What's Happening?
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, a prominent figure in Mexican boxing, has announced that he will not participate in his traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend fight in 2026. This decision comes after Alvarez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in October, necessitating a 12-15 week recovery period before resuming full training. Originally scheduled to fight in February as part of a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, Alvarez's surgery has delayed his return until May. However, he has opted to extend his rest period further to focus on negotiating a rematch with Terence Crawford in September. This move allows the May 2 fight between WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez and unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez to take
center stage during the Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Why It's Important?
Alvarez's decision to skip the Cinco de Mayo fight is significant as it marks a departure from a decade-long tradition where he has been a staple of the boxing calendar on this weekend. This change not only impacts Alvarez's career trajectory but also shifts the spotlight to other fighters, such as Benavidez and Ramirez, who will now headline the Cinco de Mayo weekend. The potential rematch with Terence Crawford is also noteworthy, as their previous bout was a historic event, drawing significant viewership and revenue. However, the rematch may lack the same momentum due to Crawford's decisive victory in their first encounter and the fact that it will not be for the undisputed title, as Crawford was recently stripped of his WBC belt.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Alvarez's focus will be on recovering from his surgery and preparing for the anticipated rematch with Crawford. Negotiations for this fight will likely intensify as both camps work to finalize details for a September showdown. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by the boxing community, as it could set the stage for another high-profile event. Meanwhile, the May 2 fight between Benavidez and Ramirez will proceed, potentially reshaping the boxing landscape as these fighters seize the opportunity to gain prominence in Alvarez's absence.
