The boxing world is once again turning its attention to Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. Following his defeat and a period of inactivity focused on recovery, the Mexican star now has a confirmed date for his return to the ring. The announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, owner of The Ring Magazine, who revealed that the Guadalajara native will fight on September 12, marking a new chapter in his storied career.

The news was shared through a video posted on social media, where Alalshikh emphasized that the event will be special not only because of Canelo’s comeback, but also because it will be the first fight card promoted under Canelo Promotions, signaling a major step in the boxer’s business ventures.

A Symbolic Comeback on an International Stage

At 35 years old, Canelo Álvarez will headline a card titled Mexico vs. The World, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the celebrations surrounding Mexico’s Independence Day. The event aims to blend spectacle, national identity, and global reach, bringing one of boxing’s biggest stars to a rapidly growing international hub for the sport.

So far, no opponent has been announced for Canelo, nor have additional fighters on the card been confirmed. Still, anticipation is building, as his return comes after a challenging stretch both inside and outside the ring.

Recovery, Vacant Titles, and a New Landscape

Canelo Álvarez has not competed since his unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September. Shortly after that bout, the Mexican underwent elbow surgery, an injury that ultimately delayed his comeback longer than initially expected. While an earlier return in February had been discussed, his team opted to prioritize a full recovery before stepping back into competition.

During his absence, the super middleweight division has undergone major changes. The WBC, IBF, and WBO titles were left vacant following Crawford’s retirement, reshaping the championship picture. José Armando Reséndiz was recently elevated to full champion status by the WBA, while a matchup between Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz is expected to determine the WBO titleholder.

This shifting landscape makes Canelo’s return even more significant. Regardless of who stands across the ring from him, the September 12 bout represents a pivotal moment, as the Mexican superstar looks to reclaim momentum and reaffirm his place among boxing’s elite.

With the date and location now set, the countdown has officially begun for one of the most anticipated comebacks in the sport.

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