This post has been updated as of May 4, 2021.
Canelo Alvarez looks to unify the super-middleweight championship against Billy Joe Saunders – this Saturday. Many experts and fans alike believe this will be a perfunctory bout, as Canelo has demonstrated dominance over the division since his arrival. Yet, there are some that question the level of opposition Canelo has faced as of late, as well as his reluctance for a third rubber match with Gennady Golovkin. However, we believe its time to stop questioning whether he is the real deal. Here are seven moments, the man showed us he was a great fighter, champion and man.
1. Win Over Shane Mosely
Although it was Alvarez’s 41st fight as a professional, at the time he was still largely untested. Many of his early bouts were not against championship caliber opposition. Although Mosely, was clearly past his prime, he was still a step up in opposition for Canelo and a dangerous opponent capable of pulling out a victory over the young up and comer (don’t believe us, look up Larry Holmes vs. Ray Mercer). In any event, it was a test for Canelo and one he passed with flying colors. He easily out-punched Mosely over the course of 12 rounds and cruised to a unanimous decision.
![Sugar Shane Mosley vs Saul Canelo Alvarez Highlights 2012 [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7gVPL6DvDSM/hqdefault.jpg)
2. Beating Austin Trout
A more telling example of Canelo’s grit was the Austin Trout match. Both fighters were undefeated when they met, with Trout coming off a surprise victory over Miguel Cotto. It was a fight his promoters did not want. The fact that Alvarez forced his promoters to make the fight, was an indication that we were dealing with a legitimate fighter willing to take on all comers. The fact that he won, and floored Trout for the first time in his career, demonstrated we were seeing a legitimate champion.
3. When the Mayweather Decision Was Announced
Millard Fillmore the 13th President of the United States once said “an honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” An appropriate way to describe Canelo’s reaction to the only loss of his career at the hands of Floyd Mayweather. Many may not remember this, but when the score cards were announced they were waaaay closer than they should have been, one judge – CJ Thomas – had the bout a draw at 114-114. Upon hearing this the cameras caught Canelo disagreeing with that score, saying in Spanish “no, no, no…that was not a draw”. Canelo knew the deal, he knew he lost and was not about to run from it. That’s not just a legit fighter, but a legit man.
4. Taking On Erislary Lara
Frustrated at what he perceived to be Canelo ducking him, Erislary Lara decided to take matters into his own hands and went to a Canelo post-fight press conference. Not only did he attend. Lara took to the podium while Canelo was speaking, interrupted Canelo to ask him why he would not fight him since it’s the fight the public wanted. This was a classic Clubber Lang move straight out of Rocky III. Canelo was visibly surprised and upset, but let Lara speak his peace, even if it meant upstaging him. More telling was that once again, Canelo forced his promoters to make the fight, and once again he won. Can’t say he ducks anyone.
5. Canelo Triumphs Over Miguel Cotto
Hands down this is the biggest achievement of Canelo’s career thus far. Cotto was riding a career resurgence. With Freddie Roach in Cotto’s corner he cruised to three consecutive knockout victories, including Sergio Martinez. Alvarez was still looking to prove he could play with the A-Side (e.g., Mayweather, Pacquiao and Cotto). While the fight was closer than reflected on the score-cards and the decision disputed by some, Alvarez clearly won the bout. Cotto did connect, but his punches did not daunt Canelo. Conversely, when Canelo connected, his punches were clearly stronger and visibly moved Cotto resulting in a decision for Alvarez and the biggest win of his career to date. More importantly he demonstrated championship poise through the bout, never daunted by the magnitude of the event or the hall of famer that was in front of him.
6. Canelo Sues & Leaves Golden Boy and DAZN.
In October of 2018 Canelo entered into what at the time was the richest deal in sports history. A five year, 11-fight deal that will pay the boxer at least $365 million. At the time is seemed a win-win for all. Canelo was earning more than ever, his promoter Golden Boy received a cash infusion and the upstart sports streaming network had a bonafide star to launch their streaming service. Yet, things soured quickly. First, there was th level of opposition, DAZN allegedly wanted higher profile fights, agains the likes of Triple G, even an Oscar de la Hoya bout was mentioned. Then there was the pandemic, crippled by lack of a live sports gate, DAZN allegedly sought to renegotiate the deal. Canelo wasn’t having it. Suing the platform and Golden Boy. The case eventually settled, but it was bold move and saw the star fight outside the ring for what he thought was right. Even his former promoter Golden Boy recognized that the big stars eventually leave the stable if they are to rise to the next level. De La Hoya recounting how he did just that with Top Rank. Canelo is now a free agent, providing his services to the highest bidder. A move pioneered by Sugar Ray Leonard, perfected by Floyd Mayweather and currently followed by the likes of Mikey Garcia and now Canelo.
7. Canelo Negotiates His Brother’s Kidnapping Release in the Midst of His Madison Square Garden Debut
The sport of professional boxing at its highest levels requires undivided attention. Lose your focus and it can quite literally cost you your life. Never mind, entering the first fight of then history making deal, at a venue considered the Mecca of Boxing.
Yet, when family calls and there life is on the line, it’s understandable to have your focus diverted. This is precisely what Canelo encountered back in winter of 2018. During the first fight against Rocky Fielding, when he was set to debut at Madison Square Garden, Canelo was also in the midst of negotiating his brother’s release from kidnappers. Assailants who saught to cash in on the famous family of their hostage. It unfortunately is not uncommon in his native Mexico. Dealing with that in and of itself would break down any person, to do it, while preparing for a monumentous moment in your career and to do both successfully – that simply demonstrates that Canelo is in fact the real deal.
