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Canelo Alvarez calls out Terence Crawford for retiring before a possible rematch

Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix
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Canelo Alvarez has framed Terence Crawford’s retirement as an unfinished chapter rather than a definitive conclusion.

Reflecting on his loss, Canelo Alvarez made clear he believes a rematch was necessary to fully settle the rivalry with Terence Crawford.

Instead, Crawford’s decision to step away from boxing has left Canelo questioning how the fight will ultimately be judged.

Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford attend the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Press Conference during Fanatics Fest at Javits Center on June 22, 2025 in New York City.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix

Canelo Alvarez says Terence Crawford retired before settling the rivalry

Canelo Alvarez addressed the aftermath of his defeat by Terence Crawford by stressing that he felt far from his best on the night and believed the matchup deserved a second chapter.

The Mexican star accepted the result but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the bout left him convinced a rematch would have produced a different outcome.

“Yeah, of course. I always give all his credit, but we need to run it back. That’s why after the fight I say ‘we need to run it back, this fight’ because I don’t feel the way I really want and I need to make this fight happen again, and it’s going to be different.”

That belief fed directly into his frustration when Crawford chose retirement rather than reopening negotiations.

Canelo Alvarez questions whether Crawford earned full credit

Canelo Alvarez went further by suggesting that Crawford’s decision to retire prevented the win from being fully resolved in the ring.

“I think for him to deserve all the credit, he need to give me the rematch, obviously. But he decide to retire, and we need to accept that and move forward.”

While acknowledging that the choice ultimately rests with Crawford, Alvarez framed the retirement as a missed opportunity to remove any lingering doubt.

Looking ahead, Alvarez made clear he is not interested in easing his way back, saying, “I don’t want an easy fight and come back and all that kind of sh-t. I want to go straight and fight champions.”

The comments left little doubt that, in Canelo’s view, Crawford’s exit closed the door on a definitive ending, even as boxing moved on without the rematch he believes was still owed.