Meet the boxing world champion, Canelo Álvarez
This story begins on the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico with a red-headed boy peddling paletas and riding horses. It’s the story of Saúl Canelo Álvarez, who’s cemented himself in the Boxing Hall of Fame among the world’s greatest champions through perseverance, pride, and – of course – fighting!
We caught up with Álvarez to share his story of humble beginnings, winning, and pride in his Mexican heritage.
We caught up with Álvarez to share his story of humble beginnings, winning, and pride in his Mexican heritage.
DAZN
Álvarez is no stranger to hard work – at just 5 years old he joined his father to sell popsicles, which taught him how to build a solid work ethic. He learned the value of a dollar and how important it is to be able to support yourself.
The impact his father has made on his career has helped him become one of the highest paid athletes in the world. Álvarez says, "In reality [a strong work ethic], is only one of the many lessons that my father taught me, along with respect and being able to tell what in life is worth valuing. I think all of these lessons are the most important things that my father could have ever given me and I put these lessons to use every day of my life."
Álvarez speaks on how living in the US allows him to pursue the American dream along with everyone else, while also representing what success can look like for others who dare to dream. He says, “I’m happy that whenever I’m walking around or going to a restaurant in the neighborhood, wherever I may be, I see other Latinos and Hispanics making it in America. It makes me proud.”
When it comes to giving back, Álvarez says that getting started doesn't have to be hard, and helping others should always come from the heart. "It’s all about looking at the people around you and seeing what they need – where the gaps are for them. There are people everywhere who are in need, who will tell you what those needs are. When your heart is in it, then the results will always be worth far more."
And while giving back comes from his heart, Álvarez’s mind is focused on his next big matchup. Along with his rigorous training routine, the boxer's only focus is visualizing himself winning the fight. “Having your mind focused on winning is incredibly important, because you can be in great shape, but if your mind isn’t honed in on your goal, then everything else can be ruined.”
Álvarez plans to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by winning his fight against Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin (GGG) on September 17. “For me, it’s an honor to be able to represent Mexicans and Hispanics during this month. I celebrate these dates by fighting! I give my all when I fight and it’s my hope that the people who watch me can feel proud of my efforts.”
Tune into the long-awaited trilogy fight between Canelo and GGG on the DAZN app.
The impact his father has made on his career has helped him become one of the highest paid athletes in the world. Álvarez says, "In reality [a strong work ethic], is only one of the many lessons that my father taught me, along with respect and being able to tell what in life is worth valuing. I think all of these lessons are the most important things that my father could have ever given me and I put these lessons to use every day of my life."
Álvarez speaks on how living in the US allows him to pursue the American dream along with everyone else, while also representing what success can look like for others who dare to dream. He says, “I’m happy that whenever I’m walking around or going to a restaurant in the neighborhood, wherever I may be, I see other Latinos and Hispanics making it in America. It makes me proud.”
When it comes to giving back, Álvarez says that getting started doesn't have to be hard, and helping others should always come from the heart. "It’s all about looking at the people around you and seeing what they need – where the gaps are for them. There are people everywhere who are in need, who will tell you what those needs are. When your heart is in it, then the results will always be worth far more."
And while giving back comes from his heart, Álvarez’s mind is focused on his next big matchup. Along with his rigorous training routine, the boxer's only focus is visualizing himself winning the fight. “Having your mind focused on winning is incredibly important, because you can be in great shape, but if your mind isn’t honed in on your goal, then everything else can be ruined.”
Álvarez plans to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by winning his fight against Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin (GGG) on September 17. “For me, it’s an honor to be able to represent Mexicans and Hispanics during this month. I celebrate these dates by fighting! I give my all when I fight and it’s my hope that the people who watch me can feel proud of my efforts.”
Tune into the long-awaited trilogy fight between Canelo and GGG on the DAZN app.