Boxing fans around the world are still processing the news that has shaken the sport to its core. In a heartfelt and emotional statement, Mexican boxing legend Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has announced his intentions to retire from professional boxing—signaling the end of one of the most dominant and celebrated careers in modern combat sports. The announcement, which came unexpectedly during a post-training press conference in Guadalajara, left fans, reporters, and even his longtime team members visibly stunned.
Canelo, 34, did not mince words. “I’ve given everything to this sport—my blood, my heart, my youth. But now, it’s time for something else. It’s time for family. It’s time for me,” he said, his voice steady but emotional. “After a conversation with my wife, everything became clear.”
That conversation, it turns out, was about a life-changing surprise: Canelo and his wife Fernanda Gómez are expecting their second child, due in early 2025. “When she told me the news, I was speechless. It made me reevaluate everything. My priorities shifted instantly,” he explained. “I want to be there for every moment. My daughter changed me. This next child—this next chapter—is everything.”
While Canelo did not provide an exact retirement date, he made it clear that 2025 will be his final year in the ring. He hinted that he may fight once or twice more, depending on timing and health, but insisted that his days of chasing belts are over. “I’m not fighting for legacy anymore. I’ve already built that. I’m fighting now for closure—for my fans and for myself,” he said.
Canelo’s potential retirement comes after a historic career that saw him become a four-division world champion, unifying titles at super middleweight and delivering some of the sport’s most memorable matchups. His blend of power, technique, and relentless drive made him a global superstar and a national hero in Mexico. Over nearly two decades, he has faced off against legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Gennady Golovkin, and Miguel Cotto—earning respect even in his rare defeats.
Reactions from the boxing community were swift and emotional. Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted, “What a career. What a fighter. If this is the end, boxing owes Canelo everything.” Former rival Gennady Golovkin simply posted, “Respect. Wishing you peace and happiness in this new chapter.”
Fans are already speculating who might be Canelo’s final opponent—and whether his farewell fight could become one of the biggest pay-per-view events in history. Names like David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol have been floated, but as Canelo said with a smile, “We’ll see. I want to say goodbye the right way. With heart. With dignity.”
As 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: boxing will never be quite the same without Canelo Alvarez. From a young red-headed kid fighting in backyards to a global icon walking away on his own terms, his journey has been nothing short of legendary. And now, a new one begins—far from the bright lights of the ring, but just as meaningful.
