Canelo Alvarez Plans Historic 2026 Wembley Fight After Crawford Defeat

Canelo Álvarez was decisively beaten by Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in September, surrendering his super middleweight belts in front of some 70,000 fans and prompting sharp questions about the 35‑year‑old’s future. The loss has intensified retirement talk — with former champions like Andre Ward and Paulie Malignaggi suggesting stepping away may be sensible, even as money and pride make that unlikely. The WBC nonetheless placed Canelo as its No. 1 contender at 168, a move that has fueled speculation of a commercially lucrative Crawford rematch despite interim champion Christian Mbilli being next in line. Meanwhile promoters and Chris Eubank Jr. are publicly angling for a Canelo vs. Eubank mega‑fight at Wembley in 2026 (aiming for 90,000+ fans), contingent on Eubank beating Conor Benn in November. Though Canelo still has contractual fights left under his Riyadh Season deal and remains a huge draw, his form and long‑term plans are now uncertain as boxing’s landscape shifts.