Of humiliation to real honor: the incredible odyssey of Canelo Álvarez in Saudi Arabia
What seemed to be a triumphal arrival for Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez ended up becoming an unexpected diplomatic battlefield. Landing in Riad on April 14, 2025 for his unifying combat against William Scull, the Mexican champion lived in his own flesh an outrageous reception that shook the world of sport.
When descending from his private jet, Canelo was received coldly by a sector of the local organization. The situation worsened in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, where his reservation was mysteriously altered and his access to the private gym denied. The drop that filled the glass came when, in full lobby, Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Alsud publicly despised his greeting and announced, arrogance, arrogance, that his fight had been degraded to a secondary event in favor of an exhibition of Tyson Fury.
The tension climbed quickly. With a calm that only a quadrilateral veteran could maintain, Canelo refused to fall into provocations. While his team evaluated the possibility of a legal claim, the Mexican champion opted for the serenity way: adapt and continue training even in the gardens of the hotel, improvising his physical preparation amid adversity.
What nobody imagined was that the public contempt for Canelo would resonate beyond boxing sands. The incident video went viral, lighting social networks and unleashing an international support wave. Mexico, together as a few times, converted the hashtag#Orgullocaneloin world trend. Sports, politicians and millions of fans demanded respect for their champion.
The pressure was so intense that it caused the direct intervention of the Saudi royal family. Almost cinematographic, Canelo was invited to a private dinner with the heir prince Mohammed Bin Salman. In a gesture loaded with symbolism, the prince not only apologized personally, but also handed Canelo aare traditionalas a sign of honor – a privilege reserved for the highest guests of the kingdom.
With intact dignity, Canelo recorded an emotional video where, without confronting, he thanked the affection received and reaffirmed his commitment to mutual respect between cultures. His mature and firm response ended up cementing it not only as an idol of sport, but as a true ambassador of Mexico in the world.
Sheikh Khalid, forced by circumstances, was forced to issue a public apology, although without explicitly naming Canelo. The boxer image, however, had come out reinforced as never before. Prince Mohamed, determined to close ranks, assigned Canelo theReal Sports PavilionFor his training and assured his personal presence at the Mexican corner during the fight, raising the fight against William Scull to a new level of historical expectation.
Canelo, faithful to its values, rejected any undue advantage. He accepted international supervision and neutral referees to avoid any shadow of favoritism, reaffirming his desire to win cleanly in the quadrilateral.
Today, while Riad dresses up for one of the most anticipated fighting of the year, Saúl Álvarez appears not only as the greatest pugilist of his generation, but as a living symbol of resilience, respect and moral greatness. Because if something demonstrated this experience, it is that the true champion is not always measured by the belts at his waist, but by the way he gets up when they try to humiliate him.
And this May 3, when the bell rings in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the world will know that Canelo Álvarez will not only fight for the titles …will fight for honor.
