Why Did Canelo Alvarez Have a Surgery?

Canelo Alvarez SurgeryCanelo Alvarez (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Boxing and MMA are among the most brutal combat sports, with fighters often suffering cuts to their faces that result in significant bloodshed during matches. MMA athletes frequently endure injuries due to their diverse fighting techniques and grappling, whereas boxing, being more technical, typically sees fewer severe injuries. However, when injuries do happen in boxing, they often require surgical intervention for a swift recovery. Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez is a case in point; he recently had to undergo surgery on his left hand, which kept him away from the ring for several months as he recuperated.

After his trilogy fight against Gennady Golovkin on September 17, 2022, Mexican star Canelo discovered a severe medical issue with his left hand. Reports indicated that he had torn the cartilage in his left wrist, causing excruciating pain that eventually became unbearable and led to the need for surgery.


It appears the problem began after his November 2021 fight against Caleb Plant, but Canelo initially ignored the injury as the pain gradually worsened. Following the surgery, Canelo was seen with heavy bandages on his left hand. Despite this setback, he recovered swiftly and resumed training for his next fight.

Who Did Canelo Alvarez Fight First After the Injury?

After recovering from his injury, Alvarez began training for his comeback fight, which was against John Ryder. Billed as “The King is Coming Home,” this bout marked Canelo’s return to fighting in his home country for the first time in over eleven years. On May 6, 2023, he defended his undisputed super middleweight titles against WBO interim champion Ryder at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. Canelo delivered a commanding performance throughout the fight, showcasing his skills and power.

He dropped Ryder in the fifth round and dominated the bout, securing a unanimous decision victory with the judges scoring the fight 118–109 (twice) and 120–107. Despite his recent surgery, Canelo’s performance was impressive. The fight not only highlighted his dominance but also earned him a substantial purse.

Canelo Alvarez’s Highest Boxing Purse

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Canelo has a net worth of $250 million, largely accumulated from his boxing career. His earnings from major fights include $12 million for his bout against Floyd Mayweather, $5 million from facing Miguel Cotto, $25 million from his fight with Amir Khan, $40 million for his first fight with Gennady Golovkin, and $30 million for their second encounter.

For his fight against Jaime Munguia, Canelo had a guaranteed purse ranging from $30 to $35 million. Currently, he consistently earns between $30 and $35 million per fight. In addition to his fight purses, Canelo benefits from sponsorships and his considerable popularity, which boosts his overall earnings. He is now scheduled to fight Edgar Berlanga, promising yet another lucrative opportunity in his boxing career.

Canelo Alvarez Fight With Edgar Berlanga

Canelo will face Edgar Berlanga on Saturday, September 14, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, coinciding with Mexican Independence weekend. Boxing fans eagerly anticipate this highly anticipated fight. Canelo, who has a tradition of fighting on this holiday to celebrate with his Mexican supporters, will defend his WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles. The event will also feature additional exciting matchups, including Caleb Plant vs. Trevor McCumby in the super middleweight division and Rolando Romero against Manuel Jaimes.


With a record of 65 fights (61-2-2, 39 KOs), Canelo will face the undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who boasts a perfect record of 22 fights (22-0-0, 17 KOs). The event is shaping up to be thrilling, with Alvarez not only defending his titles but also his impressive winning streak while Berlanga risks his unblemished record. Both fighters are eager to showcase their skills and dominance in what promises to be an action-packed match.