Canelo Alvarez: Only a Rematch Will Give Terence Crawford the Credit He Deserves
Almost a year after his stunning upset victory over Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford continues to dominate the headlines — but not in the way Canelo would prefer. As Crawford collects accolades, including a 2026 ESPY Award for Best Fighter, and enjoys a comfortable retirement, Canelo has made it clear he believes the only way the American will truly earn his flowers is by stepping into the ring for a rematch.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Canelo said: "I always give Crawford credit, but we need to run it back. After the fight I said, 'We need to run back this fight', because I don't feel I really won and I need to make this fight happen again. For him to deserve all the credit, he needs to give me the rematch. But he decided to retire, and we need to accept that and move forward."
Crawford, 38, moved up two weight divisions in September 2025 to defeat Canelo by unanimous decision at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, becoming the first man to stop the Mexican superstar's reign at super middleweight. Rather than pursue a lucrative sequel, Crawford immediately announced his retirement, vacating the undisputed titles he had just won.
Meanwhile, Canelo has moved on. He is scheduled to face WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2026, according to ESPN's boxing schedule.
The Stakes: Legacy, Retirement, and Unfinished Business
Crawford's decision to walk away after the biggest win of his career has left a complicated legacy. Hall of Famer Tim Bradley recently told Boxing News that Crawford is truly finished: "I think Bud's done. It's not that he don't want to do it. It's just the fact that probably he can't do it because he has these undisclosed injuries that are constantly probably bothering him."
Bradley also pointed to financial security as a key factor. "I feel like Bud has done enough, made enough money and invested his money very well to where he doesn't need to come back and fight," he said.
Crawford's retirement has been anything but quiet. He won the 2026 ESPY Award for Best Fighter, beating UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, Claressa Shields, and Gabriela Fundora. In his acceptance speech, Crawford said: "Retired but still in my winning season. Three-time undisputed and three-time ESPY Award winner. Blessing on blessings."
The win sparked controversy. Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, called the result "mind blowing" on social media, noting that Gaethje had won two fights in six months as a significant underdog. But the ESPY result underscores Crawford's enduring popularity — and the residual glow of his win over Canelo.
Perspective: The Rematch That Never Was
For Canelo, the Crawford narrative remains incomplete. The Mexican star has always prided himself on fighting the best and believes a rematch is essential to settle the score. But with Crawford apparently content in retirement — traveling with family, pursuing other ventures — the fight seems increasingly unlikely.
Crawford has not fought since the Canelo bout, and all signs point to him staying retired. His cryptic social media posts occasionally stir speculation, but both Bradley and Canelo himself seem to accept that "Bud" is done.
The situation mirrors other boxing greats who walked away at the peak of their powers, leaving fans and rivals to wonder "what if." But it also raises a larger question about how fighters are credited. Canelo's stance — that credit must be earned through a rematch — highlights a tension in boxing between legacy-building and risk-taking.
Meanwhile, Canelo's focus has shifted to Mbilli, a dangerous champion who won the WBC belt earlier this year. If Canelo wins, he could position himself for another super fight, possibly against the winner of other major bouts on the 2026 calendar. But the Crawford shadow will linger.
In a sport that thrives on repeat matchups and narrative closure, Canelo vs. Crawford II may be one of those rare fights that never happens — but never stops being discussed. As Crawford collects his ESPYs and enjoys his retirement, Canelo is left chasing a rematch that may never come.
For now, the boxing world watches. Canelo will face Mbilli in October. Crawford will continue to bask in his legacy. And the debate over whether Crawford truly deserves all the credit — without a rematch — will persist.
As for the broader trend, the episode underscores a shift in how modern boxing champions manage their careers. Crawford's financial prudence and early retirement echoes the approach of other recent legends like Floyd Mayweather, who also famously walked away (then returned). But unlike Mayweather, Crawford seems to have no plans for a comeback. And that may be the most enduring part of his legacy — knowing when to leave.
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