In the world of boxing, few figures are as polarizing as Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The Mexican champion, known for his skill in the ring and media presence, has been at the center of various recent controversies.

This week, tensions surrounding Canelo have reached a new level, with revelations highlighting the growing rift between him and other significant players in the sport. Let’s break down the recent events and what they mean for his career and reputation.

The Clash with Alik

Alik, a prominent promoter in the boxing industry, has shed light on the growing discontent with Canelo. According to Alik, the Mexican fighter has shown an arrogant attitude and has set his fight prices so high that even the Saudis, known for their willingness to invest large sums in the sport, have decided not to do business with him. This clash is rooted in Canelo’s refusal to fight David Benavides, a bout that many boxing fans had been eagerly anticipating.

Alik has harshly criticized Canelo, pointing out that the champion has opted for less interesting fights instead of facing the opponents that fans truly want to see. This kind of criticism not only affects Canelo’s public perception but also has the potential to influence his long-term career.

The Challenger: Edgar Berlanga

On the horizon, September 14 brings a fight that some experts believe may not meet public expectations. Edgar Berlanga, who is scheduled to fight Canelo, has made bold claims about having the support of his home country, Puerto Rico. However, his assertion of having “an entire country behind him” has been met with skepticism. Berlanga, despite his origins in Brooklyn, New York, seems to lack the acceptance he expected in Puerto Rico, where the criticism has been notable.

The fight will take place in a competitive context, as the same day will see the UFC debut at the Sphere in Las Vegas, an opening that has generated significant excitement. The combination of a less compelling fight and the appeal of the UFC event raises questions about the success of Canelo versus Berlanga.

Tensions with Oscar De La Hoya

A new chapter in Canelo’s story has opened with Oscar De La Hoya’s recent statements. De La Hoya has harshly criticized Canelo, calling him an “old bear” and suggesting that the Mexican champion avoids significant fights. In a charged response, Canelo did not hesitate to express his disdain for De La Hoya, highlighting that animosity between them has built up over the years.

Canelo has challenged De La Hoya on several occasions, arguing that the former champion is resentful because Canelo left his promotion, Golden Boy Promotions, to pursue his own path. In a recent press conference, Canelo mentioned that De La Hoya is “angry” because Golden Boy is not the same without him and that the former champion is trying to draw negative attention to divert focus from the real action.

Reactions and Consequences

The situation has intensified with Canelo’s latest statements, where he has claimed that De La Hoya attempted to steal money from him and that he is a “scoundrel.” These accusations not only add fuel to the fire but also feed speculation about Canelo’s future in the sport and his relationships with promoters and key figures in the industry.

Canelo’s rejection by figures like Alik and tensions with De La Hoya indicate a growing rift in the boxing world that could have significant implications. The fights Canelo chooses and the criticism he faces are shaping his career and legacy.

Conclusion

Canelo Álvarez’s trajectory remains a topic of intense debate in boxing. From his conflicted relationship with promoters like Alik to disputes with figures like Oscar De La Hoya, the Mexican champion is at the center of a series of controversies that could define his career. As we approach his upcoming fights and events, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics influence his performance and public perception of one of today’s greatest boxers.