I've seen some wild stuff in boxing over the years, but this one made me laugh out loud. Canelo Alvarez - the guy who's been trading punches professionally since he was literally a child - is getting pressure from his MODEL WIFE to keep fighting longer than he wants to. Talk about role reversal!
Let me back up. The Mexican superstar (who's now 34) has always said he'd hang up the gloves at 37. Seems reasonable after turning pro at FIFTEEN and now heading into his 67th professional fight this weekend against William Scull in Riyadh.
But apparently Fernanda has other ideas.
When Your Wife Wants You Punched in the Face (For Years Longer)
"Actually, my wife wants me to retire at 40!" Canelo told me during our conversation. "Imagine that, and I say 'No, I don't, I don't think so.' She likes to see me fighting and all that kind of stuff."
This is the same woman who married him in 2021 after an on-again-off-again relationship that started a decade earlier. The same woman who watches him get punched for a living and thinks, "Yes, six more years of this please!"
Her reasoning is actually kinda sweet, though.
"She wants to have more kids and she wants the other kids to see me in training and seeing what I do in the training camps," Canelo explained. His response? "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: Nice try, honey.
The Dad Behind teh Punches
What struck me during our chat was how much Canelo's identity as a father shapes everything. The boxing legend has three children - Emily (17), Saul Adiel, and Maria - each with different mothers. His youngest, Maria, is with Fernanda.
God. The way he talked about his kids watching him fight... it hit different.
"They get a little bit nervous, you know, they get a little bit nervous but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have," he said, his face softening noticeably.
"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. And I say, 'Don't worry, that's why I'm here training for and doing my best here in training camp so that doesn't happen.'"
Do His Kids Even Realize Who He IS?
I asked Canelo if his children understand his massive fame and place in boxing history. His answer surprised me.
"I think they realise a little bit, but not the magnitude of what I do or what I am in boxing. Maybe my older daughter, obviously she's 17, so she already realised how big I am. But my other kids Adel and Maria, maybe they realise a little bit."
Imagine being one of the greatest boxers on the planet and your kids just think you're... Dad. There's something beautiful about that.
The Jake Paul Fiasco (As Told By a 7-Year-Old)
Speaking of his kids not fully grasping his status - this story killed me.
Remember when there were serious talks about Canelo fighting YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul back in May? Negotiations were apparently pretty far along for a May 3 bout in Vegas before Canelo walked away and signed his four-fight Saudi deal instead.
Well, word got back to little Maria through the elementary school grapevine.
"Maybe her friends told her about the fight," Canelo explained, clearly amused. "Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it - because they don't know anything about boxing."
"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."
I can just picture this little girl coming home concerned: "Daddy, are you fighting Jake Paul???"
His response was perfect: "He's not on my level my love, don't worry!"
Twenty. Freaking. Years.
It's easy to forget that Canelo has been doing this for TWO DECADES already. His first pro fight was when most kids are worried about getting their driver's license. Now he's fighting outside North America for the first time ever, taking on Scull in Saudi Arabia (airing on DAZN early Sunday morning for us in the States).
And he swears he still loves it.
"I enjoy it a lot. Believe me, it's not that I don't be here anymore," he insisted. "I still enjoy this kind of thing, I'm gonna fight outside of United States and Mexico. So for me, it's something I really want in my career for many years. So that motivates myself a lot."
After this, he's expected to face Terence Crawford in September in Vegas. That's part of his four-fight deal with Saudi's Turki Alalshikh - the deal that replaced what would have been the Jake Paul circus.
When I asked if he regretted walking away from the Paul fight (which would've been a massive payday), he 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."
Sounds like a man who knows exactly what he wants... even if his wife has other ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role do managers, promoters and agents play in a pro boxer’s career?
Promoters and managers play an important role in a boxer’s professional career. Managers are in charge of guiding a boxer's professional career, negotiating contracts and managing the boxer’s business affairs. The managers also help the boxer to choose the best fights, and look after his interests. Promoters focus their efforts on organizing events, marketing the fights, and attracting sponsor and audience attention.
How long usually does it take for a person to become professional boxer.
The time required to become a boxer professional can be very different. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual's skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some people may develop more quickly while others will take more time.
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. The sport requires mental toughness, resilience, and the ability of handling pressure. Mental preparation involves stress management techniques and developing an aggressive mindset in order to overcome the challenges of the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.
What equipment do you need to get started 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. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. It is essential to use equipment that provides protection and durability. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of injury.
What does it take to start training for professional boxing?
For someone to train professionally in boxing, they need to be disciplined, physically fit and willing to learn. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. It's imperative to join a reputable boxing gym with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of professional competition. Novice boxers typically undergo a rigorous regimen of conditioning, technique drills, and sparring to develop their skills before considering competition.
What should one look for when hiring a boxing or training coach?
When seeking a boxing coach or trainer, one should look for experience, a successful track record with other boxers, compatibility in coaching style, and a deep understanding of the sport's technical and strategic aspects. A good trainer will emphasize safety, fitness, and personal development. Additionally, it is essential to have a coach who communicates effectively and motivates you to reach your full potential in boxing.
How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?
Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. Amateur boxers must build a track record by participating in local and regional competitions. The key is to get a professional boxing certificate and work with managers and trainers that can guide you in your career and help secure professional bouts.
Statistics
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
External Links
How To
How to Master the Different Boxing Punches
It is essential to learn a variety punches in order to have a successful professional boxing career. Work on the fundamental punches such as the jab, cross, hook, and uppercut. Each punch requires different body mechanics. Concentrate on precision and technique rather than force. Use a heavier bag to develop power and practice combos, while a speedbag will improve your timing and hand/eye coordination. You can benefit from shadowboxing, which focuses on precision punches. Also, getting feedback during mitt work outs is invaluable.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/from-boxing-gloves-to-tennis-rackets-david-hayes-son-carves-his-own-path-at-17
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