A true all-time great, Mexican superstar and current Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez sits atop the sport. Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan was born on July 18, 1990, the youngest of eight siblings comprising seven boys and one girl.
Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Alvarez’s skin complexion differed from those of his family members. He was a red-haired, freckle-faced baby, who was later bullied by childhood classmates. All of the Alvarez boys were boxers, and, by the age of 10, Saul’s interest in pugilism had reached its peak, motivating the youngest son to use his fists to take out his frustrations and rage on those who teased him. "When I was a little kid, I was always fighting,” Alvarez said. “I was always beating the other kids up.”
Alvarez found his way to Guadalajara's famed Julian Magdaleno Gym, where the father-and-son training team of Chepo and Eddy Reynoso quickly took notice and nicknamed him, “Canelo,” the Spanish word for “Cinnamon.” Canelo was 11 when he watched elder sibling Rigoberto's professional debut. Rigoberto held an interim world title at junior middleweight. "My older brother is the one who got me started in boxing," Canelo said. "He's the one who inspired me."
Canelo went 44-2 (12 KOs) as an amateur starting at the age of 13, winning a silver medal at the Junior Mexican National Championships and becoming the Junior Mexican National Champion after that. After two years, the Reynosos convinced Alvarez’s parents to let their youngest son turn pro because they could no longer find amateur opponents. A 15-year-old Alvarez made his professional debut with a fourth-round TKO of Abraham Gonzalez in September 2005, also stopping his second opponent, Pablo Alvarado, in the second round that November.
Alvarez went 6-0-1 (5 KOs) in 2006, winning a split-decision in just his third fight over future champion Wilfredo Vasquez (January) and battling to a draw with Jorge Juarez (June) in his fifth bout. In 2007, Alvarez stopped five opponents in seven victories, even as he had to go the distance for 10- and 12-round unanimous decisions over Christian Solano and Ricardo Cano on August 18th and 31st.
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Alvarez rose to 23-0-1 (16 KOs) in 2008 by going 8-0 (4 KOs), including a pair of first-round knockouts. That run included an 11th-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Gabriel Martinez in April, a 10-round unanimous decision in a rematch with Wilfredo Vazquez in June, and a first-round TKO of hammer-fisted Raul Pinzon in December.
Early Career Success
So talented was Alvarez that, in 2009, he stopped six straight opponents. Among Alvarez’s stoppages in 2009 were that in the first round over Luis Antonio Fitch (January), an 11th-round TKO of Euri Gonzalez (February) and a 10th-round TKO of Carlose Leonardo Herrera (September). Alvarez ended the year with a near shutout 12-round unanimous decision (119-110 twice, 120-108) that December over Lanardo Tyner, who entered at 21-2 (13 KOs).
The stoppage streak continued for Alvarez in 2010, where he went 5-0 (4 KOs). That run included a three-knockdown third-round of Brian Camechis (March), a one-knockdown, ninth-round TKO of Jose Miguel Cotto (May) and a two-knockdown, sixth-round TKO of Luciano Leonel Cuello (July). There was also a one-knockdown ninth-round knockout of former champion Carlos Baldomir (September). Alvarez used a short, yet powerful overhand right to floor Baldomir, who pitched forward face-first, sat up and rolled to his right but could not beat the count.
In defeating Baldomir, Alvarez stopped for only the second time in his career a man who had gone the distance with former champions Floyd Mayweather and Vernon Forrest. Cotto vs. Alvarez went 4-0 (3 KOs) in 2011, following a 12-round unanimous decision over Englishman Matthew Hatton (March) for the WBC super welterweight crown in with TKOs over Ryan Rhodes (June), Alfonso Gomez (September) and former champion Kermit Cintron (November).
In 2012, Alvarez’s fourth and fifth title defenses came via a 12-round unanimous decision over three-division champion and two-time Oscar De La Hoya-conqueror Shane Mosley (May) and a three-knockdown, fifth-round stoppage of Josesito Lopez (September). Alvarez scored a unanimous decision unification victory over southpaw Austin Trout in April 2013, adding Trout’s WBA crown to his WBC title.
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But Alvarez’s six title defenses were ended by a majority decision loss to the great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September 2013, a bout that dethroned the then-23-year-old as WBA/WBC junior middleweight champion. Alvarez rebounded in 2014 with a 10th-round TKO of former champion Alfredo Angulo in March followed in July by a split-decision over left-handed Cuban two-division champion Erislandy Lara, the latter entering at 19-1-2 (12 KOs).
In 2015, Alvarez followed a third-round TKO of left-handed title challenger James Kirkland (May) - who entered at 32-1 (28 KOs) - by earning his second crown in as many divisions via unanimous decision, dethroning Puerto Rican four-division titlist and legend Miguel Cotto (November) as WBC middleweight champion.
“Canelo is precise, economical and we’re starting to see more wrinkles in his game as he grows exponentially in the footwork, head movement, feints and the way he parries shots,” said boxing commentator Ray Flores. “Oh, and by the way, he hits like a Mack truck, which makes him the most complete fighter we’ve seen in a long time.”
Alvarez made two title defenses in 2016, a sixth-round knockout of Amir Khan (May) and a three-knockdown, ninth-round KO of Liam Smith (September), who entered at 23-0-1 (16 KOs). In 2017, Alvarez rose in weight for a non-title unanimous decision victory in a 164-pound all-Mexican clash over former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (May) before battling to a draw with unbeaten IBF/WBA/WBC title holder Gennady Golovkin (September). Canelo vs. Alvarez and Golovkin met again in September 2018. This time, “Canelo” outboxed and outpunched Golovkin to win a 12-round majority decision victory, dethroning Golovkin and becoming the new unified world middleweight world champion.
Canelo Alvarez in 2016
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In December 2018, he would move up to super middleweight and capture the WBA title with a four-knockdown, third-round TKO of champion Rocky Fielding. Back at 160 in May 2019, Alvarez won a 12-round unanimous decision over southpaw Daniel Jacobs, adding Jacobs’ IBF crown to his WBA and WBC titles. Alvarez then rose two weight classes in November 2019 to become a four-division champion, scoring a sensational 11th-round knockout over WBO 175-pound titleholder Sergey Kovalev.
The KO left “The Crusher” on his knees, out cold and sagging against ring ropes that held him up. Returning to 168 in December 2020, Alvarez won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Callum Smith in a clash for the division’s WBA and WBC crowns. Now the face of boxing, Alvarez kicked off 2021 with a third-round KO of challenger Avni Yildirum in February. He added the WBO 168-pound title to his collection that May when he stopped previously unbeaten southpaw Billy Joe Saunders (May) in front of a raucous crowd of 73,126 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The win set the stage for a showdown versus undefeated IBF super middleweight champ Caleb Plant in a battle to crown the first ever undisputed 168-pound champion in the four-belt era. The highly anticipated battle took place on November 6, 2021, in front of a sold-out crowd at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Plant flashed the boxing skills that made him a champion but Alvarez was unrelenting, scoring two knockdowns in the eleventh to force a stoppage in that frame and not only become the first undisputed 168-pound champion in the four-belt era but also being the first fighter of Mexican descent to accomplish the feat.
By defeating Plant, Alvarez had secured his fifth stoppage in seven bouts, a victory over an undefeated champion for the seventh time, and one over an unbeaten rival for the eighth, all on the 45th birthday of his trainer, Eddy Reynoso. “This means so much for the history of Mexico to become an undisputed champion,” Alvarez said. “There are only six undisputed champions in history. It keeps me happy and very motivated to be one of the six.”
Alvarez split bouts in 2022, losing by unanimous decision to unbeaten WBA 175-pound champion Dimitrio Bivol in May before dominating Golovkin via unanimous decision in their third bout to to successfully defend his undisputed 168-pound title. In May 2022, Alvarez notched his sixth defense of those belts, winning a wide unanimous decision over John Ryder.
Alvarez’s legacy places in rare air among his countrymen, which includes greats such as as three-division champions Julio Cesar Chavez and Marco Antonio Barrera, four-division title winners Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales and long-reigning champions Salvador Sanchez and Ruben Olivares. “I’m not afraid to say that Canelo is on top of all the great Mexican fighters,” said three-time champion Abner Mares. “Right now Canelo is the man. He is the face of boxing. Every Mexican champion deserves his respect, and Canelo has done it in his time.”
“I don’t want to compare myself to great Mexican champions of the past," Alvarez said. “I just want to go out and make my own history.
Canelo vs. Charlo and Munguia
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Alvarez took on Junior Middleweight King Jermell "Iron Man" Charlo in a battle of undisputed world champions at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In this battle between two future Hall of Famers, it was no contest. Álvarez successfully defended his world titles by dropping Jermell Charlo on his way to a dominant unanimous decision (119-109, 118-109 twice). “I’m a strong fighter all the time, against all the fighters,” said Canelo. “I’m a strong man. Nobody can beat this Canelo.”
Canelo dominated the CompuBox stats as well as the scorecards, owning a 134 to 71 advantage in total punches landed, including an impressive 42 body shots. “We worked on attacking the body,” said Canelo. “We know he’s a great fighter. He knows how to move in the ring. We worked on attacking the body for three months. For three months in the mountains without my family, without everything.”
The championship rounds saw more of the same as Canelo cruised to the final bell while being serenaded with chants from his thousands of loyal fans in attendance. After thanking his legions of supporters, Canelo declared himself open to facing anyone next. “I still love boxing,” said Canelo. “I love boxing so much. Boxing is my life. Boxing made me the person I am today. That’s why I love boxing so much. And I love boxing so much because of my fans, too…Cinco de Mayo I’ll face whoever. Mexico vs.
On Saturday, May 4, pound-for-pound great Álvarez turned in a vintage performance by dropping the previously unbeaten Jaime Munguia on his way to earning a unanimous decision in the all-Mexican clash headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Making the fourth defense of his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO 168-pound world titles, Canelo delivered another Cinco de Mayo weekend masterpiece as he took home the decision by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112.
Munguia fought valiantly and was extremely busy in the ring, but Canelo consistently landed the cleaner shots across the 12 rounds. “This win means a lot,” said Canelo. “I’m glad that I gave him this opportunity. Munguia is a great guy and a great champion. He’s gonna have a great career. I’m very proud that the whole world is watching us Mexicans.”
Munguia appeared to have the momentum after he closed round three with a right hand that appeared to snap Canelo’s head back. However, Canelo responded like the future Hall of Famer he is and delivered the highlight of the fight in round four with a left hook-uppercut that put Munguia on the mat. “I took my time,” said Canelo. “I have a lot of experience. Munguia is a great fighter. He's strong and smart. But I have 12 rounds to win the fight and I did. I did really good and I’m proud of it. He’s strong, but he’s a little slow. I could see every punch. That’s why I’m the best.”
Canelo rode the momentum from that moment to dominate the final eight rounds on the way to his unanimous decision. While Munguia threw more punches than Canelo according to CompuBox (663-536), it was Canelo who held the edge in shots landed (234-170) and connect rate (44% to 26%). After sweeping the final three rounds on all of the cards, Canelo discussed his place in boxing history and his plans for what comes next.
“When I retire, my numbers will say what position I'm in,” said Canelo. “I know there's a lot of great Mexican fighters in the past, but I’m the best fighting right now. I’m gonna rest and enjoy my family. If the money is right, I can fight right now. The biggest boxing match of 2025 could receive a second installment next year.
Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia
Potential Opponents and a Crawford Rematch
In September, Canelo Alvarez was convincingly beaten by Terence Crawford over 12 rounds at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. An emphatic performance from the American made it a historic night, as he claimed the undisputed super middleweight titles in style.
The Mexican superstar has now revealed his own update on when he wants to get back in the ring and who he wants to face. Despite some questioning whether September 13 could have been his final outing, Canelo Alvarez made it clear that he has no intentions to retire following his third career loss. The former undisputed super middleweight champion wasn’t going to be short on opponents wanting to face him once he steps back through the ropes.
Last month, it was reported by Dan Rafael that in the negotiations for Alvarez’s first fight with Terence Crawford, a rematch clause wasn’t a part of the contract that they agreed to. That hasn’t stopped the Mexican superstar from naming his last opponent as the man that he is targeting for his next bout.
Alvarez revealed during a recent appearance on TV Azteca that he wants to face Crawford for a second time in the second quarter of 2026. During Alvarez’s time on the show, it was also revealed that ‘Bud’ has been responsive to talks of a rematch.
While a rematch would surely be the biggest fight out there for both men, there might not be much desire from fans to see Terence Crawford face Canelo Alvarez again so soon. Fans responded to the recent update with comments like, ‘Fair play to him, but he’s gonna get beat again,’ and ‘Waste of time’.
It’s clear that there aren’t too many who are expecting a different outcome, with one user writing, ‘Canelo getting stopped next time and that will be his last fight.’ Another shared a similar statement, adding, ‘Get ready for another one-sided beat down on Cinco De Mayo.’
While many aren’t necessarily excited about the rematch, it didn’t come as a surprise either, with comments like, ‘I said this from the start, they’re gonna get a trilogy out of this’ and ‘Course he is getting a rematch’ summarizing people’s thoughts.
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford - Preview & Prediction
So who could he face next? Here are three realistic options:
- Terence Crawford: During a visit to TV Azteca, Canelo made it clear he intends to fight in 2026 - and that he wants a rematch with “Bud” Crawford. Losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown to a man who began his title run at lightweight will have stung. Motivation won’t be an issue, but few will expect Canelo to overturn September’s result against someone of Crawford’s calibre.
- Hamzah Sheeraz: Since Hamzah Sheeraz linked up with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, one opponent has remained central to their ambitions: Canelo Alvarez. The loss to Crawford may have dented Sheeraz’s title momentum, but the chance to dethrone the former king still appeals. Canelo, meanwhile, may look at Sheeraz’s explosive win over Edgar Berlanga and fancy the opportunity to tame the rising threat and send him home humbled.
- Chris Eubank Jr: As part of Canelo’s multi-fight Riyadh Season deal, several names were discussed had he beaten Crawford, and one of those earmarked for 2026 was Chris Eubank Jr. Both men have suffered damaging defeats in the second half of 2025, but if Alvarez chooses to fight overseas, London would be the obvious destination. And few British fighters can generate stadium crowds and major revenue like Eubank Jr. In boxing, some moments are events first and fights second - and Canelo-Eubank Jr fits that mould.
Whomever Canelo chooses, the options are limited. Any return must make sense financially and competitively. Two months after Terence Crawford handed Canelo Alvarez the third loss of his career, rumors of a potential rematch in 2026 have surfaced, according to the Mexican outlet TV Azteca.
According to TV Azteca's social media post, Canelo has discussed plans for a potential rematch, and negotiations are reportedly underway, though specific details remain undisclosed. Crawford has yet to comment or confirm the rematch talks.
Crawford's first matchup against Canelo in September saw him deliver an impressive performance, defeating Canelo by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113, making Crawford the undisputed super middleweight champion. With this victory, Crawford, who has an undefeated record of 42 wins including 31 knockouts, became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight classes. He moved up from 154 pounds to 168 pounds to secure the win against Canelo.
Canelo is currently signed to a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, but his next opponent has not been announced.
When is Canelo vs. Crawford 2?
TV Azteca reports that Canelo has initiated discussions for a potential rematch, with negotiations currently in progress, although specific details have not been disclosed. Crawford has not yet commented on or confirmed the rematch discussions.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez won't be fighting again anytime soon. The former undisputed super middleweight champion is the biggest star in Mexican boxing and has thus occupied the Cinco de Mayo weekend date for the past decade - except for 2018, when a failed drug test forced him out of a rematch with Gennadiy Golovkin, and 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, in 2026, Alvarez will not fight in the first week of May, and his next bout will instead be delayed to September, according to his trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso. Alvarez's decision to skip his May outing clears the path for the May 2 fight between WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez and unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez - two boxers of Mexican heritage - to dominate the marquee that weekend in the boxing world.
Alvarez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in October, which required 12-15 weeks of rest before a full return to training. "Canelo" was scheduled to fight in February as part of his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season - which has two fights remaining - but the surgery was expected to delay his return until May.
Alvarez, however, has chosen to extend his rest period and simultaneously give himself more time to negotiate the fight he really wants in 2026 - a rematch with Terence Crawford. Crawford defeated Alvarez by unanimous decision this past September at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to become the first three-weight undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
The historic fight generated a gate of $47 million, the third-highest in boxing history, and drew more than 41 million viewers on Netflix. Although the first fight was a commercial success, there isn't much momentum for a rematch due to the conclusive nature of Crawford's victory. The second meeting - if finalized - would also not be for the undisputed title.
Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez: Title Timeline
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2011 | WBC light middleweight belt |
| 2013 | WBA (Regular) and Ring light middleweight titles |
| 2015 | WBC and Ring middleweight titles |
| 2018 | WBA (Super version), WBC, and Ring middleweight champion |
| 2018 | WBA super middleweight title |
| 2019 | IBF middleweight title |