Canelo Alvarez is Still the King of Boxing

By Tim Burke September 16, 2024 14:04

Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Canelo Alvarez's fights on Mexican Independence Day have become a cherished tradition in the boxing world. On September 14th, the boxing legend continued this tradition, facing off against the undefeated Edgar Berlanga at MGM's T-Mobile Arena.

In typical Canelo fashion, he dominated the opposition, scoring a knockdown in round three and being awarded a 117-110, 118-109, 118-109 unanimous decision victory to improve to 62-2-2 in his professional career.

"I am the best fighter in the world." Canelo declared in his post-fight interview following his victory.

Canelo Alvarez has been on Pay-Per-Views for over a decade. He is, without question, the most popular boxer in the world today. His 18.8 million Instagram followers are the most by an active professional boxer.

With that level of popularity, criticism often follows, especially in the combat sports world.

"Competition is competition. You should fight the best guy in the division, period. That best guy has moved up to 175 who is Benavidez. I do not think we will ever see the fight. I do not know. However, I do not like it. It is not right." Timothy Bradley emphatically stated on ProBox TV before Canelo vs Berlanga.

This comes with the terror of being the most famous fighter in the world. Floyd Mayweather experienced the same thing while he was king of the sport.

Canelo is the king of the sport because he is the most accomplished fighter. He is a five-division champion who has defeated 20 world champions and became undisputed champion at Super Middleweight in less than a year, a testament to his dominance and impact in the sport.

At the age of 34 and after 66 professional fights, Canelo is still seeking difficult fights.

"When I spoke to Canelo yesterday, he says he wants Dmitri Bivol next" Mike Coppinger stated on ESPN's State of Boxing on Saturday.

Dmitry Bivol is the only fighter to beat Canelo Alvarez in the last ten years and is number 4 pound for pound boxer on the planet according to ESPN.

Bivol is the toughest opponent for Canelo Alvarez and he is seeking the toughest fight out there.

Bivol will be fighting Artur Beterbiev on October 12th for the undisputed title at light heavyweight. If Bivol wins, and Canelo moves up to face him, he couuld become the third fighter in history to become undisputed in two weight classes.

Canelo Alvarez's continued dominance in boxing, exemplified by his recent victory over Edgar Berlanga, underscores his status as the sport's leading figure and his relentless pursuit of challenging opponents, including a potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol. As he aims to become the third fighter in history to achieve undisputed champion status in two weight classes, Alvarez's legacy as a five-division champion and his commitment to facing the best in the sport remain firmly established. After 66 fights and a 18 year professional boxing career, Canelo is still the sports king.