No Lewis, No Holyfield – WBA Unveils $3.5 Million Monument for Canelo Alvarez

On July 30, 2025, the boxing world was stunned by an unexpected announcement from the World Boxing Association (WBA). In a low-key ceremony held outside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the WBA officially unveiled a $3.5 million bronze monument honoring Canelo Alvarez, proclaiming him the new symbol of modern boxing. The statue, depicting Alvarez in a triumphant pose with a championship belt draped over his shoulder, stands as a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the sport. The event, though conducted quietly, sent shockwaves through the global boxing community, sparking debates and admiration alike.

A Monumental Tribute

The decision to erect a monument for Alvarez, a four-division world champion, marks a historic moment in boxing. The $3.5 million structure, crafted by renowned sculptors, captures Alvarez in mid-action, reflecting his resilience and dominance in the ring. This move by the WBA is seen as a bold statement, drawing comparisons to the legacies of boxing icons like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, whose names are often invoked in discussions of the sport’s greatest heavyweights. However, the WBA’s choice to honor Alvarez, who has solidified his status at super middleweight, suggests a shift in focus toward the current era’s standout performers.

The location outside Allegiant Stadium, a venue set to host Alvarez’s highly anticipated fight against Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025, adds symbolic weight to the tribute. The stadium, known for hosting major sporting events, now serves as a permanent shrine to Alvarez’s legacy, amplifying the significance of his upcoming bout.

The Surprise Announcement

What amplified the shock was the WBA’s additional revelation during the ceremony: Canelo Alvarez has been appointed to the tournament’s organizing committee. This unprecedented move places the 34-year-old Mexican superstar in a decision-making role, a departure from his traditional position as a fighter. Alvarez, with a record of 63-2-2 and 39 knockouts, has long been a fan favorite and a commercial powerhouse, but his new role signals the WBA’s intent to leverage his influence both inside and outside the ring.

The appointment has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether it reflects a strategic effort to align the organization’s future with Alvarez’s career trajectory. Others view it as a well-deserved recognition of his impact, given his role in elevating boxing’s global profile through high-profile fights and record-breaking pay-per-view numbers.

Reactions from the Boxing World

The unveiling elicited a mix of reactions. Promoters and fellow fighters expressed a range of sentiments. Terence Crawford, Alvarez’s next opponent, commented briefly, acknowledging the honor but emphasizing his focus on their upcoming clash. “It’s a big deal for Canelo, but I’m here to make my own history,” Crawford said. Meanwhile, fans on social media platforms like X hailed the monument as a fitting tribute, with many noting Alvarez’s consistency and marketability as justification for the WBA’s decision.

Critics, however, pointed to the absence of similar honors for past legends like Lewis and Holyfield, whose careers included undisputed heavyweight titles and iconic rivalries. The phrase “No Lewis, No Holyfield” began trending, reflecting a sentiment that the WBA may be prioritizing contemporary stars over historical figures. Defenders of the move argue that Alvarez’s achievements— including becoming a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion—warrant this recognition, especially as he prepares to face Crawford in a fight billed as a generational showdown.

Looking Ahead

The monument and Alvarez’s new committee role set the stage for an intriguing chapter in his career. As he gears up for the September 13 fight at Allegiant Stadium, now immortalized by his statue, the pressure is on to deliver a performance that justifies this honor. The WBA’s decision could also influence future tributes, potentially sparking a trend of recognizing active fighters with significant monuments.

For now, the boxing world watches with bated breath. Whether this monument will stand as a celebration of Alvarez’s past achievements or a bold prediction of his enduring legacy remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the $3.5 million statue outside Allegiant Stadium has cemented Canelo Alvarez’s place in boxing history, quietly but unmistakably, on this surprising July day.