Canelo Álvarez

Canelo Álvarez, born Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, is a Mexican professional boxer from Jalisco.

Canelo Álvarez, born Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, is a Mexican professional boxer from Jalisco. He has won world titles in four weight classes and became the first boxer to be undisputed super middleweight champion in 2021, later regaining that status in 2025. He is widely regarded as one of the leading pound-for-pound boxers of his era.

Early life and background

Canelo Álvarez was born on July 18, 1990, in San Agustín, Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in a boxing family. He began his professional boxing career at age 15, an unusually young start in the sport.

Professional career

Álvarez rose through multiple weight classes and won world championships at light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight. In 2011, he became the youngest boxer to win the WBC light middleweight title.

Undisputed super middleweight champion

In 2021, Álvarez defeated Caleb Plant to become the first undisputed super middleweight champion. He later regained undisputed status in the same division in 2025, further cementing his place in boxing history.

Legacy and recognition

Álvarez is considered one of the most accomplished boxers of his generation. His record includes major wins and long runs as a titleholder in several divisions, holding belts recognised by the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and The Ring.