So, you're sitting there, scrolling, trying to figure out exactly when to clear your Saturday night for the face of boxing. It’s the question that basically takes over social media twice a year: what time is the canelo fight in california.
If you're looking for a fight tonight, I’ve got to be the bearer of some slightly annoying news. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is currently on the longest hiatus of his professional life. After that massive, legacy-altering clash with Terence Crawford back in September 2025—which, honestly, still feels like a fever dream—Canelo went under the knife.
He had surgery on his left elbow in late 2023 to clean up years of "wear and tear." Because of that, the usual May date we all expect for Cinco de Mayo? It’s not happening this year.
When Is the Next Canelo Fight?
On January 15, 2026, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Canelo himself dropped the bombshell. He isn't coming back until September 12, 2026.
This is a big deal for a few reasons. First, he's launching Canelo Promotions. Second, the fight is happening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season.
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What Time is the Canelo Fight in California?
Since the fight is in Saudi Arabia, the timing for us on the West Coast is going to be weird. Really weird. Usually, when Canelo fights in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena, we’re looking at main event ring walks around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM PT.
But Riyadh is 10 hours ahead of California.
If the main event starts at 11:00 PM in Saudi Arabia (which is standard for those mega-cards), you are looking at a 1:00 PM PT start time in California on Saturday, September 12.
- Expected Main Event Ring Walks (PT): Approximately 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Undercard Start Time (PT): Likely as early as 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM.
- Where to Watch: Most likely DAZN PPV or potentially Netflix, following the Crawford broadcast model.
Basically, instead of a night of beers and tacos, you’re looking at a "Canelo Brunch."
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Why the Long Wait?
Canelo is 35 now. That’s not "old" in the real world, but in boxing years, with over 60 pro fights, it’s a lifetime. The loss to Crawford in 2025 was a wake-up call for a lot of fans. Canelo looked human. He looked a step slower.
The elbow surgery he had in October 2025 wasn't just a minor fix. It was a "save the career" move. He’s taking the full year to make sure he can actually throw that left hook without wincing.
The September 12 date is branded as "Mexico against the World." It’s the first official card under the Canelo Promotions banner. He isn’t just the star anymore; he’s the boss.
Who is the Opponent?
This is where it gets spicy. They haven't named the guy yet. Turki Alalshikh called it a "surprise."
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In the boxing world, "surprise" usually means one of two things: either it’s a name nobody expected, or it’s the one name everyone has been screaming for.
- The David Benavidez Option: Fans have wanted this for years. Benavidez is the "Mexican Monster." If Canelo wants to silence the critics who say he’s ducking the young lion, this is the time.
- The Terence Crawford Rematch: Canelo wants revenge. Crawford wants to prove it wasn't a fluke. It's the biggest money fight on the table.
- The "New Blood": Names like Christian Mbilli or Diego Pacheco are circling. They are younger, hungrier, and would be "easier" to negotiate with, but they don't bring the same PPV heat.
How to Prepare for the Time Difference
Watching a fight in the middle of a California afternoon is a different vibe. You won't be hitting the bars at midnight to celebrate.
If you're planning a viewing party, you need to shift the schedule. Start the grill at noon. By the time the main event ring walks happen around 1:30 PM, you’ll be right in the thick of it.
The biggest risk? Spoilers. If you can't watch it live at 1:00 PM, stay off Twitter (or X). The results will be everywhere by the time you're thinking about dinner.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Mark the Date: September 12, 2026. Put it in your calendar now because there is no May fight this year.
- Check the Streaming Subscriptions: Keep an eye on DAZN and Netflix. The landscape for boxing rights is shifting fast, and the Riyadh Season fights often hop between platforms.
- Monitor the Undercard: Since this is "Mexico against the World," expect a lot of young Mexican talent on the early morning California broadcast.
The era of Canelo is winding down, and this comeback after a year-long layoff is probably the most important fight of his later career. Whether he's still the king or just a legend on the decline, you'll want to be tuned in—even if it's during lunch.