Canelo Álvarez Announces Riyadh Comeback After Elbow Surgery

Canelo Álvarez, 36, used one outlet Mornings interview to confirm he is ready to return to the ring after a year’s recovery from elbow surgery, targeting a bout with Christian Mbili in Riyadh this October, which will be his 69th professional fight. The match will be his first since the defeat by Terence “Bud” Crawford that stripped him of the undisputed super-middleweight crown, a loss he attributes to forgetting fundamental tactics. Álvarez recounted his early career, leaving school at 15, conquering Mexican opponents by 17, and moving to the United States at 18, winning his first title at 20.

He emphasized his family's involvement in boxing—seven brothers also compete professionally and together hold a Guinness World Record for the most siblings on a single card—crediting his father Santos Álvarez for instilling discipline. Though he feels few milestones remain, he remains motivated by record-breaking and would welcome a rematch with Crawford if possible, while also considering future retirement when his body no longer responds in training.