot because, however you want to call it, it hits your ego as a fighter… maybe I went through some level of depression. I don’t know if there are levels of depression, but yeah, maybe I did,” he said.

At just 23 years old during the bout, Canelo struggled to consistently handle Mayweather’s defensive mastery and counterpunching. The American controlled distance throughout the fight, limiting Canelo’s offense and securing a clear tactical advantage across 12 rounds.

The reflection comes after Canelo confirmed return for September, adding new context to how he processes past setbacks and prepares for the next chapter of his career.

How the Mayweather loss impacted Canelo’s mindset

Canelo explained that the defeat forced him to confront the gap between potential and experience at the elite level. “I just didn’t have the right experience, and I realised that afterward,” he said. The loss initially challenged his confidence, but also became a key learning point in his development as a fighter.

From setback to elite-level resilience

Over time, Canelo said he was able to reframe the defeat and regain perspective by reflecting on the level of opposition he faced. That mental reset helped him rebuild confidence and continue his progression into one of boxing’s most accomplished champions.

“I said, ‘I didn’t lose to just anyone, I lost to the best in the world,’” he reflected. Today, Canelo continues to build his legacy as a multi-division champion, though he now faces a new chapter of his career following his loss of the undisputed super-middleweight titles to Terence Crawford, setting up a period of adjustment and rebuilding.

Benavidez did not hold back when addressing the situation, making his stance clear in a recent interview. “He’s scared – he has no (expletive). That’s what it is. I give Canelo all the respect… but at the end of the day, I was the No.1 contender in two weight classes for a long, long time,” he said on Come And Talk 2 Me, expressing frustration over missed opportunities.

The tension comes as Canelo continues to pursue high-level bouts, including a planned return in September for a world title fight in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Benavidez has moved divisions and is preparing for his own major challenge, adding further uncertainty to whether this long-discussed matchup will ever take place.

Benavidez questions missed opportunity at super-middleweight

For years, Benavidez pushed for a fight with Canelo while competing at 168 pounds, positioning himself as a top contender. “It’s really a shame because this is a fight everybody wants to see. This is a fight that the fans deserve,” Benavidez added, reinforcing the belief that the matchup was overlooked during a key window.

Future uncertainty clouds potential superfight

As both fighters continue their careers on separate paths, the chances of the fight happening appear increasingly uncertain. Benavidez is now set to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez, a move that could further distance him from a clash with Canelo.

Still, the possibility has not been entirely ruled out. “I believe in myself and my skills 100%, so… why not give the fans what they want to see?” Benavidez said, leaving the door open for a future meeting under the right conditions.

Speaking to Box Azteca, Canelo made it clear that his focus is on facing the best available opponent. “Right now, [the opponent is] what we’re looking at… let’s see who’s the best, but always choosing the best, and above all, that he’s a champion,” he said.

After receiving a warning from Christian Mbilli’s camp, the 35‑year‑old is coming off elbow surgery following his loss to Crawford, who moved up in weight to beat him by unanimous decision before retiring shortly after. Now fully back in training, Canelo has expressed confidence in both his health and his preparation ahead of his return.

Canelo prioritizes health before comeback

Canelo admitted that delaying his return was necessary to properly address lingering injuries. “I wish I were just days away from fighting, but I had to take care of my body… I gave myself that time to address the injuries I had, and it’s worth it,” he explained.

The upcoming fight will headline a major event titled “Mexico Against the World”, expected to feature several top fighters from the country. For Canelo, the goal is not just to return, but to immediately compete at the highest level.

Mbilli emerges as leading opponent option

While no opponent has been officially announced, Christian Mbilli is widely seen as the frontrunner. The newly elevated WBC super-middleweight champion is a natural option, especially with no mandatory challenger standing in the way.

Other champions could also enter the picture depending on how the division unfolds in the coming weeks. Jose Armando Resendiz holds the WBA title, Osleys Iglesias recently captured the IBF belt, and the WBO title will soon be decided between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic.

With multiple belts now spread across the division, Canelo’s path back to the top is clear. His message is just as direct, he wants the best available champion, and he wants to prove he still belongs at the top.

Speaking after a recent title fight, promoter Camille Estephan delivered a bold statement regarding a possible clash. “Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him,” he said, according to Boxing News, reinforcing the belief within the team.

Mbilli, who was elevated to WBC champion earlier this year, has quickly become one of the division’s central figures. With multiple belts now vacant or changing hands, the path toward an undisputed champion is wide open, and Mbilli’s camp wants to control it.

Mbilli’s camp aims to take over the division

Estephan didn’t stop at a single challenge. He outlined a broader plan for dominance, suggesting that Mbilli and stablemate Osleys Iglesias could collect all the belts in the division.

“We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough… We are gonna get all the other titles,” he added. The message reflects a long-term vision that goes beyond just one fight, positioning Mbilli as a future face of the division.

This approach also signals a shift in narrative. Instead of waiting for opportunities, Mbilli’s team is actively calling out top names and pushing for the biggest fights available.

Canelo fight looms as defining moment

A potential fight with Canelo remains one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing. The Mexican star is looking to rebound after his loss to Crawford and is expected to return in a high-stakes bout later this year.

Meanwhile, other titles are still in play, with fighters like Jose Armando Resendiz, Jaime Munguia, and Hamzah Sheeraz competing for remaining belts. However, Mbilli’s camp has made its stance clear: they are ready for anyone—and confident they will come out on top.

“First day of classes yesterday and today my first sparring session since September,” Canelo shared on social media, showing that he is gradually returning to full activity after months away.

His last fight came in September 2025, when he lost to Terence Crawford. After that, he underwent elbow surgery and had to slow down his training, remaining sidelined.

Now, he is building his rhythm again while adjusting to a new routine of school and boxing. His return comes at a heated time, as David Benavidez recently claimed he’d KO Canelo.

A new routine inside and outside the ring

Balancing college and training is not easy, but Canelo appears fully committed to both. This stage of his career is not just about getting back in shape, but also about growing personally.

Instead of rushing his return, he is taking a more complete approach, working on his physical condition while adapting to new responsibilities outside the sport.

Focus on a 2026 return

Canelo is expected to return to the ring in September 2026, although no opponent has been confirmed yet. Possible names include Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez, with Mbilli seen as the more likely matchup.

For now, the focus remains clear as he continues training, staying consistent, and preparing for his next fight. With a new routine and renewed motivation, Canelo is working toward what could be an important comeback.

“Canelo, Bivol, and Beterbiev… I knock out all three. All three in the same night,” Benavidez said in an interview with ESPN Knockout, doubling down when asked which of the three he believed he could finish.

While the claim of beating all three in one night is impossible, it shows how Benavidez is building his “Monster” image and trying to get attention from fans and the boxing world. His goal is to make it impossible for the biggest names to ignore him.

Moving up to light heavyweight

Since moving up to 175 pounds, Benavidez, who recently admitted that a clash with Canelo may never happen, has shown he can hold his own against bigger fighters. He no longer enjoys the size advantage he had at 168, so he now leans more on his speed, combinations, and endurance.

Bivol is one of the toughest challenges. The Russian fighter uses distance, footwork, and a strong jab to control the ring. Experts think he could avoid Benavidez’s attacks and win by points, but Benavidez believes his speed and pressure style can overcome those defenses.

The Beterbiev test

Beterbiev is a very different type of challenge. He is extremely strong and excels at fighting up close. Benavidez is faster and throws more combinations, but taking a solid punch from Beterbiev is a big risk. This fight could go either way, with Benavidez’s youth and stamina against Beterbiev’s power and experience.

Canelo remains the most elusive target. By naming him along with Bivol and Beterbiev, Benavidez keeps the conversation going and builds pressure for a future matchup. His statements, while bold, clearly show he wants to be seen as one of the top fighters at 175 pounds and is ready for the biggest tests in the division.

Canelo Alvarez is entering the final stage of his storied career. For that reason, fans believe it is time for him to take on the challengers he has previously bypassed, most notably Benavidez, who has long been the mandatory contender at super middleweight.

However, Benavidez himself, who Jake Paul has admitted he would never face, has grown tired of waiting for the call from the Alvarez camp. He recently admitted that despite continuous requests from the boxing world, the bout may remain a “what if” in boxing history.

“I feel like I’ve moved on, but I don’t think the people have moved on, to be honest with you,” Benavidez told TMZ Sports. “I always have hope that the fight is going to happen because the fight is too big — it’s too big a fight to leave it on the table.”

Retirement looms for Canelo

In recent interviews, Canelo Alvarez has stated his intention to retire by age 37; he is currently 35. However, his most recent performances suggest that his departure from the ring could come sooner than expected.

Last September, Canelo was defeated by Terence Crawford in a result that stunned the boxing community. Crawford, who moved up two weight classes to secure the win, unexpectedly retired shortly after, leaving Canelo without the immediate opportunity for a rematch to avenge the loss.

Without a clear path to a high-profile victory, the idea of retirement seems to be weighing more heavily on Alvarez. While he remains a legendary figure, his performance against Crawford proved that his physical prime may be behind him.

Could Canelo Alvarez face Jake Paul?

Jake Paul has repeatedly voiced his desire to step into the ring with Canelo Alvarez. While both men are coming off losses, Alvarez may now view a bout against the “Problem Child” as a viable financial opportunity before hanging up the gloves.

Following Paul’s dramatic knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2026, a matchup with Alvarez could serve as a “bounce-back” opportunity for both. However, taking such a fight would likely signal the definitive end of Canelo’s status as an elite professional contender, shifting his legacy toward the “celebrity boxing” circuit.

“We are considering September, but nothing is confirmed,” Canelo’s potential opponent Christian Mbilli’s manager, Camille Estephan, told FightsATW, highlighting the many variables outside Alvarez’s control.

Canelo, who lost all his super middleweight titles to Crawford in a unanimous decision, may face Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. But the conflict in the Middle East and his recovery timeline leave the fight uncertain, especially as Crawford’s unexpected retirement forced Canelo into a difficult career decision.

September bout plans remain in flux

The Mexican star has targeted the super middleweight division (168 lb), where he has performed best, for his comeback. While Mbilli holds the WBC title, fans and media have speculated about potential matchups with Dmitry Bivol or David Benavidez. Each option carries significant risk, making Canelo’s decision even more delicate.

Recovery and timing key to return

Canelo’s elbow surgery and rehabilitation will be pivotal in determining whether he can safely return to competition. Promoters and the fighter’s camp must balance fan demand with ensuring Canelo is fully ready, both physically and logistically, for a high-stakes September bout.

Last year, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision. They were scheduled for a rematch in September, yet the American unexpectedly announced his retirement, leaving Saul without an opponent.

With Crawford out of the picture, Canelo must now find a new challenger. Three options are on the table, each representing a completely different type of challenge.

Canelo Alvarez linked to three potential rivals for September bout

With Terence Crawford hanging up the gloves, Canelo Alvarez’s team has been searching for a suitable rival for the Mexican star. Three names are under consideration, and each offers a distinct test.

The first option is David Benavidez. He has repeatedly called out Alvarez for a bout, though the Mexican has not yet shown significant interest in facing him.

The second option is Christian Mbilli, who was upgraded to full WBC champion after retaining his title following a draw against Lester Martinez in their high-stakes 2025 clash.

The final option is Lester Martinez himself. Many believe Martinez’s performance in the draw against Mbilli proved he is a rightful contender, and the Guatemalan fighter has expressed his readiness to challenge the Mexican star at any time.

In September, Crawford added another historic achievement by defeating Canelo Alvarez to capture the super middleweight championship, a victory that further cemented his legacy. The win came after Crawford moved up significantly in weight, silencing doubts about whether the size difference would prove decisive.

Despite the magnitude of that triumph, Crawford has now revealed that Canelo was not the toughest challenge he faced during his career. Instead, the Nebraska native pointed to a much earlier fight as the most difficult night he ever endured inside the ring.

Crawford’s toughest opponent

Speaking during a recent livestream appearance with Adin Ross, Crawford was asked directly whether Canelo Alvarez represented the hardest opponent of his career. His response was immediate and definitive. “No,” Crawford said. “Gamboa was the hardest person I ever fought — and that was at 135 pounds.”

Crawford was referring to his 2014 title defense against Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former Olympic gold medalist and one of the most explosive fighters of his era. The bout took place shortly after Crawford won the WBO lightweight title, and early rounds saw Gamboa’s speed and power give Crawford significant problems.

Crawford shuts down Mayweather comeback speculation

Since announcing his retirement, speculation has persisted about whether Crawford could return for a blockbuster bout, particularly against Floyd Mayweather.

However, Crawford has made it clear that such a scenario is not under consideration.“Nah, man. I wouldn’t fight him,” Crawford said. “Floyd is old, man. Floyd is done.”

In a social-media post from what appeared to be a hospital room, Paul confirmed that his jaw had been broken in two places. The shocking disclosure came alongside an X-ray image showing the fractures.

Paul confirmed on X that he suffered a “double broken jaw” in his loss to Joshua, while also issuing a bold warning with “Give me Canelo in 10 days,” signaling his intent to challenge Canelo Alvarez despite the injury.

Paul’s injury context

The double jaw fracture was severe enough to require medical treatment, and Paul was taken to a hospital after the bout. Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian later indicated that a broken jaw in boxing is not uncommon and that recovery could take several weeks, with a typical timeline of four to six weeks before returning to training.

While the challenge to Canelo was likely posted in a mix of bravado and frustration, the immediate priority for Paul will be recovery from a significant facial injury.