Canelo's Promise to His Daughter: "Don't Worry Baby, I Train So Nobody Hurts Me"

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 6 mins read 53 Views

God. Being ringside at a Canelo fight is intense enough as a fan - imagine being his CHILD. The thought of watching your dad potentially get his face rearranged while thousands scream... that's therapy material right there.

I interviewed boxing's red-headed cash cow last week, and honestly, the most fascinating part wasn't about his upcoming Riyadh showdown with Scull or teh Crawford mega-fight looming in September. It was how this dude - with all his machismo and knockout power - melts completely when talking about his kids.

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The Nervous Little Faces at Ringside

Canelo has three children with three different women (messy personal life? welcome to boxing). His oldest daughter Emily is 17, then there's Maria who's 7, and little Saul Adiel who's 6. All three are regulars at his fights, but it's Maria who apparently gets the most worked up.

"They get a little bit nervous, but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have," Canelo told me, switching between his accented English and occasional Spanish phrases I pretended to understand.

Then he got weirdly vulnerable. "Maria is the one with more nervous on herself because she says that she don't want somebody to hurt me or something like that."

His solution? A simple promise before every fight: "Don't worry, that's why I'm here training and doing my best here in training camp so that doesn't happen."

Listen. Coming from a guy who's made millions turning other men's lights out, there's something oddly touching about that.

From Teen Dad to Boxing Legend

Canelo's family timeline is... complicated. He had Emily when he was just 16 (with Karen Beltran). Then came Maria with his current wife Fernanda in 2017, and Saul Adiel with Nadia Sepulveda in 2019.

The timeline makes my head hurt. Especially since he was apparently dating Fernanda "on and off" for over a decade before finally marrying her in 2021. Boxing journalists usually gloss over this stuff, but c'mon - it's fascinating.

When Your 7-Year-Old Asks If You're Fighting Jake Paul...

I nearly spit out my coffee when Canelo told me this story. Apparently, word got back to little Maria about the potential Jake Paul fight (which was actually in serious negotiations for May 3 in Vegas before Canelo walked).

"Her friends told her about the fight. Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it - because they don't know anything about boxing," he explained, clearly annoyed.

"That kind of people don't know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it's levels in boxing."

Then came the punchline: "And that's why my daughter told me, 'You're gonna fight with Jake Paul?' And I said, 'He's not on my level my love, don't worry!'"

I'm picturing this conversation happening over breakfast cereal and it's killing me.

Retirement? His Wife Has Other Plans

At 34, Canelo has mentioned wanting to retire around 37. But apparently his wife Fernanda has different ideas.

"My wife wants me to retire at 40! Imagine that, and I say 'No, I don't, I don't think so.'"

The reason? She wants to have MORE kids (because three isn't enough?) and wants the younger ones to experience seeing their dad in training camp.

Canelo's response was classic: "But I say to her, you know, they're gonna see me in another areas of my life, in my business and that kind of stuff, but we'll see."

Translation: "I'm not getting punched in the head till I'm 40 just so our hypothetical future children can watch me skip rope."

The $200M Saudi Deal That Saved Us From Jake Paul

Back in January, I was among the boxing writers who nearly had an aneurysm when serious talks emerged about Canelo-Paul. Thank god for Turki Alalshikh and his bottomless Saudi checkbook.

The four-fight deal Canelo signed instead is rumored to be worth over $200 million. It starts with Scull in May (Canelo's first fight outside North America), then likely Crawford in September.

When I asked if he regretted walking away from the Paul circus, Canelo just smiled.

"I'm very happy. Things happen for a reason and I'm happy with this and I'm gonna enjoy it as much as I can."

Emily, his oldest, probably understands what those fights mean financially. The younger ones? They just know dad's gonna be on TV again, promising them nobody will hurt him.

And if you've seen Canelo fight, you know that's one promise he almost always keeps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is physical fitness in professional boxing?

Professional boxing demands a high level physical conditioning. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers are required to follow a fitness regimen that includes anaerobic and aerobic exercises, resistance and strength training, as well as flexibility workouts. A boxer's performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.

What kind of diet should a novice boxer follow?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. A mix of carbohydrates is best for energy, lean protein to repair and build muscle, and healthy fats to improve overall health. Also, vitamins and minerals, as well as hydration, are important. Consulting a nutritionist who specializes in sports can help create a custom diet plan for boxers that matches their training and weight-class targets.

What is required for a professional boxer to begin?

Equipment essential for those who want to get into professional boxing include boxing gloves, mouthguards, headgears (for sparring) and the right footwear. Training aids such as heavy bags, speed bags, double-end bags, and other training tools are crucial for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

How long does it take to become an elite boxer?

The time to become professional boxer can differ greatly. It depends on a person's ability, adaptability, and quality of training. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some talents will develop faster than others.

What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?

In choosing a boxing instructor or coach, you should consider their experience, track record, coaching style compatibility, and understanding of technical and tactical aspects. A good trainer also stresses safety, conditioning, as well as personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.

Is it possible to learn boxing professionally for anyone?

Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. Boxing is a sport that requires a special combination of physical strength, mental toughness, talent and dedication. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A thorough screening by a boxing trainer can determine whether someone has the potential to pursue a career in professional boxing.

How do boxers control their weight and maintain their weight classes?

Boxers maintain their weight with a combination of strict diets, and training. Nutritionists help them develop a plan to reach their target weight without compromising nutrition or energy. It is important to maintain a regular exercise routine and check your weight regularly, especially as you approach a fight. Weight management, when done wrong, can lead health issues and poor performance.

Statistics

Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.

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How To

How to Pick the Right Boxing Trainer

It is important to choose the right boxing instructor if you want to achieve your professional goals. Search for a trainer who has experience in coaching successful boxers. They should also emphasize technique, safety, as well as a customized approach tailored to your individual needs. Observing their interaction with current fighters and noting their communication style and dedication can guide your decision. A good coach is not only a teacher, but will also motivate and inspire you to achieve your full potential in the ring.