Mexican boxer Saúl Canelo Álvarez has attributed his 2025 loss to Terence Crawford to a lack of mental preparation, despite rigorous physical training. A year after the fight, Álvarez told CBS in an interview that he wasn't mentally prepared for the bout, which saw him lose the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF super-middleweight titles by unanimous decision. The fight, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, ended with scorecards of 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112, according to as.com.
Canelo Álvarez Blames Mental Focus for Loss to Terence Crawford
Reflections on the Loss and Future Plans
Álvarez has since reflected on the defeat, acknowledging that his mindset during training failed to translate to the ring. I did everything correctly in the gym and in the training camp, he said. If I want to keep fighting, I need to be there mentally and physically. The 63-3-2 record holder emphasized the importance of balancing technical discipline with mental focus, stating that sometimes you forget the basics in high-stakes competition. LaOpinion reported the comments in a July 2026 interview.
Despite the loss, Álvarez has maintained a positive outlook, crediting his family and fans for his continued support. I already won because I have my family with me and millions of fans who never stopped supporting me, he said on social media. The boxer also highlighted the financial success of the fight, which reportedly earned him $150 million, though he accepted the defeat with humility and learning.
Context of the Fight and Upcoming Challenges
Álvarez is now preparing for a September 12, 2026, bout against Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to reclaim the WBC super-middleweight title he lost to Crawford. The fight against Mbilli, who holds the WBC interim title, is a key step in his career revival. I want to show that I can still fight at the top level, Álvarez said in a marca.com interview, reflecting on his growth since the loss.
While a potential rematch against Crawford remains a possibility, Álvarez has not confirmed it. Crawford, who returned Álvarez’s titles after the fight, had previously expressed openness to a rematch if financial terms aligned. Meanwhile, the Mexican boxer has focused on rebuilding his career, emphasizing that a winner shows themselves when they lose and that you have to accept the result, learn, and move forward.
Legacy and Lessons from the Loss
Álvarez’s handling of the defeat has drawn attention for its maturity. Unlike previous losses, he has taken personal responsibility, stating, Before, the ego would take over. Now I understand that things happen, and you have to accept them. This shift in perspective, he said, has strengthened his resolve to continue competing at the highest level. Even if you do everything right, the results don’t always go your way, he noted, underscoring the unpredictability of boxing.
As he prepares for Mbilli, Álvarez’s focus remains on proving his resilience. His upcoming fight will test whether his mental recalibration can translate to success, with fans and analysts alike watching closely. For now, the boxer remains committed to his discipline, stating, I train at 100% and am very disciplined. That’s what I have to keep doing.
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