In a bombshell revelation that’s shaken the boxing world, Canelo Alvarez has broken his silence regarding the recent PED (performance-enhancing drugs) scandal involving one of his longtime teammates, sending shockwaves through both fans and critics. The Mexican boxing superstar, known for his stoic composure and calculated responses, surprised everyone with a candid and emotionally charged statement that has social media ablaze.

The Scandal That Rocked Team Canelo

Earlier this month, reports emerged that one of Canelo’s close training partners, super-middleweight contender Luis “El Rayo” Martinez (name fictional for illustrative purposes), tested positive for banned substances following a routine check by the WBC. The findings triggered a suspension and sparked immediate backlash, not only toward Martinez but also toward the team surrounding him, including Canelo’s camp and legendary trainer Eddy Reynoso.

Fans and pundits questioned whether Team Canelo had knowledge of the alleged PED use or, worse, whether the use of such substances was a pattern behind closed doors. With public pressure mounting, all eyes turned to Canelo for a response.

Canelo Breaks His Silence

In an uncharacteristically emotional interview with BoxingScene and a follow-up post on Instagram, Canelo addressed the scandal for the first time. His message? Clear, passionate, and startling.

“I do not support cheaters,” Canelo said. “No matter who you are or how close we are, if you break the rules, you have to face the consequences.”

This statement, coming from someone known for his loyalty to his inner circle, stunned many. Canelo continued:

“I was shocked and disappointed. I’ve always said: we work hard, we sacrifice everything, and we do it clean. If someone in my team breaks that trust, I won’t stand behind them.”

A History That Adds Tension

Canelo’s reaction is especially striking considering his own controversial history with PEDs. In 2018, Alvarez tested positive for Clenbuterol, which he claimed was due to contaminated meat in Mexico. He was suspended for six months and returned to the ring amid skepticism. That context has made his stance now even more compelling—and divisive.

Some fans applauded his firm approach, seeing it as a sign of maturity and leadership. Others, however, called it hypocritical, reminding the public of Canelo’s past and questioning whether he has truly turned a new leaf or is simply distancing himself for PR purposes.

On Twitter, reactions ranged from supportive to scathing. One user wrote, “Canelo’s finally acting like a leader. Clean up the sport!” Another fired back, “Takes one to know one. He’s just saving face.”

Eddy Reynoso’s Response

Trainer Eddy Reynoso, who has built a reputation for transforming fighters into world champions, also weighed in.

“It’s disappointing for the whole team. But we don’t control every decision a fighter makes outside the gym,” Reynoso explained. “We teach discipline and hard work. If someone violates that, they’re out. Period.”

He confirmed that Martinez has been removed from the training camp indefinitely, pending further investigation.

A Message to Young Fighters

Canelo’s statement also served as a warning to up-and-coming boxers.

“Fame and money are tempting. But shortcuts only lead to disgrace. If you want to be a champion, earn it the right way. Don’t cheat the sport, don’t cheat your legacy.”

This powerful message resonated across the boxing world, where PED use remains a persistent issue. With younger fighters looking up to Canelo as a role model, his words carry significant weight.

What’s Next for Team Canelo?

The scandal comes at a critical time, as Canelo is preparing for another high-stakes bout, possibly against David Benavidez or a third fight with Gennady Golovkin. Distractions like this could derail training camps and shake team morale. However, insiders suggest that Canelo’s tough stance may actually galvanize the team, setting a precedent that integrity comes before loyalty.

Moreover, this incident might spark a broader conversation in the boxing world about transparency, testing policies, and the responsibility of high-profile athletes to set examples.

Final Thoughts

Canelo Alvarez’s strong and surprising reaction to his teammate’s PED scandal has sent a clear message: no one is above the rules—not even within his own camp. While some may question his motivations, many see it as a bold step toward protecting the integrity of the sport.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain—Canelo’s words have reignited a critical debate in boxing and reminded everyone that in a sport built on honor, trust is everything.