Canelo Álvarez boasts an outstanding professional record, with numerous world titles across multiple weight classes. As of now, he has held championships in four different weight divisions: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. This versatility and ability to dominate across various categories highlight his exceptional talent and adaptability.
Canelo has successfully unified titles in several weight classes, notably becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion by holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles simultaneously. Achieving undisputed status is a rare and prestigious accomplishment in boxing, underscoring his dominance in the sport.
Throughout his career, Canelo has faced and defeated many of the best fighters in the world. His victories over notable opponents like Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, Miguel Cotto, and Daniel Jacobs, among others, demonstrate his willingness to take on the toughest challenges. These wins against elite fighters cement his status as a top-tier boxer.
Canelo’s ability to move up and down in weight classes while maintaining his effectiveness is remarkable. He has proven himself against a wide range of opponents, showcasing his skill set and power in different weight divisions. This versatility is a key factor in his claim to being the best in the world.
Canelo is renowned for his exceptional technical skills, including his powerful punches, precise combinations, and solid defense. His ability to adapt his strategy mid-fight and exploit his opponents’ weaknesses is a testament to his high ring IQ and deep understanding of the sport.
One of Canelo’s standout attributes is his defensive prowess. He employs head movement, footwork, and upper body movement to avoid punches effectively while positioning himself to counterattack. This defensive skill set makes him a difficult target and allows him to control the pace of his fights.
Canelo takes great pride in his Mexican heritage and often pays tribute to the legendary Mexican fighters who came before him, such as Julio César Chávez, Salvador Sánchez, and Juan Manuel Márquez. By building on their legacies and achieving unprecedented success, he positions himself as the torchbearer of Mexican boxing.
Canelo’s success has brought significant attention to Mexican boxing on the global stage. His ability to draw large crowds and generate substantial pay-per-view numbers highlights his influence and popularity. By representing Mexico with distinction, he enhances his claim as the best in Mexican boxing history.
Canelo’s career longevity and sustained excellence are crucial factors in his claim. Over the years, he has consistently faced top-tier competition and delivered outstanding performances. Maintaining such a high level of success over an extended period is a hallmark of greatness.
Canelo has continually evolved as a fighter, refining his skills and adapting his style to different opponents and situations. This ability to grow and improve has kept him at the pinnacle of the sport, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and his understanding of the nuances of boxing.
Canelo Álvarez’s claim to being the best in the world and the best in Mexican history is grounded in a combination of his impressive record, the quality of his opposition, his technical prowess, his representation of Mexican boxing heritage, and his consistency over time. His remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport have solidified his place among the all-time greats, making a compelling case for his self-proclaimed titles. As he continues to build on his legacy, Canelo’s contributions to boxing will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.