In the world of boxing, the question of whether a legendary fighter like Canelo Alvarez is still at his peak or has truly 'lost his edge' after recent setbacks is a topic that sparks intense debate. And here’s where it gets intriguing—the recent social media glimpse of Canelo shadowboxing has given his massive fan base a glimmer of hope. But does this mean he's back to his best form? Not necessarily. Let's delve into the details.
Canelo Alvarez, boasting a record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws with 39 knockouts, faced a tough defeat last September at the hands of Terence Crawford, a fighter who ended Alvarez’s reign as the undisputed super-middleweight king. Interestingly, before that fight, many speculated that Crawford's size and reach might put Alvarez at a disadvantage. However, Crawford proved everyone wrong through a display of skill, authority, and physical prowess, managing to match the Mexican star both in strength and technique.
As Alvarez approaches his 36th birthday in July, whispers about retirement have begun to circulate. Yet, all signs indicate that he isn't planning to step away from the ring anytime soon. His recent elbow surgery, needed after his loss to Crawford, caused him to pull out of a planned bout for the vacant IBF super-middleweight title against the rising Cuban star Osleys Iglesias. Despite this setback, Alvarez appears determined to continue his career, which now stands just two fights shy of his milestone 70th bout.
Adding a layer of perspective, Floyd Mayweather Jr., the legendary boxer who famously defeated Alvarez in 2013 to claim the WBA and WBC super-welterweight titles, was recently asked by TMZ Sports to share his thoughts on Alvarez’s current form after the Crawford fight. Mayweather responded cautiously, saying, "I don’t know. Boxing takes a heavy toll on the body. Maybe so. I’m not really sure." This measured opinion highlights the physical toll boxing inflicts over the years.
Mayweather, who hung up his gloves in August 2017, has kept himself busy with exhibition matches and continues to be linked with potential high-profile fights against icons like Manny Pacquiao or even a 59-year-old Mike Tyson, scheduled to turn 59 in June. These rumors keep fans excited and speculating about possible future showdowns.
Turning back to Alvarez, the call to stay at the top level of competition is strong. For Mexican fighters, national pride runs deep—they often refuse to bow out quietly. Looks like Canelo is set on carrying his country's flag forward, donning the gloves, and leaving his future open-ended. The question remains: will he bounce back fully or is this the beginning of a downward curve? What's your take—does Alvarez still have what it takes to rebound and reclaim his spot at the top? Or do you believe this recent defeat signals a decline? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
