Canelo Álvarez – Early Life and Background
Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, known as Canelo Álvarez, was born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He grew up as the youngest of eight siblings, including seven brothers who were also involved in boxing. Canelo’s distinctive red hair gave him the nickname “Canelo,” which means cinnamon. Raised in a humble family with farming roots, Canelo’s early life included being bullied for his unique look, which fueled his interest in boxing from a young age. He began training seriously in boxing by the age of 10 and made his professional debut very young, at 15 years old, turning pro after two years as a successful amateur.
Physical Attributes
Height: Approximately 5 feet 7½ inches (171 cm)
Reach: 70½ inches (179 cm)
Weight: Usually fights around the super middleweight limit (167-168 lbs), but has competed successfully from light middleweight to light heavyweight.
Stance: Orthodox
Boxing Career and Stats
Canelo Álvarez is a dominant and versatile boxer with a record of approximately 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 wins by knockout. He is celebrated for his technical skill, powerful punches, especially body shots, and ring intelligence.
- Began pro career in 2005 at age 15.
- Youngest WBC light middleweight champion at age 20 (2011).
- Has fought and won world titles in four weight divisions: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight.
- First and only boxer to become undisputed super middleweight champion twice (2021 and again in 2025).
- Key victories include fights against Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin (twice), Sergey Kovalev, Billy Joe Saunders, and others.
- Notable losses were to Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2013) and Dmitry Bivol (2022), both undefeated champions at the time.
- He has won multiple major titles including WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles in various weight classes.
Achievements and Legacy
- Holds 11 world title belts across four weight classes.
- First Mexican boxer to become a world champion in four divisions.
- Recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters globally.
- Has been the top-earning boxer worldwide in recent years.
- Known for his resilience, tactical adaptability, and knockout power.
- Holds undisputed titles in the super middleweight division, a rare and prestigious distinction in boxing.
- Continues to compete at the highest levels, including maintaining unified titles and engaging in high-profile bouts.
Canelo Álvarez Net Worth and Financial Standing
- Estimated net worth is around $300 million.
- Career earnings surpass $550 million, including fight purses, pay-per-view shares, and endorsements.
- Signed lucrative multi-fight deals, including a $400 million contract in Saudi Arabia and past agreements with DAZN.
- Has invested earnings in business ventures including a chain of gas stations and also enjoys a luxurious lifestyle.
- Forbes ranked him as one of the highest-paid athletes globally with earnings of over $110 million in 2023 alone.
Personal Life and Interests
- Despite his massive success, Canelo remains connected to his Mexican roots and family.
- Known for his passion for golf and fine cheeses.
- Has friendships and endorsements spanning the entertainment and sports industries.
- Continues to be a major cultural and sports icon in Mexico and worldwide.
Canelo Álvarez Faces Terence Crawford in Historic Undisputed Super Middleweight Title Fight in Las Vegas
On Saturday night, September 13, 2025, Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez stepped into the ring at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for one of the most highly anticipated fights of the decade — a showdown against American contender Terence Crawford. The bout, which sees Canelo putting all his undisputed super middleweight titles on the line, has captured global attention as a historic mega-fight in world boxing.
At 35 years old, Álvarez entered with an impressive record of 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, carrying the weight of being a two-time undisputed super middleweight world champion. His opponent, Crawford, who is unbeaten with 41 wins, including 31 knockouts, moved up two weight divisions with ambitions of becoming the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles in three different divisions.
The fight marked the first combat sports event at Allegiant Stadium and was promoted by Dana White’s TKO under a new partnership with Saudi Arabia’s influential sports financier Turki Alalshikh. The bout was globally available via Netflix streaming, signaling a new era in boxing broadcasting.
Canelo, known for his powerful counterpunching and technical skill, expressed his determination to either secure a knockout or decisively prove why he is regarded among the best pound-for-pound fighters. Meanwhile, Crawford, embracing the underdog role, vowed to shock the world and silence critics.
Beyond the ring, this fight is also poised to become the most lucrative payday of Canelo’s storied career, with the Mexican star hinting that the financial rewards from this clash could push him into billionaire territory, a milestone few in boxing have reached.
The event highlighted the evolving landscape of boxing—featuring packed undercards with rising talents and showcasing the sport’s global appeal. Fans and analysts agree that whatever the result, this fight is destined to be remembered as a landmark moment in the annals of boxing history.
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