Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is still in the thick of his Hall of Fame-bound career, but that’s not stopping his country from honoring him with lifelong, legacy-defining adulation. (photo by Team Canelo)
A statue of Alvarez was erected in Juanacatlán, Mexico and presented to the public during an unveiling ceremony on Monday.
“It is a great honor for me to be recognized in the place that saw me grow and made me the person I am today,” Alvarez wrote in an Instagram post. “Thanks to the government of Juanacatlán for this recognition and to all the people who attended.”
Alvarez elaborated on the honor during the unveiling.
“I’m proud of being here, with all the people that made this possible, to build a statue in my honor. I’m proud, and it’s proof that dreams come true,” said Alvarez.
The 32-year-old Alvarez turned professional in 2005 and has racked up 58 wins (39 KOs) with two losses and two draws. Alvarez has won world championships at 154, 160, 168, and 175 pounds.
The generational superstar has beaten the likes of Gennady Golovkin twice (one draw as well), Caleb Plant, Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith, Sergey Kovalev, Daniel Jacobs, Rocky Fielding, Julio César Chávez Jr., Liam Smith, Amir Khan, Miguel Cotto, James Kirkland, Erislandy Lara, Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Josesito López, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintrón, and Matthew Hatton.
Alvarez’s two losses were to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol earlier this year.
Alvarez is currently recovering from left wrist surgery, and he’s previously stated that he plans on returning to fight in May.
One opponent that has been top of mind in recent conversations has been Britishman John Ryder.
Alvarez added some clarity to his future on Monday as well.
“It would be interesting to fight with [Ryder] in London, because he is from there, it would be a very big fight,” said Alvarez. “But the truth is that I haven’t talked about that, and have not negotiated an opponent yet. I’m focused on the rehabilitation of my hand, and see how I feel in January. And see what the doctor tells me.
“The doctor, before coming to Mexico, checked my hand, and told me that everything is going well, and that I can start to punch with it. So, we will see if it’s Ryder, or if it is any other opponent, I don’t mind.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
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