20 little-known facts about Canelo Alvarez

NEW YORK CITY - JUNE 20: Hennessy, the world's best-selling Cognac, presents Lineal and RING Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez with a custom engraved bottle of Paradis Imperial during the Canelo vs. Golovkin press tour at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Hennessy recently announced its partnership with Canelo who, like Hennessy, has a passion for pushing the limits of potential to Never stop. Never settle. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Hennessy) /

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NATIONAL CITY, CA – APRIL 19: Boxer Canelo Alvarez of Mexico hits a speed bag in the ring during his Open Workout at the House of Boxing on April 19, 2017 in National City, California. Canelo Alvarez fights Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

6. He likes to train to “Beat It”

When fighters train, a lot of thought goes into the playlist. Picking the right tunes can keep a fighter locked in, while the beat of the music helps establish a rhythm. During open workouts, it’s a way to keep spectators entertained since watching somebody hit a bag for 20 minutes isn’t particularly exciting.

For Canelo, the song he trains to may be partly why he’s such a great fighter. His favorite song is “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, and he says it helps him maintain a rhythm and flow while training. But “Beat It” is the perfect song for Canelo. Not only because of his profession, but because its message can go all the way back to his middle school days when he was constantly being bullied.

Having “Beat It” blaring in the gym while hitting a bag presumably makes it easier for Canelo to envision his opponent in front of him. It would explain why he has a knockout rate of 69.3 percent.

Even though Golovkin’s power is all anyone can talk about heading into their fight, Canelo has devastating punches as well, particularly when he goes to the body. Combine that with his speed, and it’s no wonder he’s gotten to where he’s at in his career. Even if this fight goes the distance, every round will be competitive. While the likely outcome is a GGG knockout, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Canelo ends up sleeping him.

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