Let’s be honest — I never really thought we’d be talking about Canelo Alvarez retirement anytime soon. For some reason, he’s always felt like one of those fighters who’d go on forever. A bit like Pacquiao, but slicker. Calmer. Like he’d just keep racking up wins, cashing massive cheques, and casually reminding us why he’s one of the best to ever do it.
But here we are. The retirement rumours are growing. And oddly enough, they’re picking up steam at the exact moment you’d think they’d quieten down.
Still at the top — and still proving it
Let’s be clear: Canelo’s not slipping. Not even close.
His recent dominant win over Jaime Munguía had fans and critics alike praising his discipline, timing, and calm control. He’s not coasting on legacy. He’s still beating elite opponents. And yet, whispers about his motivation and future plans are starting to creep in.
And now, he’s officially announced the biggest fight of his career — a September showdown with pound-for-pound wizard Terence Crawford. You can read the full breakdown on that here: Canelo vs Terence Crawford – The Biggest Fight in Boxing.
If he wins that fight — and that’s a big if — he’ll have a legitimate claim to being the greatest fighter of any generation. And what better time to walk away?
Signs that the end might be coming
There are a few signs that make the Canelo Alvarez retirement speculation feel more believable than before.
First, he’s just signed a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia — a move that suggests he’s looking at strategic, legacy-defining fights rather than staying active year-round. That kind of deal isn’t about staying busy. It’s about maximising value and controlling the endgame.
Second, there was the recent collapse of the Jake Paul circus fight. While it was always a bad idea on paper, the way it was publicly floated then quietly dropped — covered here — added to the sense that Canelo’s team is weighing his legacy more carefully now.
And finally, just listen to him. His interviews are different these days. There’s more reflection. Less bravado. He’s still sharp, still hungry — but the way he talks about life after boxing feels more serious now.
Go out on top?
The idea of Canelo retiring after a win over Crawford isn’t ridiculous. In fact, it would be the perfect mic-drop moment.
He’s already unified at super middleweight, taken risks in multiple weight classes, and built a legacy that includes wins over the likes of Golovkin, Jacobs, Kovalev, and Plant. Beating Crawford would be the crowning moment.
Retiring then — while still dominant, still dangerous, and still the face of boxing — would separate him from so many legends who stayed too long.
But will he actually do it?
Here’s the thing. Fighters rarely retire when they should.
Canelo could beat Crawford and walk away — but would he? He’s only 34. The Saudi money is massive. And names like David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo, and even a fourth Golovkin fight could still be on the table. There’s always one more payday. One more legacy fight. One more something.
But the fact we’re having this conversation now, when he’s not showing signs of decline, says a lot.
Whether it’s next year, or two years down the line — Canelo Alvarez retirement is no longer unthinkable. And that, in itself, is a shift.
Your Turn
Do you think Canelo should walk away if he beats Crawford? Or does he owe the sport another few fights?
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