So, you're looking for the exact time to tune in. You aren't alone. Every time Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez steps into the ring, the world stops, but things are a bit different this time around. If you’ve been checking your calendar for the usual May date, you can stop.
Canelo isn't fighting in May 2026.
Honestly, it’s a weird shift for a guy who has made Cinco de Mayo his personal holiday for years. But after a brutal 2025 that saw him lose to Terence Crawford in September and undergo surgery on his elbow, the Mexican king is taking a breather. He’s healing up. He’s resetting.
What time is the Canelo fight and when is he back?
The official word is out, and it came straight from Turki Alalshikh and the man himself. Mark your calendar for September 12, 2026. This isn't just another Vegas night, though. The fight is happening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Now, because it’s in Riyadh, the "what time" part gets a little tricky for us in the States. Usually, we're used to main event ringwalks around 11:30 PM ET. But with the time difference in Saudi Arabia (typically 8 hours ahead of ET), you’re probably looking at a late afternoon or early evening broadcast in the US.
📖 Related: New Jersey Giants Football Explained: Why Most People Still Get the "Home Team" Wrong
Expect the main event ringwalks to happen around 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT.
That’s basically a primetime slot for the UK and a "day drinking" vibe for those of us on the West Coast. It’s a massive departure from the late-night Vegas energy we've grown accustomed to over the last decade.
The "Mexico Against the World" Card
This isn't just a Canelo fight. It’s the launch of Canelo Promotions. The event is being billed as "Mexico Against the World," and the goal is to showcase a stable of Mexican talent under Canelo’s own banner. He isn't just the main event anymore; he’s the boss.
Why the delay and who is he fighting?
People were shocked when Canelo lost to Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025. Crawford—who moved up two weight classes—put on a masterclass, winning a unanimous decision at Allegiant Stadium. It was Canelo's third professional loss, and it clearly left a mark.
👉 See also: Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Basketball: What Really Happened This Season
After that fight, Crawford actually retired. He left the building, left the belts, and left Canelo with a lot of questions.
Canelo had elbow surgery shortly after the Crawford loss. He’s been in recovery mode, which is why the traditional May 2026 date was scrapped. He’s back in training now, but he’s not rushing it. At 35, he knows he can't just "tough it out" like he did in his twenties.
As for the opponent? That’s the million-dollar question. Since Crawford retired, the 168-pound division is a total mess. The belts are scattered. Here’s who is actually in the running:
- Christian Mbilli: The Frenchman is a powerhouse. He’s been wrecking people and is currently in line for the vacant WBC title.
- Hamzah Sheeraz: A tall, rangy Brit who looks terrifying at super-middleweight. He just knocked out Edgar Berlanga in 2025.
- The Winner of Mbilli vs. Sheeraz: The WBC has ordered this fight. If one of them comes out with the green belt, they become the natural target for Canelo.
- A Crawford Rematch? It sounds crazy since Bud retired, but Turki Alalshikh has "fuck you" money. If he offers Crawford enough to come back for one more payday, that rematch is the biggest fight in boxing.
Where to watch the fight
Forget the old HBO or Showtime days. The world has changed. Canelo’s last few fights have been a mix of DAZN and Netflix.
✨ Don't miss: Nebraska Basketball Women's Schedule: What Actually Matters This Season
Given that this September 12 card is a Riyadh Season event, it is almost certain to be on DAZN PPV globally. There was a brief stint where Netflix handled the Crawford fight, but the Saudi-Canelo partnership usually points back to the DAZN infrastructure.
You’ll likely need a subscription plus the one-time PPV fee, which usually runs around $70 to $80 in the US.
The stakes for Canelo’s legacy
Some people think he’s washed. I don't know if I'd go that far, but he’s definitely in the "twilight" phase. He’s 63-3-2. He’s won titles in four different weight classes. He has nothing left to prove, yet here he is, starting a promotional company and heading to the Middle East for a career-defining comeback.
If he loses in September, the retirement talk won't be a rumor anymore—it'll be a countdown. But if he wins? If he takes one of those vacant belts back? He cements himself as the guy who just won't go away.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the WBC's mandate for the Mbilli vs. Sheeraz fight. The winner of that bout is the most likely candidate to stand across from Canelo on September 12. If you're planning a watch party, remember the Riyadh time difference; this is an afternoon/early evening affair for US viewers, so plan your food and guest list for a 4:00 PM ET start time for the main card. Check your DAZN subscription status by late August to avoid last-minute login issues.