Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, the Mexican boxing legend, has spent over 20 years building a storied career in the ring, with 68 professional fights under his belt. Now 36, he recently opened up about his future, admitting he believes he has only a few more fights left before transitioning to life outside the sport. According to Alvarez, he may compete in just three or four more bouts before focusing on other ambitions.
A legacy not driven by money
During a recent appearance on Uncrowned’s 'The Ariel Helwani Show,' Alvarez announced his return to the ring on October 31. He will take on Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the WBC super middleweight title. This rescheduled bout has been a key focus as he prepares for the next chapter in his career.
Despite his long track record of securing massive eight-figure paydays, Alvarez made it clear that money is no longer the driving factor behind his fights. His continued presence in the ring comes from a genuine love for boxing. 'Boxing makes me feel alive,' he said, adding, 'I was born for this. I really enjoy it.
Injuries and performance trends signal the end
The physical demands of boxing have taken their toll on Alvarez. He recently underwent surgery on his elbow and decided not to fight in May to allow more time for recovery. This marked his third operation in the last seven years, following past procedures for his knee in 2018 and his wrist in 2022. These injuries have clearly affected his preparation and performance over time.
Alvarez has been honest about how his health has impacted his training. He admitted that he couldn’t train properly for his 2022 defeat to Dmitry Bivol, and he has worn a knee brace in several fights since then. His overall performance has also declined. Alvarez hasn’t managed an inside-the-distance victory in nearly five years, and the intensity and effectiveness of his recent performances have noticeably dropped.
Post-fighting ambitions already in view
With his career winding down, Alvarez is thinking about what comes next. He acknowledged that he will eventually retire but emphasized that he will remain active, even if it’s no longer in the ring. 'I’m focused until the end,' he said, while also confirming that he plans to pursue other goals with full dedication once he hangs up his gloves.
When it comes to the business side of boxing, Alvarez made it clear he has no interest in stepping into promotional roles or getting involved in the ongoing rivalries between major figures in the sport, such as Dana White and Eddie Hearn.
Alvarez admitted he will miss boxing once he retires but has no intention of remaining in the promotion game. For now, he remains focused on each fight, driven solely by the sport he loves. 'I don’t need anything,' he said. Right now, my motivation is boxing.'