So, you’re looking for the start time for the big Saul "Canelo" Alvarez showdown tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026. You’ve got the snacks ready, the group chat is buzzing, and you're hovering over the remote.
Here is the cold, hard truth: There is no Canelo fight tonight.
I know, it's a bit of a letdown. Especially since we’re used to seeing the face of boxing command the ring at least twice a year. But if you’ve been scouring the TV guides or refreshing your streaming apps, you can stop now.
Canelo is currently in the middle of the longest layoff of his professional career. After the absolute war he had against Terence "Bud" Crawford back in September 2025—which, as a reminder, didn't go the Mexican superstar's way—he decided to take a massive step back.
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What Time Is The Canelo Fight Tonight? The Actual 2026 Schedule
If you’re asking "what time is the canelo fight tonight" because you saw a clip on social media or a confusing headline, it was likely an old replay or a deep-fake promo. As of right now, January 18, 2026, Canelo Alvarez is not scheduled to fight until September 12, 2026.
The boxing world got the official word just a few days ago, on January 15. Turki Alalshikh, the man basically running high-stakes boxing these days via Riyadh Season, sat down with Canelo to drop the news. They aren't doing a "Cinco de Mayo" weekend fight this year. Instead, they are putting all their chips on a massive event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why the long wait?
- Medical Recovery: Canelo had significant elbow surgery in October 2025. You can't just jump back into a 12-round training camp after that.
- Business Moves: This September fight will be the official launch of Canelo Promotions. He’s moving from being just the talent to being the boss.
- The Crawford Aftermath: Losing to Terence Crawford by unanimous decision was a legacy-shaking moment. At 35, Canelo is being more calculated than ever about his return.
Who is Canelo fighting next?
The opponent for the September 12 date is still "a surprise," according to the promoters. Honestly, it's frustrating for fans, but it keeps the hype train moving. The event is being billed as "Mexico Against the World," which suggests a team-style card where Canelo’s stable of fighters takes on international contenders.
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The rumor mill is already spinning. Some experts, like those over at The Ring and DAZN, are pointing toward Christian Mbilli. The Frenchman is a wrecking ball with 24 knockouts, and he’s been chasing Canelo for a while. Then there’s the British sensation Hamzah Sheeraz, who looked incredible against Edgar Berlanga last year.
Of course, the "white whale" is still a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Canelo has wanted to avenge that loss at 175 lbs for years, but with Bivol recently declining other big offers, people are wondering if he's waiting for that one last massive payday with Saul.
What to watch instead tonight
Since you’ve already carved out the time for sports tonight, don't waste it. While Canelo is sidelined, the boxing schedule for the rest of January is actually pretty decent.
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- Check out the Australian Open: It’s Day 1 in Melbourne right now. If you want high-stakes competition, the tennis world is on fire today.
- Next Weekend's Boxing: Mark your calendar for January 23. Zuffa Boxing (Dana White’s foray into the ring) is hosting a card at the UFC Apex featuring Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo.
- The Big One: On January 31, we get Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson. That’s a pure "boxing purist" fight that will likely be more technical than anything Canelo has done recently.
The 2026 Canelo Roadmap
Basically, don't expect to see those red gloves under the lights for a few more months. Canelo is 35 now. He’s got 63 wins and only 3 losses. He doesn't need to fight tonight to prove anything. He’s focused on the Riyadh homecoming and his new promotional company.
When September 12 finally rolls around, the ring walks will likely happen around 11:00 PM ET (8:00 PM PT), similar to his previous Vegas and Saudi cards. But for tonight? You’re better off catching up on some sparring footage or watching the Crawford fight replay to see why he took this time off in the first place.
Keep an eye on official announcements from Riyadh Season or Canelo’s own Instagram. Those are the only places where the real start times will be confirmed once the opponent is signed. For now, the "Mexico Against the World" card is the only thing on the horizon.
Clear your schedule for September, but for tonight, the "what time is the canelo fight tonight" answer is simply: not tonight.
To stay prepared for the September return, your best move is to follow the WBC and WBO rankings over the next three months. These sanctioning bodies will likely determine which of the young lions—like Mbilli or Sheeraz—becomes the mandatory challenger that Canelo can't ignore for his Riyadh debut.