Sometimes dreams begin with uncertainty, but also with the determination to keep moving forward. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was just 15 years old when, on October 29, 2005, he stepped into a ring for the first time in Tonalá, Jalisco. Although he earned only 800 pesos in kind, he gained something far more valuable: the beginning of his professional career, a journey that would change his life and take him further than he ever imagined.
It has not been an easy path. Canelo has faced criticism, defeats, and the constant pressure of every fight. Day by day, he learned that talent alone is not enough: discipline, sacrifice, and the ability to stay strong under the weight of others’ expectations are essential. Throughout his career, he has faced world-class opponents like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Gennady Golovkin, and Miguel Cotto, among others, testing his preparation and forcing him to adapt to every style. Every victory and every loss became part of a continuous learning process that shaped his trajectory.
Twenty years later, he remains a pillar of Mexican boxing. And although he lost by unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025, his story reflects how he has stayed at the top, overcoming defeats and criticism through perseverance in such a demanding sport.
Path in boxing
Over these two decades, Canelo has carried all that comes with being a professional boxer: pressure, media exposure, and unexpected challenges. His name has transcended borders, solidifying his status as a world-class fighter.
Today, on the twentieth anniversary of his debut, it is clear that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has forged a lasting legacy in boxing, and the young boy who dreamed of becoming a boxer has achieved it.
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