Las Vegas, September 2025—The boxing world witnessed history as Terence "Bud" Crawford stunned Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, stepping up two weight divisions to claim a unanimous decision victory and seize the undisputed super-middleweight crown at Allegiant Stadium. The event, dubbed the "Vegas Thrilla in Septila," drew global attention, raked in an astonishing $47 million gate, and pulled over 41 million viewers on Netflix, making it the third-highest grossing bout in boxing history.
Crawford's triumph was no ordinary feat. By dethroning Canelo, the Nebraska native became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three separate divisions—super-lightweight, welterweight, and super-middleweight. Despite entering the fight as a significant underdog due to size and age disparities, Crawford outboxed and outmaneuvered the Mexican superstar, silencing critics and etching his name deeper into boxing lore.
Yet, the aftermath of that seismic night in Las Vegas has been just as captivating as the fight itself. In December 2025, the boxing community remains abuzz with speculation over a possible rematch, as both camps weigh their next moves. For Canelo Alvarez, the loss was more than a blemish on his record—it was a blow to his legacy and pride. "That’s what he wants, to have the rematch with (Terence) Crawford. We’ll see if we can make it in September; that’s the objective, the rematch to get that thorn out of our side," Canelo’s trainer Eddy Reynoso told TV Azteca. Reynoso emphasized that Canelo is determined to avenge the defeat, but only when he's back to full health.
Alvarez, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in October, is currently in recovery mode. The procedure, which requires 12 to 15 weeks of rest before full-scale training can resume, has forced Canelo to skip his traditional Cinco de Mayo fight in May 2026—a date he has headlined for nearly a decade, with only a couple of exceptions. This year, the decision opens the door for other Mexican stars, like David Benavidez and Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez, to take center stage in early May. But for Canelo, the focus is singular: a September return, ideally against Crawford.
Crawford, for his part, seems unfazed by the swirling rumors. Speaking to FightHype, he admitted, "That’s new news to me," when asked about a potential rematch with Canelo. Despite reports and statements from Alvarez’s camp, Crawford maintains he has not received any formal communication regarding a second bout. This air of uncertainty has only fueled further debate among fans and pundits about whether the rematch will materialize.
Adding another layer to the drama, Crawford was stripped of the WBC super-middleweight title in December 2025 for refusing to pay the $300,000 sanctioning fee. The decision drew sharp criticism from the boxing establishment. Veteran trainer Abel Sanchez did not mince words, telling Fight Hub TV, "I think it’s a disgrace that he’s not going it." Sanchez argued that Crawford had agreed to pay the fee prior to the fight, and that the WBC’s involvement was crucial in marketing the bout as an undisputed championship clash. "If he had said before the fight, ‘I’m not going to pay,’ then the WBC would not have sanctioned the bout. But he agreed to pay. He agreed to that amount."
Crawford, however, has shrugged off the controversy, declaring the Ring belt as "the only one that really matters." While some see this as a pragmatic stance—especially given the $50 million payday he received for the Canelo fight—others, including Sanchez, question the honor of refusing to pay after benefiting from the WBC’s sanctioning. "He became known because of the organizations. At the start of his career, if he had said, ‘I’m never going to pay sanctioning fees.’ Do you think anyone would ever know him outside of his hometown?" Sanchez remarked pointedly.
Despite the debate, there's no denying the impact of Crawford’s victory. Not only did he shock the boxing world by defeating a bigger, younger opponent, but he also did so with technical brilliance and composure. The win has left Canelo with something to prove. According to ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez, Canelo’s surgery was undertaken specifically to prepare for a rematch. "I knew that plan A was the rematch with Terence Crawford, that's why Saul undergoes this surgery on an elbow. And I knew that they intended to seek revenge. He was obviously surprised by a Crawford who spent a year working precisely to face Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez," Rodriguez reported.
Still, there are whispers of alternative plans. While the rematch remains option A, sources close to Canelo’s camp hint at an "interesting option B" that could emerge for May 2026. Details remain under wraps, but for now, fans have been told not to expect Canelo in the ring before September. As Reynoso reiterated, "Canelo is not fighting on Cinco de Mayo; the goal is the rematch with Crawford in September." The sentiment is echoed by Canelo’s inner circle, who view the rematch as essential for restoring his legacy.
Meanwhile, the rest of the boxing world keeps a close eye on developments. The first Canelo-Crawford fight was a commercial and sporting success, but many insiders question whether the public appetite for a rematch is as strong, given the one-sided nature of Crawford’s win. Nonetheless, the prospect of Canelo seeking redemption and Crawford defending his historic achievement is enough to keep fans and analysts on edge.
As of mid-December 2025, the rematch is still in the realm of possibility rather than certainty. Canelo’s recovery is progressing, and all signals from his camp point toward a September showdown. Crawford, meanwhile, remains open to future challenges but insists nothing is set in stone. The question lingers: will the boxing world get to witness another chapter in this compelling rivalry, or will both fighters pursue different paths in 2026?
For now, anticipation builds. The stakes are high, the egos bruised, and the fans hungry for answers. If the rematch does happen, expect fireworks—because, in boxing, redemption and legacy are always just one fight away.
