God. I hate to be the bearer of bad news for British boxing fans, but Canelo Alvarez isn't done smashing your heroes just yet. The man practically collects UK fighters like I collect parking tickets.
When I interviewed him last week, he had this smirk on his face that told me everything I needed to know. The kind of smile that says "I'm about to say something that'll make your headline writers very happy."
And he did.
Eight Brits Down... Who's Next?
Let's count 'em up: Matthew Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Amir Khan (remember that brutal KO in 2016?), Liam Smith, Callum Smith, Rocky Fielding, Billy Joe Saunders, and John Ryder. Eight British fighters who've all discovered what it feels like to share a ring with Mexico's finest.
Poor Billy Joe. That eye socket shattered like a dropped wine glass back in 2021. Haven't seen him in a professional ring since. Some injuries change careers forever.
When I mentioned to Canelo that British fans call him the "Brit Basher," he actually laughed. Didn't even try to deny it.
"I'm sorry to say that," he told me with zero actual remorse in his voice, "but I'm gonna continue to do it if somebody pays me!"
The Eubank Jr Situation... Complicated Much?
Chris Eubank Jr seems to be next on Canelo's hit list. But first, he's got that whole Conor Benn situation to handle at Tottenham this Saturday. A grudge match that's been brewing for what feels like forever.
The whole thing got even spicier when Turki Alalshikh (that Saudi boxing kingpin who's throwing money around like confetti at a wedding) dangled Canelo as teh prize for whoever wins. Talk about raising the stakes!
Back in 2019, I would've laughed at the idea of Eubank Jr ever sharing a ring with someone of Canelo's caliber. Now? It's actually on the table. Boxing is weird like that.
Wait... Canelo Actually WANTS to Fight in the UK?
This surprised me. The man who's made millions fighting exclusively in North America actually dreams of coming to British soil. Not to vacation—to fight.
When I pushed him on this, Canelo got almost wistful: "I'm focused 100 per cent on this fight but it's something I'm always dreaming in my life."
"I don't know who or what fighter I'm gonna face, but I'm always dreaming in my career of fighting in UK. For sure for me would be crazy to go there and fight in front of everybody there. I actually like it a lot."
Golf Clubs & Boxing Gloves
Funny thing about Canelo that most casual fans don't realize—the man is obsessed with golf. Like, properly obsessed. Has a handicap of ten, which is pretty impressive for someone whose day job involves getting punched in the face.
When I mentioned the UK's famous golf courses might be an added attraction, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Perfect, that's all I need. Fight and golf!" he beamed.
The Road Ahead Looks... Expensive
At 34, Canelo isn't slowing down. He's facing William Scull on May 4 in Riyadh (his first fight outside North America), and then there's talk of that super-fight against Terence Crawford in September.
What's wild is that he actually walked away from a potential Jake Paul fight to sign this four-bout deal with Alalshikh. Yeah, THAT Jake Paul. The YouTuber-turned-boxer who somehow managed to get into serious negotiations with one of boxing's all-time greats.
I spent $230 on tickets to a Paul fight last year just to see what the fuss was about. Still can't believe I did that. Even more unbelievable that Canelo was actually considering it.
When I asked about the collapsed Paul negotiations, Canelo just shrugged it off: "I'm very happy. Things happen for a reason adn I'm happy with this and I'm gonna enjoy it as much as I can."
Translation: "I found someone who'll pay me even more money to fight actual boxers."
The Brutal Truth for British Boxing
Listen. If you're a British fighter in or around Canelo's weight class, you might want to consider a career change. The man has made it clear—he's happy to add more UK scalps to his collection if the price is right.
And based on his track record? It won't end well for whoever steps up.
Just ask the eight who came before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is physical conditioning in professional boxing?
Professional boxing requires a high level of physical conditioning. The sport demands that athletes have high levels in strength, speed, stamina, and agility. Professional boxers are required to follow a fitness regimen that includes anaerobic and aerobic exercises, resistance and strength training, as well as flexibility workouts. The ability of a boxer to train and perform effectively is compromised without a superior level of physical conditioning.
How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?
In order to transition from amateur boxing into professional, there is a major increase in the intensity of competitions, training and mental prep. A boxer who wants to become a professional must have a solid track record. This is usually achieved by competing in local and national competitions. It is crucial to acquire a boxing license, and align yourself with experienced trainers and managers who can guide your career decisions and secure you professional bouts.
What equipment is essential for someone starting in professional boxing?
Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. It's crucial to use quality equipment that offers protection and durability, as subpar gear can increase the risk of injury.
What kind diet should an amateur boxer follow to improve their performance?
A novice boxer should follow a nutritionally balanced diet that fuels intense workouts and fosters recovery. It is usually recommended to consume carbohydrates for energy as well as lean proteins that promote muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats should also be consumed for good health. Vitamins and minerals are also essential. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.
What age can you learn to box professionally?
Professional boxing does have age restrictions. Most boxing organizations require boxers to be 18 years old or older before they can fight professionally. Although there is not a set age limit for the upper age bracket, factors like physical capability and health will naturally limit what age one can safely and effectively compete. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.
What are the risks of professional boxing?
As with any contact sport there are inherent risks in professional boxing. There are many acute injuries that may occur, including head trauma and fractures. Chronic conditions can also develop, such a concussions. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to boxing regulations help mitigate risks, but they can never be fully eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.
Can anyone learn to box professionally?
Boxing is a sport that many people can enjoy, but not everyone has what it takes for them to compete on a professional stage. Professional boxing requires a unique blend of talent, physical abilities, mental toughness, and dedication. Prospective boxers must also be willing to face the inherent risks of the sport. A thorough evaluation by a trainer will help determine the potential of a person to have a successful career in boxing.
Statistics
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
External Links
How To
Start training for professional boxing
To begin your professional boxing journey, you will need to be committed and have a strategy in place. Find a reputable boxing club with trainers that have had experience in coaching professional fighters. You can start by building a solid foundation with the fundamentals of stance, footwork and correct punching techniques. Exercises such as cardio, weight training and flexibility are important for early conditioning. Additionally, immerse yourself in the sport by studying professional fights and learning from the best, being diligent about practice, and staying consistent with your training regimen.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/beefy-smiths-last-stand-veteran-faces-unbeaten-mckenna-at-spurs-stadium-this-weekend
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