Canelo Alvarez has been around the game for a long time.

Maybe too long.

Ronnie Shields, a renowned trainer, has seen his hand speed, power and combination punching. All were missing in his last appearance.

Shields didn’t expect Alvarez to beat Terence Crawford on Sept. 13, but the performance he gave at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas left him disappointed.

Alvarez had little to no answers, as he lost a close but clear decision. More importantly, he also lost his Ring, IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight straps and claim to undisputed.

Although Alvarez is at the tail end, retiring isn’t on his mind. According to Shields, it should be.

“Canelo had a great career, but when it’s over, it’s over,” he told Fight Hub TV. “I really don’t feel he should fight anymore.”

Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) will have the chance to bounce back, but it’s going to take a while. As first reported by The Ring, he will have elbow surgery later this month, missing the remainder of this year and beginning of 2026.

Once he recovers, he’ll resume his career. As for what direction he’ll head in, the 35-year-old isn’t entirely sure. But that doesn't mean he’ll be out of options. While he’s no longer a beltholder, that hasn’t stopped nearly every top contender from calling him out.

Walking away from the sport is difficult. Shields knows that it would be the same for Alvarez. Still, it better to do it sooner than later.

“The end is near for Canelo,” Shields said. “He’s done everything that he’s set out to do. The door is closed. You can’t beat Father Time.”