Canelo Alvarez’s career has been defined by his relentless pursuit of greatness, but one defeat continues to haunt him—and it’s a loss he’ll never get to avenge. Here’s the kicker: Terence Crawford, the man who stripped Canelo of his undisputed super-middleweight title, has retired undefeated, leaving fans and fighters alike wondering what could have been. But here’s where it gets controversial: Canelo insists a rematch was deserved, and he’s not alone in thinking it would have been a game-changer for boxing.
Last year, Canelo suffered just his third loss in 68 fights when Crawford outmaneuvered him in a bout that shook the boxing world. Fast forward a few months, and Crawford dropped a bombshell—announcing his retirement (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2025/12/16/terence-bud-crawford-retires-boxing-undefeated-record/87800637007/) with an unblemished record and five world titles across multiple weight classes. Speaking on the Mr. Verzace podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfiOFhGDBQ&t=1078s), Canelo admitted he’s accepted Crawford’s decision, but he can’t shake the feeling that unfinished business remains.
“I respect Bud, but we needed to do it again,” Canelo said. “After that fight, I knew I didn’t perform the way I’m capable of. I wanted—no, I needed—another shot. For me, the rematch wasn’t just about pride; it was about proving who’s truly the best. But he chose to retire, and we have to move on. Still, I can’t help but think boxing missed out on something special.”
And this is the part most people miss: While Crawford’s retirement closes one door, it opens another for Canelo—a potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol. When asked about facing Bivol again, Canelo’s response was straightforward: “Why not? If the opportunity’s there, I’m in. I’ve always thrived on challenges.”
Bivol, who outpointed Canelo in 2022 (https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/bivol-names-potential-fights-for-2026/), has expressed interest in a rematch, though he’s also eyeing a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, a stylistic clash with David Benavidez, and a potential move up to cruiserweight. Meanwhile, Canelo is set to return to the ring this September in Saudi Arabia, with his opponent yet to be announced.
But here’s the real question: Is Canelo’s pursuit of redemption against Bivol enough to satisfy fans, or will Crawford’s retirement forever leave a ‘what if’ hanging over his legacy? Let’s be honest—boxing thrives on these unanswered questions. What do you think? Does Canelo deserve another shot at Crawford, or is it time to focus on new challenges? Sound off in the comments—this debate is far from over.
