Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan, commonly known as Canelo Álvarez, is a highly acclaimed Mexican professional boxer born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Renowned for his exceptional skills and power, Canelo has held multiple world championships across four weight classes, including light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His career is marked by numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan Early Career
Álvarez began boxing at the age of 13, inspired by his older brothers who were also boxers. He turned professional at just 15 years old on October 29, 2005, defeating Abraham Gonzalez by TKO in the fourth round. Canelo quickly made a name for himself in Mexico and gained international recognition with his impressive performances.
By the age of 20, he became a world champion when he defeated Matthew Hatton for the vacant WBC super welterweight title on March 5, 2011. This victory set the stage for his rise in the boxing world.
Major Achievements
Canelo's career has been characterized by significant milestones:
- Unified Champion: In 2021, he made history by becoming the first undisputed champion at super middleweight, holding all four major titles (WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF) simultaneously until July 2024.
- Pound-for-Pound Rankings: As of May 2024, Canelo is ranked among the top active boxers globally. His ability to adapt and improve his fighting style has kept him at the forefront of boxing.
- Notable Fights: Throughout his career, Canelo has faced and defeated several high-profile opponents including Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin (twice), Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. His fights are often marked by strategic counterpunching and powerful body shots.
Recent Fights and Future Prospects
Canelo's latest fight was a unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguía on May 4, 2024. He successfully defended his undisputed super middleweight championship in this bout. Looking ahead, Canelo is scheduled to face Edgar Berlanga Jr. on September 14, 2024, where he will defend his titles once again.
His professional record stands impressively at 61 wins (39 by knockout), 2 losses, and 2 draws. The only blemishes on his record came from fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan Personal Life and Legacy
Outside of boxing, Álvarez is known for his philanthropic efforts and business acumen. He has launched his own promotional company and signed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Hennessy and Under Armour.
Canelo Álvarez's journey from a young boy in Guadalajara to one of boxing's biggest stars exemplifies resilience and dedication. His impact on the sport continues to grow as he remains an influential figure both inside and outside the ring. With a commitment to excellence and an ever-evolving skill set, Canelo is poised to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
