Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
13 May, 2026, 8:30 am
Central - 23°C Clouds
IN DEPTH
13 May, 2026, 8:30 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Canelo Alvarez rejects opportunity to regain world title he lost to Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez rejects opportunity to regain world title he lost to Terence Crawford

By Alipate Narawa
05/01/2026
Canelo Alvarez has turned down a vacant IBF super middleweight title fight with heavy-handed Cuban Osleys Iglesias.

The red and gold strap is one of the four major sanctioning body belts Terence Crawford snatched from Canelo in September.

However, those titles have since fragmented following Crawford's retirement.

In December, the IBF looked to install a new champion by ordering No. 1-ranked Iglesias against No.3-rated Canelo, who sits one spot below an empty No.2 position.

As Canelo has passed up on the opportunity, the IBF are due to move back down their rankings to find the next available contender to take on Iglesias.

At the time of writing, Jaime Munguia is ranked No.4 after being cleared of all wrongdoing relating to a failed drugs test following his win over Bruno Surace in May.

Britain's Callum Simpson currently occupies the No.5 slot, although he is very likely to be removed in the next update after being knocked out by Troy Williamson on December 20.

Canelo's decision to reject the Igelias fight comes as little surprise to those in the know.

The Mexican's trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, confirmed last month that Canelo would forgo his usual Cinco De Mayo weekend date and elect instead to return to the ring in September.

Canelo underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in October, which requires 12 to 15 weeks to recover from.

He was scheduled to return in February as part of his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, but his operation delayed the expected return date to May.

That has since been pushed back a further four months, with Canelo aiming to box on Mexican Independence weekend.

Against whom remains a mystery.

A rematch with Crawford is out of the question, not only because 'Bud' has now hung up his gloves, but also because of the lopsided nature of the defeat.

Source: talksport.com
FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Increasing drug use among youths could affect Fiji’s future workforce – Dr Singh
Acting Medical Superintendent of Saint Giles Hospital, Doctor Sheetal Singh has highlighted concerns about increasing drug use among youths, warning ...
35 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Garbage truck that overturned near Samabula has been cleared this morning
A garbage truck that overturned near the Samabula traffic lights, close to Fiji National University, has been cleared. According to Samabula Police, ...
45 minutes ago

Hot Bread Kitchen returns to Yatu Lau Arcade
The Hot Bread Kitchen has officially reopened its Suva Market outlet at the historic Yatu Lau Arcade following months of renovations, marking ...
14 hours ago

THE OVALS restaurant set to transform Pacific Harbour dining scene soon
Pacific Harbour is preparing to welcome a new premium dining and entertainment destination as THE OVALS officially joins the growing Damodar Arts ...
15 hours ago

Committee recommends removal of corporal punishment from Education Bill
As the Constitution already prohibits violence against children, there is no justification for including such a provision within the Education ...
15 hours ago

Vegetable prices to remain high despite expected improvement in supply from this month
Vegetable supply is expected to improve from this month, however prices will remain high as farmers continue to feel the impact of the rising cost of ...
15 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Coca-Cola Games 2026 Coverage
I could not contain my emotions when we won today because its been 33 years we have been trying to win the Coca-Cola Games and I'm really proud of ...
9 days ago

Seaqaqa and Labasa cane farmers fear for livelihood due non-renewal of leases
While hundreds of leases have been renewed, non-renewals and subdivision of cane land for residential use in Seaqaqa are leaving many farming ...
14 days ago

Citizens to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
15 days ago

TOP