Rising from humble beginnings in Guadalajara to global boxing superstardom, Canelo Álvarez has become a household name. With a powerful left hook and a magnetic presence, he’s dominated opponents and headlines around the world.
Balancing world titles with red carpets, his story extends beyond the ropes. His career has been marked by discipline and controversy, victories and ventures, while his private life often finds the spotlight just as much.
A symbol of national pride and international fame, he is more than just a boxer. As he steps into the ring or into the public eye, fans and critics alike follow each move, drawn to the complexity behind the gloves.
How old is Canelo Alvarez?
Born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, known professionally as Canelo Álvarez, is currently 34 years old. Despite his age, he continues to compete at the highest levels of boxing.
Canelo Alvarez poses with his championship belts at the end of the press conference during the press tour for his fight against Gennady Golovkin on June 27, 2022. (Source: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Despite his age, he remains at the pinnacle of the sport. He has expressed plans to retire at 38, aiming for 2029 as his final year in boxing. However, his wife, Fernanda, hopes he will continue until 40, as The Sun reported.
How tall is Canelo Alvarez?
Standing at 5 feet 7½ inches (171.5 cm), Álvarez may not tower over his opponents, but his stature has never been a hindrance. His compact frame contributes to his agility and power, allowing him to deliver devastating body shots and swift combinations.
In a sport where reach and height often dominate, his success across multiple weight classes showcases his adaptability and skill. His ability to close distances and fight effectively on the inside has been a hallmark of his fighting style.
What is Canelo Alvarez’s weight?
Álvarez’s career is marked by his versatility across weight divisions. He has competed in welterweight (147 lbs), light middleweight (154 lbs), middleweight (160 lbs), super middleweight (168 lbs) and light heavyweight (175 lbs).
Canelo Alvarez throws a left against Jaime Munguia in their super middleweight championship title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 04, 2024. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
His most notable achievement came in 2021 when he became the first and only boxer in history to become the undisputed super middleweight champion in the four-belt era. This accomplishment underscores his ability to maintain performance and power across varying weight classes.
Who is Canelo Alvarez married to?
Álvarez married Fernanda Gómez in 2021 and the couple shares a daughter named Maria. He also has two other children, Emily and Saul Adiel, from previous relationships. Despite his fame, he tends to keep his personal life private, focusing public attention on his professional achievements.
His family plays a significant role in his life, often attending his fights and supporting his career. His dedication to his family is evident in his desire to have his children witness his training and matches, creating lasting memories and a legacy beyond the ring.
Canelo Alvarez’s career highlights
- Winning his first world title (2011): At just 20 years old, Álvarez captured the WBC light middleweight title after defeating Matthew Hatton. It was the first glimpse of his championship pedigree, fought in Anaheim, California.
- Beating Shane Mosley (2012): Though Mosley was past his prime, the win gave Álvarez a boost in credibility. He dominated the veteran across 12 rounds, proving he could handle a crafty, experienced opponent on a big stage.
- Facing (and losing to) Floyd Mayweather (2013): In a pivotal moment, Álvarez suffered his first professional loss in a catchweight bout at 152 lbs. Though soundly outboxed, the experience against Mayweather sharpened his craft and deepened his tactical awareness.
- Capturing the middleweight crown vs. Miguel Cotto (2015): In a disciplined performance in Las Vegas, Canelo won a unanimous decision to take the lineal and WBC middleweight titles. The victory marked his arrival as a mature, composed fighter.
- Knocking out Amir Khan (2016): A brutal right hand in round six sent Khan to the canvas in a viral knockout. Though the fight was a mismatch in weight, it showcased Álvarez’s devastating power and timing.
- Conquering Gennady Golovkin (2018 and 2022): After a controversial draw in 2017, Álvarez edged “GGG” in the rematch, then clearly outpointed him in their third fight four years later. These fights defined a generation and proved Álvarez could thrive under pressure.
- Jumping to light heavyweight and defeating Sergey Kovalev (2019): Many doubted Canelo’s ability to carry his power up to 175 lbs, but he silenced critics with an 11th-round KO over the Russian champion to claim the WBO light heavyweight title.
- Undisputed super middleweight champion (2021): In an unprecedented run, Álvarez defeated Callum Smith (WBA, Ring), Billy Joe Saunders (WBO), and Caleb Plant (IBF) to become the first undisputed champion in super middleweight history in the four-belt era.
