Canelo Alvarez Targets Mexico City for Career Finale

Canelo Alvarez, who holds a 63-3-2 record with 39 KOs, has discussed holding his retirement bout at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) plans to retire after four or five more bouts, with his final appearance targeted for Mexico City. The 36-year-old multiple weight world champion told ESPN he has already held a Zoom call with Emilio Azcarraga, chairman of Televisa and owner of Club America, to discuss a future event at Estadio Azteca. Alvarez is currently scheduled to defend his WBC super middleweight championship against Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) on Oct. 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Since 2012, Alvarez has competed in his home country only once, securing a unanimous decision victory over John Ryder on May 6, 2023, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Longtime trainer Eddie Reynoso confirmed the fighter is in his final stage after 20 years and more than 70 professional bouts. While Alvarez stated his body feels capable of competing longer, he noted that he has accomplished his goals in boxing and is looking toward objectives outside the sport.

Born in Guadalajara, the veteran fighter cited the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca during a June World Cup appearance as the inspiration for his desired homecoming. Though he remains a significant favorite for his upcoming Riyadh match, both Alvarez and Reynoso acknowledge the 36-year-old is entering the twilight of a storied career that has spanned nearly seven dozen fights.