Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has revealed that he interrupted his training camp to attend the birth of his daughter Eva Victoria, who came into the world just four weeks ago. The Mexican, who faces Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on Saturday, admitted that it was “incredibly difficult” to leave his baby and partner, but said the sacrifice gave him extra motivation to step into the ring.
Sacrifice with a family flavor
“I stopped training to be there for the birth of my daughter. It was beautiful, but then I had to go back to camp,” said the Guadalajara native. The 34-year-old explained that being away from his family hit him emotionally, although that distance drives him to win the fight: “I do it all for them. I will win this battle for them.”
The four-time world champion recalled that despite the fame, the belts and the historic nights at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas, his real strength comes from home. “When camp comes around, my family understands that it’s my job. After the fight, I will devote all my time to them,” he said. Canelo, who turned professional as a teenager in Guadalajara, has already spent two decades in the spotlight.
Between fame and the simple life
Alvarez acknowledged that he sometimes fantasizes about a life without cameras or pressure, but he valued the support of the fans: “Life would be easier, but I appreciate everyone who recognizes my achievements. When I started boxing, I wanted this. I can’t regret it”. Away from the ring, he usually relaxes by playing golf, although this time he plans to spend the post-fight Sunday exclusively with his daughter.
While Crawford arrives undefeated and with the reputation of being one of the best technicians of his generation, the fight promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated pound-for-pound clashes in recent boxing history. However, for Alvarez the equation is simple: behind the lights of Las Vegas and the millions of viewers, his motivation is at home. “I do it all for them. I will win this battle for them,” said the Mexican champion.
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