Top 5 KO wins of Canelo Alvarez’s career
As he’s developed into one of boxing’s preeminent superstars, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has flashed the kind of one-punch knockout power that is able to thrill even the most critical fan. Here are the top five knockouts of Canelo Alvarez’s career.
Although he has come under fire for his refusal to fight Gennady Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez is undeniably one of boxing’s most bankable stars, an exciting fighter who has captured the imagination of a large contingent of the sport’s diverse fanbase. A large part of Canelo’s appeal, especially recently, is his explosive knockout power.
On Saturday, May 6, Canelo Alvarez will face bitter rival and countryman Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. — the son of Mexican icon Julio Cesar Chavez — in a match that has been building for years. Although the timing is somewhat odd, and the contracted catchweight (164.5 pounds) eyebrow-raising, Canelo-Chavez is a compelling fight — both in the ring and because Mexican pride is at stake.
Boxing is akin to religion in Mexico, and Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) finds himself in a curious position with his countrymen. Recently, he’s faced a backlash from supporters who find his ducking of Golovkin cowardly, which has only been exacerbated by Triple G’s cleverly usurping “Mexican style” marketing of his in-ring prowess, which threatens to undermine Canelo’s credibility.
So to perhaps make amends and set the record straight, Alvarez is targeting the son of Mexico’s most iconic fighter, the mercurial Chavez Jr. Despite weight issues and maddening laziness, Chavez is actually a talented, durable and powerful fighter. A fully focused Chavez (weight-drain issues aside) is actually a tough out and legitimate foe.
If Canelo were to defeat Chavez by spectacular knockout, it would count as one of the most significant wins of his career. Canelo, it seems, has the power to pull this off, especially given his admirable punch distribution and technique. With that, here are the five best knockouts of Canelo Alvarez’s career.