Canelo's 32nd birthday: Which fight launched him to stardom?
On July 18, 1990, one of the most successful boxers in Mexican and world boxing history was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco: Saúl Canelo Álvarez.
The current Super Middleweight World Champion was baptized with the name of Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, and since he was very young he already felt an interest in boxing, even more so after one of his older brothers, Rigoberto, also opted for the art of boxing.
Canelo Alvarez: I'm in the running to be the best in history
His beginnings as an amateur
El Canelo began his amateur career at the age of 13, and after winning a gold medal at the 2005 Junior Olympics, he made his professional debut a few months later, on October 29, 2005, at the age of 15 years and three months, defeating Abraham Gonzalez by knockout in four rounds.
Alvarez finished his amateur career undefeated with a record of 53 wins in 53 fights, with 38 fights won by knockout, and as a professional his career had a dizzying rise.
Canelo Alvarez: I'm in the running to be the best in history
One of his most important triumphs was on May 1, 2010, when at the age of 20 he defeated Puerto Rican José Miguel Cotto in nine rounds by technical knockout... at that time the spotlight began to focus on the young fighter from Guadalajara, who was already part of Goden Boy Promotions, owned by Oscar de la Hoya.
The day that changed history for Canelo
Despite a career full of successes, the day Alvarez rose to stardom was March 5, 2011, when he defeated Britain's Matthew Hatton at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, to become world champion for the first time.
Canelo won by unanimous decision to win the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight title, the first in his illustrious career.
Despite being the owner of a world title belt, many people doubted Canelo's abilities, but he struck another blow of authority on May 5, 2012.
In Alvarez's first headliner, he outpointed veteran and now Hall of Famer Shane Mosley to defend the WBC Super Welterweight belt. Although that fight also went to judges' decision, Alvarez dominated Mosley from start to finish.
Canelo's current status
It has been more than ten years since people have been talking about Canelo when it comes to boxing, and although two defeats have come in his career, one against Floyd Mayweather in 2013, and the most recent just last May 7 against Russian Dmitry Bivol, no one can deny that Alvarez is still one of boxing's most recognizable figures.
Canelo's next engagement will be on September 17 when he will fight for the third time against Gennady Golovkin, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
And not just talking about boxing, the reality is that Canelo is a worldwide figure and is always in the spotlight. It doesn't matter if you are a boxing fan or not, everyone knows who Saúl Canelo Álvarez is.
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