The sand in the hourglass of Canelo Alvarez’s career is nearing its end.
After twenty years and sixty six fights as a pro, Alvarez is next committing to a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. And after that, Alvarez, who turns 35 in July, will take a closer look how much further he plans on punching the clock as a pugilist.
Next on the agenda for the Ring, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion is another undisputed title fight, in a DAZN PPV clash against IBF belt holder William Scull, who has the crown Alvarez once held only because the Mexican superstar was stripped last year by the sanctioning body as he pursued a fight against Edgar Berlanga. Skull took advantage of the opportunity and barely beat Vladimir Shishkin for the vacant title in October.
If the four-division champion Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) beats Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) on May 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at 6 a.m. local time (May 3 in North America), a super fight awaits against Terence Crawford in September.
“In the sport of boxing, I already accomplished everything,” Alvarez told TMZ. “I fought everybody. I fought the best. I won a lot of titles in different weight classes. I have been the pound-for-pound king, fighter of the year – everything. If we are talking about money, it's never enough. But it's not just about money. It's about enjoying everything. I am still enjoying boxing. That's why I am here. But if we are talking about money, it's never enough. But I'm not thinking about making [a specific] amount of money, and then I retire – no. I'm going to do my thing, and then 37, 38, is the moment to go [and retire].”
Aside from Crawford, Alvarez still has unfinished business, namely, to get revenge in a rematch against Dmitry Bivol. If the negotiation cards play out right, an anticipated meeting against archnemesis David Benavidez is a hand he'll consider as well.
There is also the growing thorn in his side that is Jake Paul. Alvarez said he’s open to the idea of facing the YouTuber-turned-fighter, but at what terms still remains to be seen.
“I never say no because you never know what happens next,” said Alvarez. “As official, as a fighter, official, no. I don't think so.”
Manouk Akopyan is a lead writer for The Ring. He can be reached on X and Instagram @ManoukAkopyan.