Canelo Alvarez is a world champion again — and he already knows which loss he wants to avenge.

Alvarez returned from a 13-month layoff to outclass previously unbeaten Christian Mbilli yesterday (Sat., Oct. 31, 2026) inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 36-year-old Mexican superstar used his defense, counterpunching and accuracy to systematically break down Mbilli over 12 rounds. All three judges awarded Alvarez the fight, returning scorecards of 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110. The victory improved Canelo’s professional record to 64-3-2 and returned the WBC Super Middleweight title to his collection (watch highlights).

It was Canelo’s first appearance since suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford in Sept. 2025. Crawford moved up to 168 pounds and delivered a boxing masterclass to become the undisputed Super Middleweight champion (watch highlights).

Following Saturday’s win, Canelo was asked if he hoped to lure “Bud” back into the ring for a second fight.

“Hopefully, yes. Hopefully, yes,” Canelo told FightHubTV. “We would honestly love to have that rematch, like I’ve told you. If not, we’ll keep moving forward with our career, but hopefully that fight can happen.”

Crawford watched his former opponent reclaim championship gold and congratulated him on social media.

However, the respectful message should not be mistaken for a comeback tease.

Crawford retired undefeated at 42-0 shortly after defeating Canelo, vacating his four Super Middleweight titles in the process. The 39-year-old has repeatedly insisted that he has no plans to fight again, explaining that he has nothing left to prove or accomplish after winning world championships in five weight classes.

When previously asked about granting Canelo a rematch, Crawford bluntly responded, “It’s over with.” He has since described himself as “happily retired” and said he does not see himself returning.

Therefore, a sequel currently has little to no chance of happening. Then again, boxing retirements are rarely permanent, and a second Canelo fight would provide Crawford with another massive payday.

Money always talks.