Canelo Alvarez Crowns the Ultimate Mexican Champion | Boxing News
In the realm of boxing, Canelo Alvarez stands as a towering figure, and his perspective on the greatest Mexican fighter of all time is clear and unwavering.
At 35, Canelo's prowess in the ring is undeniable, especially in the middle and super-middleweight divisions. His career-defining moment came in 2018 when he secured a controversial yet remarkable victory over Gennady Golovkin, his arch-nemesis at 160lbs. This triumph was followed by a stellar performance against Daniel Jacobs, solidifying his dominance. Canelo then made history by dethroning Sergey Kovalev at 175lbs.
However, it was at 168lbs that Canelo truly ascended to the pinnacle of boxing. He became an undisputed champion, claiming all four major belts with victories over Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant. This achievement cements his status as one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport, surpassing many of his countrymen in terms of world titles.
Yet, when it comes to comparing himself to the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, Canelo draws a line. Chavez, a former three-weight world champion, boasted an impressive 90-fight unbeaten streak before his loss to Frankie Randell in 1994. Prior to that, Chavez had bested renowned fighters like Meldrick Taylor and Hector Camacho, and even though he drew controversially against Pernell Whitaker in 1993, many believe he was the victim of a flawed decision.
In a 2021 exhibition match, Canelo, then 58, engaged in a bout with Camacho, further silencing any debate about the greatest Mexican fighter. In a statement that carried weight, Canelo proclaimed, 'Chavez will always be the greatest Mexican fighter ever.'
While Salvador Sanchez and the trio of Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera are also revered in boxing's hall of fame, Canelo's perspective remains steadfast, even as he continues to etch his name in the sport's history.
