Canelo Alvarez has won multiple titles across several weight divisions. Nevertheless, one of his most accomplished compatriots has left him off the list of Mexico’s greatest pugilists.

Mexico has a rich boxing history, producing some of the sport’s most iconic names. For many fans, Julio Cesar Chavez is still regarded as the best of all time, but Canelo Alvarez has built a strong case to challenge that status.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has had an outstanding career. He’s moved up and down in weight classes to collect championship belts in various divisions. Yet, despite his accomplishments, not everyone sees him as Mexico’s greatest boxer.

Juan Manuel Marquez leaves Canelo off his all-time Mexican boxing list

Over the course of his career, Canelo Alvarez has faced several elite opponents. However, critics argue that many of them were past their prime when they met him in the ring—claiming he capitalized on timing rather than taking on fighters at their peak.

While it’s true that Alvarez has avoided certain opponents at their best, his collection of titles across four weight classes still cements his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.

Still, not everyone agrees.

In a surprising move, Juan Manuel Marquez, an eight-time world champion, excluded Canelo Alvarez from his list of the best Mexican boxers of all time—a decision that has sparked widespread debate.

“Difficult,” Marquez said for ProBox in 2022 on who were the best Mexican boxers ever. “Mexico’s boxing history is very rich. It’s hard to name just five. Ruben Olivares, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, Salvador Sanchez, to name a few. (Marco Antonio) Barrera, (Erik) Morales, Chavez. I put myself at the end.

“Julio Cesar Chavez is number one. There’s also Ruben Olivares, Ricardo Lopez. It’s hard to name five, but number one is Julio Cesar Chavez. ‘La Chiquita’ Gonzalez as well.”

Marquez’s list is certainly respectable, but fans have begun to question whether his omission of Canelo is rooted in a personal rivalry or deeper differences. Whatever the reason, the snub has reignited the debate over who truly deserves to be called the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.