After the surprise withdrawal of Terence Crawford and the vacancy of the super-middle belt of The International Boxing Federation (IBF), Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez could have a key opportunity in 2026 to regain a lost world title in September 2025. The IBF has indicated that the two highest-ranked boxers in its ranking will be contacted to negotiate a fight for the vacant title, and among them is Canelo himself, who has been one of the main names in the division.
One of the possible rivals that appears on the radar is Osleys Iglesias, an undefeated contender with knockout power who has shown a dominant performance in his last fights. The IBF reported that both Iglesias and Álvarez —classified in the highest positions in the ranking— could be contacted to define who gets the world super middleweight belt.
What does it mean for Canelo and boxing in 2026?
If Canelo accepts the fight for the vacant IBF title, it would not only be an opportunity to regain some of the prestige lost after his loss to Crawford, but also a step towards rebuilding his legacy as one of the great champions of the decade. With the super middleweight belt at stake, the fight would be a high-profile event on the world boxing scene, with media and sporting impact.
There is no confirmed date or place yet, but the expectation is that Canelo will return to the ring in the second half of 2026, once his recovery and physical preparation after the surgery he faced in 2025 is complete.
The story behind this fight and the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry
This possible fight between Canelo and a rival like Iglesias becomes even more relevant if it is placed in the context of the historical boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, two nations with deep boxing traditions that have starred in memorable classics over decades. The confrontation of styles and national pride has marked legendary episodes in professional boxing, with numerous championships at stake and legacy for both countries.
Although Osleys Iglesias is Cuban, the concept of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico remains a strong narrative framework for high-impact events when it comes to world championships and Latin figures at the top of boxing. Every time a Mexican boxer faces one from Puerto Rico or symbolically linked to that boxing school, a story of national pride that transcends sport is revived.
