Who is Canelo Álvarez? : The Boxing Legend's Journey to Glory

02.10.2023 - 10:01

In the world of professional boxing, there are few names as illustrious and celebrated as Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, better known to the world as Canelo Álvarez. Born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most dominant and revered figures in the sport. With a nickname that translates to 'Cinnamon' in English, this fiery Mexican boxer has left an indelible mark on the world of boxing, earning him a place among the all-time greats.

Canelo's remarkable journey is not just about his numerous world championships in multiple weight classes, but also his relentless pursuit of excellence, both in and out of the ring. From his early life on a family farm to his meteoric rise to boxing stardom, this article takes you through the life and career of Canelo Álvarez, the boxer known for his extraordinary skills, formidable personality, and undying passion for the sport.

The Early Years: A Humble Beginning

Canelo Álvarez was born on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Jalisco, but his family's roots trace back to Los Reyes, Michoacán. At the tender age of five, his family relocated to Juanacatlán, Jalisco, where he spent his formative years. Growing up on a family farm, Álvarez developed a love for horseback riding, a passion he still nurtures today.

Canelo is the youngest of eight children, with seven brothers, all of whom followed in his footsteps to become professional boxers. Among his brothers are renowned welterweight boxers Ramón Álvarez, Ricardo Álvarez, and the former WBA interim world champion, Rigoberto Álvarez. The Álvarez family's boxing legacy runs deep, creating a rich foundation for Canelo's future success.

Interestingly, the nickname 'Canelo' is derived from the Spanish word for cinnamon, often used as a term of endearment for people with red hair. Canelo's mother, Ana Maria, also had red hair, and in Mexico, the association of red hair with the Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico in the Saint Patrick's Battalion during the Mexican–American War is quite common. In his own words, Álvarez once mused, 'There might have been an Irish grandfather somewhere back in my past.' Despite his eventual fame, Álvarez faced early challenges, enduring bullying as a child when he was referred to as 'Jícama con Chile,' a term referring to a popular Mexican snack.

The Journey to Boxing Stardom: Amateur Career

Álvarez's journey into the world of boxing began around the age of 13 when he witnessed his older brother Rigoberto make his debut as a professional boxer. Inspired by his brother's dedication and determination, Álvarez started honing his own boxing skills.

In 2004, Álvarez achieved a significant milestone in his amateur career, winning the silver medal at the Junior Mexican National Championships held in Sinaloa. His talent continued to shine, and in 2005, at the age of 15, he became the Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. His amateur record stood at an impressive 44 wins, 2 losses, and 12 knockouts.

This early success in the amateur circuit laid the foundation for Álvarez's transition into the professional boxing arena, where he would soon make a name for himself on a global scale.

A Champion in Multiple Weight Classes

Canelo Álvarez's professional boxing career has been nothing short of spectacular, characterized by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his determination to conquer multiple weight classes. Over the years, he has showcased his extraordinary skills and versatility by competing and triumphing in various weight divisions. Let's take a closer look at some of his most notable achievements:

Welterweight: Canelo began his professional career in the welterweight division, demonstrating his potential as a future world champion.

Light Middleweight: Álvarez's ascent continued as he moved up to the light middleweight division, where he started gaining recognition for his power and boxing acumen.

Middleweight: One of Canelo's career-defining moments came in the middleweight division when he faced legendary fighters like Miguel Cotto and Gennady Golovkin, securing world titles and further solidifying his status as a boxing superstar.

Super Middleweight: In recent years, Álvarez made history by becoming the undisputed champion in the super middleweight division, holding multiple world titles simultaneously.

Light Heavyweight: Álvarez's journey of conquering weight classes reached its zenith when he competed in the light heavyweight division, adding yet another chapter to his storied career.

A Boxing Phenomenon: Canelo's Fighting Style

Canelo Álvarez is not just a boxer; he is a true artist in the ring. Known for his exceptional counterpunching abilities, he possesses the rare talent to exploit openings in his opponents' defenses while gracefully avoiding punches with precise head and body movement. His fighting style combines technical mastery with a warrior's spirit, making him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.

Moreover, Canelo's prowess as a body puncher is unparalleled. He understands the importance of targeting an opponent's midsection, gradually wearing them down and ultimately seizing control of the fight. His body punching has been a key factor in many of his victories.

Global Recognition and Legacy

As of September 2023, Canelo Álvarez holds the distinction of being ranked as the second-best active boxer pound for pound by BoxRec. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Canelo's global recognition extends to his financial success. He has consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid athletes, earning a coveted spot on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Personal Life and Future Aspirations

Outside the ring, Álvarez is a devout Catholic, finding strength and solace in his faith. He has also experienced love and family life, being engaged to Marisol González, Miss Mexico Universe 2003 and a sports reporter for Televisa Deportes, and subsequently marrying his longtime partner, Fernanda Gómez, in a ceremony at the Guadalajara Cathedral in May 2021. Canelo is a proud father, with three daughters and one son from different relationships.

Looking ahead, Álvarez has expressed his aspirations to retire from boxing by age 37 and dedicate himself to his business ventures and playing golf—a well-deserved respite after a career marked by exceptional achievements.

A Mexican Icon

Canelo Álvarez's journey from the fields of Guadalajara to the pinnacle of professional boxing is a testament to his unyielding determination, unmatched skill, and relentless pursuit of greatness. With an ever-growing list of accomplishments, he has become a symbol of Mexican pride and an inspiration to aspiring boxers worldwide. Canelo's legacy in the world of sports is secure, and his story continues to captivate fans, making him an enduring icon in the annals of boxing history.