So, let's be real for a second. Most boxing fans thought they’d seen it all until September 13, 2025. That night in Las Vegas didn't just break the internet; it broke the logic we've used to judge weight classes for decades. We saw Terence "Bud" Crawford—a man who started his career at 135 pounds—walk into Allegiant Stadium and basically dismantle Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez.
It wasn't a fluke. It wasn't a "lucky punch" situation. It was a 12-round masterclass that left Canelo looking human and his undisputed super-middleweight titles in the hands of a guy from Omaha.
Now, everyone is talking about the Canelo Álvarez revancha Crawford.
People are split. Half the fans think Canelo was "off" or hampered by that elbow injury he had surgery on right after the fight. The other half thinks Bud just has his number. Honestly, the drama behind the scenes is even crazier than the fight itself. With Turki Alalshikh pulling the strings and Canelo launching his own promotion, the road to the rematch is looking like a high-stakes chess match.
Why the Canelo Álvarez Revancha Crawford is Actually Happening
You've probably heard the rumors that there was no rematch clause in the original contract. That's actually true. Dan Rafael and other top insiders confirmed it. Usually, when a big star like Canelo loses, there’s a legal safety net to force a second fight. Not this time.
So why is it happening? Money. Obviously.
The first fight on Netflix was a monster. It did the kind of numbers that make networks and promoters lose their minds. But beyond the cash, there’s the pride factor. Canelo has never really been a "rematch guy" after a loss. He didn't chase Floyd Mayweather for a second go, and the Dmitry Bivol rematch talk eventually just faded into the background. But this feels different.
Losing to a "smaller man" like Crawford hit different.
Reports from TV Azteca suggest Canelo is obsessed with this one. He wants to prove that a healthy version of himself—one without a bum elbow—can crush the skill gap Bud showcased. On the other side, Crawford is currently "retired" but everyone knows that’s boxing-speak for "I’m waiting for the right check."
The Weight and the Wait
One of the weirdest things about this potential 2026 clash is the weight. Bud moved up three divisions to fight at 168. Some critics, like Timothy Bradley Jr., argued that losing to a smaller guy tarnished Canelo's legacy among the Mexican greats.
If they do it again, does it stay at 168?
Probably.
Canelo isn't going down to 160 or 154 at this stage of his career. He’s 35. His body just doesn't work that way anymore. Bud, even at 38, seems like he could fight at any weight and still be the smartest guy in the room.
The Turki Alalshikh Factor
You can't talk about this fight without mentioning His Excellency.
Turki Alalshikh has basically become the commissioner of boxing. He’s the one who made the first fight happen through Riyadh Season. Recently, he dropped a bombshell: Canelo is returning on September 12, 2026.
But wait.
That's a long layoff.
The plan is for a "Mexico vs. The World" card in Saudi Arabia. This will also be the debut of Canelo Promotions. It’s a huge move for Canelo’s business life, but it leaves a massive gap in his competitive calendar. If the Canelo Álvarez revancha Crawford doesn't happen in the first half of 2026, we’re looking at a very rusty Canelo trying to avenge a loss against a guy who doesn't seem to age.
Alalshikh has been vocal about wanting Crawford to stay active, even offering him a fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. Crawford's response? Basically, "Canelo or bust." He knows he’s in the driver’s seat. He has the belts, he has the win, and he has the leverage.
What the Critics Are Saying
Not everyone is sold on a sequel. A lot of fans on Reddit and social media think the first fight was definitive. They saw Bud's footwork and southpaw stance as a puzzle Canelo simply couldn't solve.
- The "One-Sided" Argument: Some say Canelo didn't just lose; he was exposed.
- The Injury Factor: Canelo’s camp insists the elbow surgery explains the lack of output.
- The Age Gap: Crawford is older, but Canelo has way more "miles" on the odometer.
What Happens if They Fight Again?
If the negotiations finalize for the second quarter of 2026, we’re looking at a totally different buildup. Canelo will be the challenger for the first time in ages. He won't be the king defending his throne; he'll be the veteran trying to snatch back his reputation.
For Crawford, a win in a rematch cements him as arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter to ever lace up gloves. He’d be 2-0 against the biggest face in the sport.
But there’s a risk.
If Canelo comes in healthy and uses his size effectively—instead of just following Bud around the ring—he could turn it into a dogfight. We’ve seen Canelo's body work before. It’s devastating. If he can trap Crawford on the ropes, the size difference might finally matter.
Honestly, it’s a coin flip. Bud’s IQ is off the charts, but a motivated, healthy Canelo is a nightmare for anyone under 175 pounds.
Tactical Shifts for the Rematch
If you're Canelo, what do you even change?
Basically, everything. In the first fight, he looked slow. He was loading up on single power shots, hoping to catch Bud coming in. Crawford just danced around him. For the revancha, Canelo needs to bring back the combination punching that made him a legend.
He also needs to figure out the southpaw look. Bud switched stances effortlessly, and Canelo looked confused every time the lead hand changed.
Crawford’s game plan is simpler: do it again. Keep the jab in his face, use the lateral movement, and don't get greedy. He doesn't need to knock Canelo out; he just needs to outpoint him, which he’s already proven he can do.
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What to Watch For Next
The next few months are going to be a whirlwind of "he said, she said" in the boxing media. Here is what you should actually keep an eye on:
- Medical Updates: Keep a close watch on Canelo’s recovery from that elbow surgery. If he starts posting training footage early, the 2026 timeline is real.
- The Riyadh Season Schedule: Turki Alalshikh usually announces big fights months in advance. If a February or March date opens up, that's the slot for the rematch.
- The Belts: Crawford currently holds the power. If he decides to vacate or move to middleweight to chase a title against Janibek Alimkhanuly, the Canelo rematch might lose its "undisputed" luster.
- Canelo Promotions: See who Saúl signs to his new promotion. This might give us a hint about his long-term plans and whether he’s looking for "easy" fights or legacy-defining ones.
The Canelo Álvarez revancha Crawford isn't just a boxing match. It’s a collision of legacies. It’s the old guard trying to hold onto the light while the most skilled fighter of this generation tries to put it out for good. Whether you think Canelo was robbed by injury or Bud is just better, you’re going to be watching.
Stay updated on the official Riyadh Season social media channels and TV Azteca broadcasts. These are the only places where the real news breaks first. Don't get caught up in the "clickbait" rumors; wait for the posters to drop.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning to travel for this fight, start looking at Riyadh or Las Vegas options for May 2026. The "Mexico vs. The World" date in September is confirmed for Saudi Arabia, but the Crawford rematch is still being discussed for earlier in the year. Keep your travel plans flexible until the venue is locked in.