kids encyclopedia robot

Canelo Álvarez facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Álvarez and the second or maternal family name is Barragán.
Quick facts for kids
Canelo Álvarez
Saúl Álvarez.png
Álvarez in 2017
Statistics
Real name Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán
Nickname(s) Canelo ("Cinnamon")
Rated at
  • Welterweight
  • Light middleweight
  • Middleweight
  • Super middleweight
  • Light heavyweight
Height 5 ft 7+1/2 in
Reach 70+1/2 in
Born (1990-07-18) 18 July 1990 (age 35)
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 67
Wins 63
Wins by KO 39
Losses 2
Draws 2

Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán (born July 18, 1990), known to many as Canelo or Saúl Álvarez, is a famous Mexican professional boxer. He has won many world boxing titles in four different weight classes, from light middleweight to light heavyweight.

In 2021, Canelo made history by becoming the first boxer to hold all four major world titles at super middleweight, making him the undisputed champion in that division. He achieved this amazing feat again in May 2025.

Canelo started his professional boxing journey at just 15 years old. By the time he was 20, he became the youngest boxer to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight title in 2011. He has faced and defeated many top boxers, including Austin Trout, Miguel Cotto, Liam Smith, Rocky Fielding, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant.

He is known for his excellent counterpunching skills, meaning he's great at hitting opponents when they miss. He also moves his head and body well to avoid punches and is famous for his powerful body punches. The Ring magazine once ranked him as the world's best boxer, pound for pound. Canelo is also one of boxing's biggest stars, earning a lot of money from his fights and being one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Early Life and Nickname

Canelo Álvarez was born near Guadalajara, Mexico. When he was five, his family moved to Juanacatlán, Jalisco. Growing up on a farm, he learned to ride horses, a hobby he still enjoys today.

He is the youngest of eight children, and all seven of his brothers also became professional boxers! Some of his brothers include Ramón Álvarez, Ricardo Álvarez, and Rigoberto Álvarez.

His nickname, Canelo, means "Cinnamon" in Spanish. It's a common nickname for people with red hair, like him. In Mexico, red hair is sometimes linked to Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico a long time ago. Canelo once said, "There might have been an Irish grandfather somewhere back in my past." His neighbors also called him "Jícama con Chile," which is a popular snack in Mexico.

Amateur Boxing Career

Canelo started boxing when he was about 13 years old. He was inspired after watching his older brother Rigoberto's first professional fight.

In 2004, he won a silver medal at the Junior Mexican National Championships. The next year, in 2005, he became the Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion at just 15 years old. His amateur record was very impressive, with 44 wins and only 2 losses, including 12 knockouts.

Professional Boxing Journey

Starting Out

Canelo turned professional at 15 because his trainers couldn't find enough opponents for him in amateur boxing. In his first 19 months as a pro, he knocked out 11 of his 13 opponents, who were all much older than him.

One of his early fights was against Miguel Vázquez in January 2006, which he won. He fought Vázquez again in 2008 and won that rematch too. On June 28, 2008, Canelo and all six of his brothers made history by fighting on the same night!

Winning First World Titles

Saúl Álvarez 2013
Álvarez in 2013

Canelo won his first major world title, the vacant WBC light middleweight belt, on March 5, 2011. He defeated Matthew Hatton by a unanimous decision in California. He then successfully defended this title against Ryan Rhodes and Alfonso Gómez.

In 2012, he beat boxing legend Shane Mosley by unanimous decision to keep his WBC title. Later that year, he defeated Josesito López by TKO in the fifth round, staying undefeated.

On April 20, 2013, Canelo faced Austin Trout in a big fight in Texas. He won by unanimous decision, adding the WBA (Unified) and vacant Ring light middleweight titles to his collection.

First Professional Loss

On September 14, 2013, Canelo faced undefeated boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr.. This was a huge fight, and Mayweather won by a majority decision, giving Canelo his first professional loss.

Moving Up in Weight

After his first loss, Canelo started fighting at a slightly heavier weight, often at a "catchweight" of 155 pounds. He defeated Alfredo Angulo by TKO in 2014.

He then had a very close fight against Erislandy Lara in July 2014, winning by a split decision. In May 2015, he scored a spectacular third-round knockout against James Kirkland.

Middleweight Champion

On November 21, 2015, Canelo became the WBC and Ring middleweight champion by defeating Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision. This was a big win for him.

In May 2016, he defended his middleweight titles against British boxer Amir Khan, knocking him out in the sixth round with a powerful right hand. After this fight, Canelo decided to give up his WBC title, which was then awarded to Gennady Golovkin.

Back to Light Middleweight

Canelo then moved back down to light middleweight and challenged WBO champion Liam Smith in September 2016. He won the fight by knockout in the ninth round, becoming a world champion in a second weight class.

Big Fights and Rivalries

Canelo vs. Chávez Jr.

On May 6, 2017, Canelo fought Julio César Chávez Jr., another famous Mexican boxer. Canelo dominated the fight, winning every round and earning a clear unanimous decision. This fight was a huge event, selling over a million pay-per-view buys.

Canelo vs. Golovkin I & II

Right after the Chávez Jr. fight, Canelo announced he would fight Gennady Golovkin (often called "GGG") on September 16, 2017. This was one of the most anticipated fights in boxing. After 12 intense rounds, the fight was declared a split draw, meaning neither fighter won. Many people disagreed with the judges' scores.

A rematch between Canelo and Golovkin happened on September 15, 2018. This time, Canelo won by a majority decision after another very close and exciting fight. He became the WBA (Super), WBC, and vacant Ring middleweight champion.

Becoming a Four-Division Champion

Super Middleweight Debut

In December 2018, Canelo moved up to the super middleweight division for the first time. He fought British boxer Rocky Fielding for the WBA (Regular) super middleweight title. Canelo won easily by TKO in the third round, becoming a three-division world champion.

Unifying Middleweight Titles

Canelo returned to middleweight in May 2019 to face Daniel Jacobs. He won by unanimous decision, adding Jacobs' IBF middleweight title to his WBA (Super), WBC, and Ring belts, unifying three of the four major titles in the middleweight division.

Light Heavyweight Champion

In November 2019, Canelo made a big jump, moving up two weight classes to light heavyweight to challenge Sergey Kovalev for his WBO title. Canelo knocked out Kovalev in the eleventh round, making him a four-division world champion and only the second Mexican boxer to win a world title at light heavyweight.

Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion

Winning All the Belts

After his win over Kovalev, Canelo decided to focus on becoming the undisputed champion at super middleweight. He left his contract with Golden Boy Promotions in November 2020.

On December 19, 2020, he fought undefeated WBA (Super) and Ring super middleweight champion Callum Smith. Canelo dominated the fight, winning by unanimous decision and adding two more titles.

He then defended his titles against Avni Yıldırım in February 2021, winning by corner retirement in the third round.

In May 2021, Canelo faced undefeated WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders in a unification fight. Canelo won when Saunders' team stopped the fight in the eighth round due to an injury Saunders suffered from a powerful uppercut. This fight set a record for the largest indoor boxing attendance in US history with over 73,000 fans.

Finally, on November 6, 2021, Canelo fought undefeated IBF champion Caleb Plant in a historic fight to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. Canelo won by TKO in the eleventh round, becoming the first boxer ever to hold all four major world titles at super middleweight.

Return to Light Heavyweight and Second Loss

On May 7, 2022, Canelo moved back up to light heavyweight to challenge undefeated WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol. In an upset, Bivol won by unanimous decision, handing Canelo his second professional loss. Canelo later said he wanted a rematch.

The Trilogy and More Titles

Canelo vs. Golovkin III

Despite wanting a rematch with Bivol, Canelo decided to fight Gennady Golovkin for a third time on September 17, 2022. This time, the fight was at super middleweight. Canelo won by unanimous decision, ending their rivalry.

Canelo vs. Ryder

On May 6, 2023, Canelo fought John Ryder in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico. It was his first fight in Mexico in over 11 years. Canelo won by unanimous decision, keeping all his super middleweight titles.

Canelo vs. Charlo

On September 30, 2023, Canelo faced Jermell Charlo, who moved up two weight classes to challenge him. Canelo won by unanimous decision, knocking Charlo down in the seventh round.

Canelo vs. Munguía

On May 4, 2024, Canelo defended his undisputed super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia. Canelo won by unanimous decision, scoring a knockdown in the fourth round.

Canelo vs. Berlanga

Canelo defended his WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles against Edgar Berlanga on September 14, 2024, winning by unanimous decision. He knocked Berlanga down in the third round.

Canelo vs. Scull

On May 3, 2025, Canelo fought William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight title in Saudi Arabia. Canelo won by unanimous decision, becoming a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion. This fight set a record for the fewest punches thrown in a 12-round fight in CompuBox history.

Canelo vs. Crawford

After his win over Scull, it was announced that Canelo would fight Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This will be a huge fight, and it was announced that there would be a special knockout bonus for the winner.

Personal Life

Canelo Álvarez is Catholic. He is married to Fernanda Gómez, and they have children together. He also has children from previous relationships.

He loves collecting cars and motorcycles. Some of his cars include a Ferrari LaFerrari, a Bugatti Chiron, and a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. He also owns Harleys and Ducatis.

Canelo enjoys playing golf and has said he plans to retire from boxing around age 37 to focus on his businesses and play golf every day.

He is involved in several businesses, including real estate and convenience stores. He also has his own boxing promotion company, Canelo Promotions, which helps other boxers in Mexico. Canelo also cares about helping others and supports charities that help children and families in his home country.

Canelo appeared in the movie Creed III (2023) and is on the cover of the boxing video game Undisputed.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
67 fights 63 wins 2 losses
By knockout 39 0
By decision 24 2
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
67 Win 63–2–2 William Scull UD 12 3 May 2025 Anb Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Retained WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles;
Won IBF super middleweight title
66 Win 62–2–2 Edgar Berlanga UD 12 14 Sep 2024 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles
65 Win 61–2–2 Jaime Munguía UD 12 4 May 2024 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles
64 Win 60–2–2 Jermell Charlo UD 12 30 Sep 2023 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles
63 Win 59–2–2 John Ryder UD 12 6 May 2023 Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles
62 Win 58–2–2 Gennady Golovkin UD 12 17 Sep 2022 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles
61 Loss 57–2–2 Dmitry Bivol UD 12 7 May 2022 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For WBA (Super) light heavyweight title
60 Win 57–1–2 Caleb Plant TKO 11 (12), 1:05 6 Nov 2021 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles;
Won IBF super middleweight title
59 Win 56–1–2 Billy Joe Saunders RTD 8 (12), 3:00 8 May 2021 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring super middleweight titles;
Won WBO super middleweight title
58 Win 55–1–2 Avni Yıldırım RTD 3 (12), 3:00 27 Feb 2021 Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring super middleweight titles
57 Win 54–1–2 Callum Smith UD 12 19 Dec 2020 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Won WBA (Super), The Ring, and vacant WBC super middleweight titles
56 Win 53–1–2 Sergey Kovalev KO 11 (12), 2:15 2 Nov 2019 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBO light heavyweight title
55 Win 52–1–2 Daniel Jacobs UD 12 4 May 2019 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring middleweight titles;
Won IBF middleweight title
54 Win 51–1–2 Rocky Fielding TKO 3 (12), 2:38 15 Dec 2018 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won WBA (Regular) super middleweight title
53 Win 50–1–2 Gennady Golovkin MD 12 15 Sep 2018 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBA (Super), WBC, and vacant The Ring middleweight titles
52 Draw 49–1–2 Gennady Golovkin SD 12 16 Sep 2017 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained The Ring middleweight title;
For WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF middleweight titles
51 Win 49–1–1 Julio César Chávez Jr. UD 12 6 May 2017 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
50 Win 48–1–1 Liam Smith KO 9 (12), 2:28 17 Sep 2016 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. Won WBO light middleweight title
49 Win 47–1–1 Amir Khan KO 6 (12), 2:37 7 May 2016 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC and The Ring middleweight titles
48 Win 46–1–1 Miguel Cotto UD 12 21 Nov 2015 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won The Ring and vacant WBC middleweight titles
47 Win 45–1–1 James Kirkland KO 3 (12), 2:19 9 May 2015 Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas, U.S.
46 Win 44–1–1 Erislandy Lara SD 12 12 Jul 2014 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
45 Win 43–1–1 Alfredo Angulo TKO 10 (12), 0:44 8 Mar 2014 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
44 Loss 42–1–1 Floyd Mayweather Jr. MD 12 14 Sep 2013 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBC and The Ring light middleweight titles;
For WBA (Super) light middleweight title
43 Win 42–0–1 Austin Trout UD 12 20 Apr 2013 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Retained WBC light middleweight title;
Won WBA (Unified) and vacant The Ring light middleweight titles
42 Win 41–0–1 Josesito López TKO 5 (12), 2:55 15 Sep 2012 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC light middleweight title
41 Win 40–0–1 Shane Mosley UD 12 5 May 2012 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC light middleweight title
40 Win 39–0–1 Kermit Cintrón TKO 5 (12), 2:53 26 Nov 2011 Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, Mexico Retained WBC light middleweight title
39 Win 38–0–1 Alfonso Gómez TKO 6 (12), 2:36 17 Sep 2011 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained WBC light middleweight title
38 Win 37–0–1 Ryan Rhodes TKO 12 (12), 0:48 18 Jun 2011 Arena VFG, Guadalajara, Mexico Retained WBC light middleweight title
37 Win 36–0–1 Matthew Hatton UD 12 5 Mar 2011 Honda Center, Anaheim, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC light middleweight title
36 Win 35–0–1 Lovemore N'dou UD 12 4 Dec 2010 Estadio Universitario Beto Ávila, Veracruz, Mexico Retained WBC Silver light middleweight title
35 Win 34–0–1 Carlos Baldomir KO 6 (10), 2:58 18 Sep 2010 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained WBC Silver light middleweight title
34 Win 33–0–1 Luciano Leonel Cuello TKO 6 (12), 1:23 10 Jul 2010 Arena VFG, Guadalajara, Mexico Won vacant WBC Silver light middleweight title
33 Win 32–0–1 José Cotto TKO 9 (10), 2:51 1 May 2010 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
32 Win 31–0–1 Brian Camechis KO 3 (12), 0:23 6 Mar 2010 Palenque de la Feria, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico Retained NABF welterweight title
31 Win 30–0–1 Lanardo Tyner UD 12 5 Dec 2009 Tepic, Mexico Retained NABF welterweight title
30 Win 29–0–1 Carlos Herrera TKO 1 (10), 2:46 15 Sep 2009 Auditorio Siglo XXI, Puebla, Mexico Retained WBC Youth welterweight title
29 Win 28–0–1 Marat Khuzeev KO 2 (10), 2:33 8 Aug 2009 Auditorio Benito Juárez, Zapopan, Mexico Won vacant WBC Youth welterweight title
28 Win 27–0–1 Jefferson Gonçalo KO 9 (12), 1:54 6 Jun 2009 Xcaret Park, Cancún, Mexico Retained NABF welterweight title
27 Win 26–0–1 Michel Rosales TKO 10 (12), 2:53 11 Apr 2009 Gimnasio Niños Héroes, Tepic, Mexico Retained NABF welterweight title
26 Win 25–0–1 Euri González TKO 11 (12), 1:36 21 Feb 2009 Auditorio Benito Juárez, Zapopan, Mexico Retained NABF welterweight title;
Won WBO Latino welterweight title
25 Win 24–0–1 Antonio Fitch TKO 1 (12), 1:52 17 Jan 2009 Foro Scotiabank, Mexico City, Mexico Won vacant NABF welterweight title
24 Win 23–0–1 Raúl Pinzón TKO 1 (12), 2:30 5 Dec 2008 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S. Retained WBA Fedecentro welterweight title
23 Win 22–0–1 Larry Mosley UD 10 24 Oct 2008 Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, California, U.S.
22 Win 21–0–1 Carlos Adán Jerez UD 10 2 Aug 2008 Auditorio Benito Juárez, Zapopan, Mexico Retained WBA Fedecentro welterweight title
21 Win 20–0–1 Miguel Vázquez UD 10 28 Jun 2008 Palenque Calle 2, Zapopan, Mexico
20 Win 19–0–1 Francisco Villanueva SD 10 6 Jun 2008 Tepic, Mexico
19 Win 18–0–1 Gabriel Martinez RTD 11 (12), 3:00 18 Apr 2008 Salon Marbet Plus, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico Won vacant WBA Fedecentro welterweight title
18 Win 17–0–1 Francisco Villanueva TKO 9 (12), 2:32 14 Mar 2008 Coliseo Olimpico de la UG, Guadalajara, Mexico Retained Jalisco welterweight title
17 Win 16–0–1 Axel Rodrigo Solis KO 1 (8), 2:55 22 Feb 2008 Salon Marbet Plus, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
16 Win 15–0–1 Sean Holley TKO 2 (10), 3:00 15 Dec 2007 Auditorio Benito Juarez, Guadalajara, Mexico
15 Win 14–0–1 Ricardo Cano UD 12 31 Aug 2007 Coliseo Olímpico, Guadalajara, Mexico Won Jalisco welterweight title
14 Win 13–0–1 Christian Solano UD 10 18 Aug 2007 Arena Coliseo, Guadalajara, Mexico
13 Win 12–0–1 Jesus Hernandez TKO 2 (10), 0:12 1 Jun 2007 Casino de los Fresnos, Tepic, Mexico
12 Win 11–0–1 Víctor Marquez KO 4 (10), 1:48 19 May 2007 Auditorio Benito Juarez, Guadalajara, Mexico
11 Win 10–0–1 Ivan Illescas KO 4 (10), 2:40 30 Mar 2007 Arena-Casino Los Fresnos, Tepic, Mexico
10 Win 9–0–1 Javier Martinez TKO 8 (10), 1:54 2 Mar 2007 Casino Los Fresnos, Tepic, Mexico
9 Win 8–0–1 Daniel Martinez KO 2 (8), 2:59 8 Dec 2006 Arena Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
8 Win 7–0–1 Francisco Villanueva KO 5 (6), 1:20 29 Sep 2006 Tonalá, Mexico
7 Win 6–0–1 Cristian Hernandez KO 2 (6), 0:34 15 Sep 2006 Guadalajara, Mexico
6 Win 5–0–1 Juan Hernandez KO 2 (6), 0:07 21 Jul 2006 Arena Coliseo, Guadalajara, Mexico
5 Draw 4–0–1 Jorge Juarez SD 4 17 Jun 2006 Auditorio Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico
4 Win 4–0 Pedro Lopez KO 1 (4), 2:33 10 Feb 2006 Men's Club, Guadalajara, Mexico
3 Win 3–0 Miguel Vázquez SD 4 20 Jan 2006 Guadalajara, Mexico
2 Win 2–0 Pablo Alvarado KO 2 (4), 2:25 26 Nov 2005 Arena Chololo Larios, Tonalá, Mexico
1 Win 1–0 Abraham Gonzalez TKO 4 (4), 0:18 29 Oct 2005 Arena Chololo Larios, Tonalá, Mexico

Boxing Titles and Achievements

Major World Titles

  • WBC light middleweight champion (154 lbs)
  • WBO light middleweight champion (154 lbs)
  • WBA (Super) middleweight champion (160 lbs)
  • WBC middleweight champion (160 lbs) (2 times)
  • IBF middleweight champion (160 lbs)
  • WBA (Super) super middleweight champion (168 lbs)
  • WBC super middleweight champion (168 lbs)
  • IBF super middleweight champion (168 lbs) (2 times)
  • WBO super middleweight champion (168 lbs)
  • WBO light heavyweight champion (175 lbs)

The Ring Magazine Titles

  • The Ring light middleweight champion (154 lbs)
  • The Ring middleweight champion (160 lbs) (2 times)
  • The Ring super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

Undisputed Titles

  • Undisputed super middleweight champion (168 lbs) (2 times)

Other Titles and Awards

  • Jalisco welterweight champion (147 lbs)
  • NABF welterweight champion (147 lbs)
  • WBO Latino welterweight champion (147 lbs)
  • Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year: 2019, 2021
  • Best Boxer ESPY Award: 2019

Images for kids

  • Saúl Álvarez

    Álvarez in 2017

  • Saúl Álvarez 2013

    Álvarez at Los Pinos, 2013

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Canelo Álvarez para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Canelo Álvarez Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.