Canelo Álvarez rejects millionaire sponsorship of Tesla and becomes a symbol of pride
What seemed another proposal in the world of great sponsorships, became a milestone for Saul “Canelo” Álvarez. The Mexican champion rejected a contract for10 million dollarsoffered by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, so that his logo appeared in a shirt and advertising materials of his next fight against Terence Crawford.
A rejection with social cause
According to sources close to the Canelo team, Musk made the offer as a strategy to improve the image of its brand in Latin American markets. However, the boxer declined the proposal, arguing that “it would never promote a brand that benefits from anti -Mexican racism.”
At the press conference prior to the fight, Canelo was clear: “I don’t want to talk about it, we are here to talk about fights, but I will always support my people.” His words were received with cheers and applause from the mostly Mexican public.
A position with real impact?
Several analysts affirm that this negative Canelo is due to a growing social rejection of business figures that have shown insensitive positions against migrant communities. Musk has been linked in the past with comments that many consider derogatory towards Latinos.
Canelo’s rejection has turned on social networks. Some applaud it as an act of national dignity – “Canelo is a true patriot,” they said in forums – while others question whether a millionaire sponsorship should be allowed to pass in the name of a cause. The discussion is still open.
What follows for both?
For its part, Tesla faces a worn image between the Chicanas and Latin communities, especially after the suspension of several industrial projects in Mexico. Meanwhile, Canelo is strengthened as an icon not only of sport, but also of identity and cultural resistance.
The fight against Terence Crawford is still scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas. This time, more than a fight, it is emerging as a powerful message: a boxer who fights inside and outside the ring, defending his people even at the expense of millions.
