Canelo needs time to repair hand injury and names Dmitry Bivol as his next target
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez dominated Gennady Golovkin to retain his undisputed super-middleweight crown on September 17
After two previous encounters between these modern-day greats, all three judges scored the trilogy fight at 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 for Alvarez, with zero controversy for the first time in their three epic battles.
Post fight, at the T-Mobile Arena, Canelo revealed he has been nursing an ongoing hand injury, "It hurts everywhere. I've had these issues since the Caleb Plant fight, so I'm like 'it's ok, let it [go]', but I need surgery."
Responding to a reporter's question whether the bone was broken, he said, "No, it's not broken, it's like the miniscus, it's my wrist."
Canelo's doctor took took to the stand to explain the injury in further detail, "Saul has a TFCC tear, which is a piece of cartilege within the wrist which affects the body's ability to mobilise that joint without feeling an impingement or sharp pain. If he has the surgery, hopefully six to 12 weeks [recovery] depending on the rehabilitation if it's successful."
Canelo added, "I want to take my time, my body needs [a rest], last year I fought four times in 11 months, I need to take my time a little bit, maybe in May or September, I don't know."
Bivol – Repeat or revenge?
Alvarez returned to winning ways against his old rival Golovkin after his move up to light heavyweight ended in defeat against WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol last time out.
It was just the second loss of his career but the Mexican confirmed his next target is to avenge that defeat.
Russian Bivol, unbeaten in 20 fights, will first defend his title against Mexico's Gilberto Ramirez on 5 November.
Alvarez, who revealed he had been suffering with a hand injury before his win over Golovkin, will look to fight Bivol on his return next year.
"I left everything in there. I need surgery on my hand, I'm not good in my left hand," he said.
"Everybody knows [Bivol is the fight I want]. We'll see what happens in that fight. But I need rest.
"It's very important for my legacy, for my pride, for my family and my country. I will beat him."
