History of Canelo Álvarez in Timeline

Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez is a highly accomplished Mexican professional boxer. He has achieved world championships across four weight divisions, ranging from light middleweight to light heavyweight, and has unified titles in three. Notably, in 2021, he made history as the first undisputed super middleweight champion and then became a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion in May 2025. He has also held The Ring magazine's super middleweight title since 2020.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Attendance Record Set

In 1978, the boxing match between Leon Spinks and Muhammad Ali II set an attendance record for an indoor boxing match in US history.

July 1990: Canelo Álvarez Born

On July 1990, Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, known as Canelo Álvarez, was born. He is a Mexican professional boxer.

Others born on this day/year

2002: PPV success outside Mayweather, Pacquiao, or De La Hoya

According to HBO, the Canelo fight generated 900,000 buys on PPV. This was the first time since 2002 that a PPV generated 900,000 buys without Mayweather, Pacquiao, or De La Hoya, the last time being Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson.

2003: Marisol González Miss Mexico Universe

In 2003, Marisol González, Canelo Álvarez's former fiancée, was Miss Mexico Universe and a sports reporter for Televisa Deportes.

2004: Silver Medal at Junior Mexican National Championships

In 2004, Álvarez won the silver medal at the Junior Mexican National Championships held in Sinaloa.

2005: Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion

In 2005, Álvarez became the Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion in Tuxtla Gutiérrez at the age of 15.

January 2006: Win Over Miguel Vázquez

On 20 January 2006, Álvarez secured a win over future IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vázquez in his hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco.

June 2008: Rematch Victory and Family Boxing History

On 28 June 2008, Álvarez defeated Miguel Vázquez again in a rematch. On the same fight card, Álvarez and his six brothers made world history by all fighting on the same night, marking a unique family achievement.

March 2010: KO Victory Over Brian Camechis

On 6 March 2010, Álvarez achieved a crushing third-round KO over Brian Camechis in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas.

2010: Establishment of Canelo Promotions

In 2010, Canelo Álvarez established his boxing promotion company, Canelo Promotions, with his trainers Chepo and Eddy Reynoso as business partners.

March 2011: WBC Light Middleweight Title Victory

On 5 March 2011, Álvarez defeated Matthew Hatton via unanimous decision for the vacant WBC light middleweight belt in a bout televised on HBO from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

June 2011: WBC Title Defense Against Ryan Rhodes

On 18 June 2011, Álvarez successfully defended his WBC title against Ryan Rhodes via TKO in the twelfth round in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

September 2011: WBC Title Defense Against Alfonso Gómez

On 17 September 2011, Álvarez successfully defended his WBC title against Alfonso Gómez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, winning via TKO in the sixth round.

2011: WBC Light Middleweight Title

In 2011, at the age of 20, Álvarez became the youngest boxer to claim the World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight title.

February 2012: Mosley Announced as Opponent

On 11 February 2012, Shane Mosley was announced as Álvarez's next opponent in May for his WBC light middleweight title.

May 2012: Mayweather's Light Middleweight Title

In May 2012, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won the light middleweight title by outpointing Miguel Cotto.

May 2012: Paul Williams Motorcycle Accident

On 27 May 2012, Paul Williams, who was originally set to fight Álvarez, was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, ending his boxing career.

September 2012: Potential Opponents Considered

In September 2012, after Paul Williams' accident, potential opponents for Álvarez's bout were considered, including James Kirkland, Austin Trout, Delvin Rodriguez, and Victor Ortiz.

April 2013: Fight Against Austin Trout

On 20 April 2013, Álvarez fought against Austin Trout at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

September 2013: Contract Disagreement with Mayweather

In September 2013, a contract disagreement between Álvarez and Floyd Mayweather Jr. regarding their potential fight led Álvarez to headline his own card.

September 2013: Fight Against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

On 14 September 2013, Álvarez, the unified WBA (Regular) and WBC champion, fought against Floyd Mayweather Jr. at a catchweight of 152 lbs for Álvarez's WBC and Ring light middleweight titles and Mayweather's WBA (Super) light middleweight title.

2013: Canelo Promotions Representing Boxers

As of 2013, Canelo Promotions represented 40 boxers throughout Mexico.

2013: Reynoso's Statement on Unverified Fights

In 2013, the elder Reynoso stated that Álvarez had fought ten more times in his early career, winning all ten by knockout, though these fights were poorly documented.

2013: WBA and Ring Titles Victory

In 2013, Álvarez beat Austin Trout to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Unified version) and Ring titles.

2013: First Professional Loss Since 2013

In May 2022, Canelo Álvarez suffered his first professional loss since 2013 against Dmitry Bivol, ending a 16-fight unbeaten streak.

January 2014: Fight Deal with Alfredo Angulo

On 9 January 2014, a deal was confirmed for a fight between Álvarez and Alfredo Angulo to take place on 8 March 2014.

March 2014: Catchweight and Purse Agreement

In March 2014, Álvarez's fight with Alfredo Angulo took place at a catchweight of 155 lbs. Álvarez paid $100,000 of his purse to Angulo, and agreed to weigh no more than 168 lbs on fight night. Álvarez won by tenth-round stoppage.

July 2014: Fight Against Erislandy Lara

On 12 July 2014, Álvarez fought Erislandy Lara at the MGM Grand in a non-title match at a 155-pound catchweight, with Álvarez winning by split decision.

January 2015: Álvarez and Kirkland agree to fight

In January 2015, Oscar De La Hoya announced that Canelo Álvarez and James Kirkland had agreed to a non-title light middleweight bout. The date was not set due to the upcoming Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao fight.

May 2015: Álvarez defeats Kirkland via KO

On May 9, 2015, Álvarez defeated James Kirkland via third-round KO at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, live on HBO. The win set up a future mega PPV fight between Álvarez and Miguel Cotto. The fight drew high viewership on HBO.

November 2015: Álvarez wins WBC and Ring middleweight titles

On November 21, 2015, Canelo Álvarez won the WBC and Ring middleweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Miguel Cotto at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight took place at a catchweight of 155 lbs at Cotto's request. Two months later, the WBC awarded Álvarez the WBC Diamond middleweight title.

May 2016: Álvarez vacates WBC title, calls out Golovkin

In May 2016, after defeating Khan, Álvarez and his team invited Gennady "GGG" Golovkin into the ring to promote a future fight. Álvarez stated, "Let's fight now." On May 18, 2016, Álvarez vacated the WBC title, which was then awarded to Golovkin.

May 2016: Álvarez defeats Amir Khan via KO

On May 7, 2016, Canelo Álvarez fought British boxer Amir Khan at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, for Álvarez's WBC and Ring middleweight titles. Álvarez won by a knockout in the sixth round. The fight generated a live gate of $7,417,350 from 13,072 tickets sold, and drew close to 600,000 PPV buys.

September 2016: Álvarez to fight Liam Smith for WBO title

On June 24, 2016, it was announced that Álvarez would challenge WBO champion Liam Smith on September 17, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Álvarez expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming fight.

December 2016: Negotiations begin for Álvarez vs. Chávez Jr.

In December 2016, following Julio César Chávez Jr.'s comeback win, negotiations began for a potential fight between him and Álvarez to take place in 2017. Chávez Sr. claimed Golden Boy offered a small amount for the fight and demanded a 30-35% revenue share.

2016: WBC and Ring Middleweight Titles & WBO Title

In 2016, Álvarez defeated Miguel Cotto to win the WBC and Ring middleweight titles, and he also returned to light middleweight to beat Liam Smith for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title.

January 2017: Álvarez and Chávez Jr. negotiate fight terms

In January 2017, Álvarez's team gave Chávez Jr. a week to accept a $7 million purse for a potential fight. Chávez Jr. claimed he agreed to all demands, including a 164.5 lbs weight limit and a $6 million base purse.

May 2017: Álvarez vs. Chávez Jr. fight confirmed and sold out

In early 2017, specifically January 13, Canelo Álvarez officially confirmed his fight with Julio César Chávez Jr. to take place on May 6, 2017, with a rematch clause if Chávez Jr. wins. By March 3, the fight was announced as a sell-out with 20,000 tickets sold.

July 2017: Golovkin fight details

On July 7 2017, Golden Boy and K2 Promotions individually announced the tickets had sold out for the Golovkin fight.

September 2017: Álvarez to fight Gennady Golovkin

Immediately after the Chávez Jr. fight, Álvarez announced he would next fight Gennady Golovkin on September 16, 2017. Golovkin joined him in the ring to promote their upcoming bout, stating it would be a "big drama show."

September 2017: Potential fight with Golovkin

In December 2016 De La Hoya said a fight with Golovkin would still be likely for September 2017.

December 2017: Golovkin Open to Fighting in December

In December 2017, Golovkin was open to fighting again and Golden Boy would wait until after David Lemieux and Billy Joe Saunders fought for the latter's WBO title on December 16, 2017, before making a decision.

2017: Draw Aftermath

Following the fight in 2017, Golovkin and Álvarez expressed differing views on the outcome, with Golovkin maintaining he still held the belts and Álvarez believing he won the fight. Álvarez ruled out another fight in 2017, while Golovkin wanted to fight again in December.

2017: Draw Against Gennady Golovkin

In 2017, Álvarez fought unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin to a split draw.

January 2018: Rematch Announced

In January 2018, HBO announced the rematch between Álvarez and Golovkin would take place in May on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

March 2018: Álvarez Suspended After Positive Drug Test

In March 2018, Álvarez tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol and was temporarily suspended by the NSAC. MGM Resorts International offered refunds for tickets purchased for the bout. Álvarez officially withdrew from the rematch.

May 2018: Álvarez Plans Return

In May 2018, Canelo Álvarez planned to return to the ring on Cinco de Mayo weekend, after his controversial draw with Golovkin.

May 2018: Rematch Discussions

In May 2018, the rematch was likely to take place in the first week, or in March if a deal could be worked out. Álvarez stated he would next fight in May 2018, whereas Golovkin was open to fighting in December 2017.

August 2018: Negotiations and Rematch Confirmation

In August 2018, despite failed negotiations between Golovkin and De La Hoya, terms were agreed and the fight would take place on September 15 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

August 2018: Álvarez Suspension Ends

In August 2018, Álvarez's six-month suspension ended, and his promoter announced his return to the ring on Mexican Independence Day weekend.

October 2018: Move to Super Middleweight and DAZN Deal

In October 2018, Álvarez announced his move to the super middleweight division to fight Rocky Fielding in December. Also in October 2018, he signed a five-year, $365 million deal with DAZN.

December 2018: Fight against Rocky Fielding

In December 2018, Álvarez fought against Rocky Fielding at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, for the WBA (Regular) super middleweight title.

2018: Victory Over Gennady Golovkin

In 2018, Álvarez beat Gennady Golovkin in a rematch, becoming the WBA (Super version), WBC, and Ring middleweight champion.

January 2019: Return to Middleweight Division

In January 2019, Álvarez announced he would return to the middleweight division to face Daniel Jacobs.

February 2019: Avni Yıldırım's Last Fight

In February 2019, Avni Yıldırım had last been in the ring when he lost a technical split decision to Anthony Dirrell.

May 2019: Unification Fight Against Daniel Jacobs

In May 2019, Álvarez was scheduled to face Daniel Jacobs in an attempt to unify middleweight titles.

July 2019: Negotiations to Fight Sergey Kovalev

In July 2019, negotiations started for Álvarez to fight Sergey Kovalev for a fight in October 2019, that would see Álvarez make his light heavyweight debut.

October 2019: Potential Fight with Sergey Kovalev

In October 2019, there was a potential fight with Sergey Kovalev for Álvarez, which would be approved by DAZN.

November 2, 2019: Fight Against Sergey Kovalev

On November 2, 2019, Álvarez and Kovalev fought at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with Álvarez moving up in weight to become a four-division world champion.

November 7, 2019: Ranked as World's Best Boxer

From November 7, 2019, Álvarez was ranked by The Ring as the world's best boxer, pound for pound.

2019: Fighter of the Year

For his 2019 campaign, Álvarez was named fighter of the year by The Ring Magazine, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

2019: WBA Super Middleweight and IBF Middleweight Titles

In 2019, Álvarez beat Rocky Fielding for the WBA super middleweight title (Regular version) and won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title from Daniel Jacobs. Later in 2019, Álvarez made his light heavyweight debut and knocked out Sergey Kovalev to claim the WBO title.

November 2020: Release from Golden Boy Promotions

In November 2020, Álvarez was released from his contract with Golden Boy Promotions after a lawsuit was settled.

December 2020: Fight Against Callum Smith

In December 2020, Álvarez faced Callum Smith and won by unanimous decision, becoming a four-division world champion.

2020: Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Title

In 2020, Canelo Álvarez has also held the Ring magazine super middleweight title.

2020: Intention to Retire and Play Golf

In 2020, Canelo Álvarez stated his intentions to retire from boxing by age 37 and dedicate himself to his business and playing golf every day in retirement.

January 2021: Álvarez to Defend Titles Against Avni Yıldırım

In January 2021, it was announced that Álvarez would defend his titles against Avni Yıldırım in February.

May 2021: Marriage to Fernanda Gómez

In May 2021, Canelo Álvarez married his longtime partner Fernanda Gómez in a ceremony at the Guadalajara Cathedral in Guadalajara, Mexico.

May 2021: Álvarez Uses Slur Against Demetrius Andrade

On the night of May 8, 2021, after his fight against Billy Joe Saunders in Arlington, Texas, Canelo Álvarez used the same slur against Demetrius Andrade that he accused Caleb Plant of using.

August 2021: Fight Announcement Against Caleb Plant

In August 2021, Canelo Álvarez announced on social media that he would face IBF champion Caleb Plant on November 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for all four major world titles in the super middleweight division.

September 2021: Onstage Scuffle with Caleb Plant

In September 2021, during the first press conference, Canelo Álvarez and Caleb Plant engaged in an onstage scuffle after Álvarez took offense to Plant's alleged use of the word "motherfucker."

November 2021: WBC Approves Cruiserweight Title Challenge

On November 15, 2021, at the WBC Convention in Mexico City, the WBC approved Eddy Reynoso's request for Canelo Álvarez to challenge Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight title.

2021: Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion

In 2021, Álvarez became the first and only boxer in history to become the undisputed super middleweight champion.

January 2022: Makabu Forced into Mandatory Defense

On January 29, 2022, Ilunga Makabu was forced into a mandatory defense of his title in a rematch against Thabiso Mchunu, which Makabu won.

February 2022: Two-Fight Deal with Matchroom Boxing

On February 25, 2022, Canelo Álvarez signed a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, with the first fight being against Dmitry Bivol on May 7 for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.

March 16, 2022: End of Reign as World's Best Boxer

On March 16, 2022, Álvarez's reign as The Ring's best boxer, pound for pound, came to an end.

May 2022: Rumored Fight Against Makabu

In May 2022, a fight between Álvarez and Makabu was rumored to take place, but it ultimately did not materialize.

May 2022: Loss to Dmitry Bivol

In May 2022, Álvarez returned to light heavyweight and challenged for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title, but was defeated by Dmitry Bivol via unanimous decision.

May 2022: Golovkin Trilogy Bout Announced

On May 24, 2022, it was announced that Canelo Álvarez would defend his undisputed super middleweight titles against Gennady Golovkin in a trilogy bout on September 17, despite expressing interest in a Bivol rematch.

June 2022: Rivalry Described as Personal

On June 25, 2022, during the first pre-fight press conference in Los Angeles, Canelo Álvarez described his rivalry with Gennady Golovkin as "personal" and expressed his desire to send his opponent into retirement.

September 2022: Álvarez-Golovkin Trilogy Fight Signed

Eddie Hearn had recently signed the Álvarez-Golovkin trilogy fight for September 2022.

March 2023: Fight Announced Against John Ryder

On March 14, 2023, it was announced that Canelo Álvarez would defend his undisputed super middleweight titles against John Ryder on May 6 in Guadalajara, Mexico, marking his first bout in his home nation in over eleven years.

June 2023: Fight Against Jermell Charlo Announced

In June 2023, it was announced that Canelo Álvarez would challenge Jermell Charlo in September 2023 instead of defending his titles against Tim Tszyu.

September 2023: Álvarez to fight Jermell Charlo

In June 2023, it was announced that Álvarez would challenge Jermell Charlo in September 2023.

2023: Creed III Cameo and Undisputed Cover

In 2023, Canelo Álvarez made a cameo appearance in "Creed III" and featured on the cover of the boxing video game "Undisputed."

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2023: Executive Producer for The Long Game

In 2023, Canelo Álvarez served as executive producer for the film "The Long Game".

2023: Forbes List of Highest-Paid Athletes

Álvarez made Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2023, also becoming the top-earning boxer with a reported $110 million.

February 27, 2024: Canelo to defend his undisputed super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia

On February 27, 2024, it was reported that Canelo would defend his undisputed super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia on May 4 in Las Vegas.

March 12, 2024: Fight Confirmed Against Jaime Munguia

On March 12, 2024, the fight between Canelo and Jaime Munguia was officially confirmed.

September 14, 2024: Defense Against Edgar Berlanga

On September 14, 2024, Canelo Álvarez defended his WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight titles against Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, winning by unanimous decision.

2024: Ignoring Call Outs From Crawford and Alalshikh

Since 2024, Álvarez had been ignoring call outs from Crawford and Turki Alalshikh for a fight.

February 8, 2025: Fight against William Scull Announced

On February 8, 2025, it was reported that Álvarez will fight William Scull for the undisputed super-middleweight title on May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

February 2025: Agreement for Mega-Fight with Terence Crawford

In February 2025, an agreement was reportedly in place for Canelo Álvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford in September 2025, headlining a Riyadh Season card.

May 2025: Two-time Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion

In May 2025, Álvarez became a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion.

September 2025: Potential Fight Date with Crawford

In February 2025, an agreement was reportedly in place for Canelo Álvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford in September 2025, headlining a Riyadh Season card.