Canelo Álvarez desperate for Terence Crawford rematch, eye-watering payday rumored

Thursday night brought an unusual break in Saúl Álvarez’s routine when he visited the Televisión Azteca studios in Mexico. The network, long a booster of Canelo’s image, revealed that the Mexican star is actively seeking a rematch with Terence Crawford. The message was clear: the one who lost wants a second chance, but the one who won now holds all the leverage.

Crawford defeated Álvarez in September, shattering the usual boxing narrative. The American moved up two weight classes, outpaced Canelo, and displayed superior strategy and clarity in the ring. Judges scored decisively against the Mexican superstar, who spent more time trying to figure Crawford out than landing the signature power shots that have defined his career.

Following elbow surgery, Álvarez is already planning his next move, and it points squarely at Crawford.

Negotiations underway despite no rematch clause

Insider Dan Rafael reports that the contract for their initial bout did not include a clause for a rematch. For Canelo’s camp, a quick return to Crawford seemed unlikely. Few could have predicted such a lopsided night. Now, with his media platform confirming the push for a rematch, Álvarez is looking to reclaim the belts. The challenge is that the balance of power has shifted.

“Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez visited TV Azteca and made his plans for next year clear. He confirmed his goal of going after a rematch with Terence Crawford,” the network’s program “Los Protagonistas” posted on social media.

In video clips shared by the network, commentator Rafael Ayala said, “(Canelo) reiterated that his top priority in the ring is a rematch against Terence Crawford, which is already being negotiated and which he wants at all costs.”

The financial playing field favors Crawford

Their first fight generated a $200 million purse, with $150 million to Canelo and $50 million to Crawford, according to multiple specialized outlets. The split reflected Canelo’s commercial machine. Now, the situation is reversed. With Crawford holding the titles and Canelo openly seeking a rematch, the American fighter enjoys unprecedented leverage against one of boxing’s biggest earners.

The new math is simple. If Canelo wants a rematch, Crawford can demand double, or more. He can push for an even split or a purse approaching $100 million. This is not fantasy. Canelo’s financial backing comes from Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi figure who has redefined what fights are possible. When Alalshikh decides a bout exists, money is never the barrier.

Crawford knows this. Every promoter knows this. Every fighter dreaming of facing him knows this. Canelo’s TV visit was more than a public statement; it confirmed that a massive payday is on the table. For Crawford, the demands no longer feel like ambition, they feel like fair play both in the ring and in the bank.

When would a Canelo vs. Crawford rematch take place?

Canelo is currently recovering from elbow surgery, and all signs point to a rematch not happening until the latter part of the first half of 2026.

The Mexican star wants to rewrite a night that left a mark on him, adding more luster to a legacy that once shone brightly but has since dimmed.

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