The boxing world has been rocked to its core. Just minutes after suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of Terence Crawford in what many are already calling the Fight of the Century, Canelo Alvarez dropped a bombshell live on air: he is retiring from boxing — effective immediately.
“I will be retiring from boxing after tonight,” Canelo told a stunned Stephen A. Smith, his voice heavy with both defeat and relief. “I tried my best tonight, but I just could not figure out his style. I’ve done everything I set out to do… now it’s time to walk away.”
For a man once considered untouchable, the admission felt surreal. The Mexican superstar who carried an entire nation on his shoulders for more than a decade has finally laid down his gloves. Fans across the globe are calling this the end of an era.
Meanwhile, Terence “Bud” Crawford is being hailed as not just the pound-for-pound king but as the man who forced Canelo into retirement. At 37 years old, undefeated with a pristine 42-0 record, Crawford now holds all the belts at 168 pounds and sits atop the boxing throne. Promoter Turki Alalshikh wasted no time fanning the flames, teasing an explosive Crawford vs. David Benavidez super-fight that could redefine the sport yet again.
But the night belonged to Canelo — not for his victory, but for his stunning farewell. “I am proud of what I’ve done, proud of representing Mexico,” he declared, his words echoing like a final bell toll. The warrior who gave fans unforgettable nights of blood, sweat, and glory is stepping into the shadows, leaving behind a legacy few will ever match.
The arena fell silent in disbelief. Social media exploded with heartbreak, tributes, and fiery debates. Has the king truly fallen? Or will boxing, as it always does, demand one more comeback?
For now, the facts are clear: Canelo Alvarez, the face of modern boxing, is gone. Terence Crawford stands alone on the throne. And the sport itself may never be the same again.