ONCE considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing, Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez looked tired and shopworn in his last appearance in the ring.
Last September, Alvarez was a beaten man, dropping a clear-cut unanimous decision to American Terence “Bud” Crawford in a battle for the undisputed super middleweight (168 lbs.) championship.
Crawford made a huge jump in weight, from 154 pounds (junior middleweight) to 168 pounds (super middleweight), but the extra luggage around his waist did not matter as he dominated Alvarez.
Crawford controlled the distance, absorbed the Mexican’s hardest punches, and countered with precise shots of his own.
Alvarez suffered only the third loss of his pro career, the previous defeats coming in the hands of American Floyd Mayweather Jr. (September 2013) and Russian Dmitry Bivol (May 2022).
Truth be told, Alvarez started showing cracks in his armor following the conclusive loss to Bivol in May 2022. Alvarez was the favorite but he was totally whipped by the craftier light heavyweight champ Bivol.
While Alvarez still had enough left to beat Gennady Golovkin in their third meeting in September 2022, the Mexican also looked vulnerable against the unheralded John Ryder in May 2023. Alvarez dominated but could not put away Ryder. Worse, Ryder was able to sneak in a lot of shots.
Alvarez totally unraveled against Crawford. The Mexican never found his rhythm.
Alvarez is still young at age 35, but we are talking here of a guy who was just 15 years old when he entered pro boxing in October 2005.
Alvarez’s ring campaign has led to world titles in four different weight classes: junior middleweight (154 lbs.), middleweight (160 lbs.), super middleweight (164 lbs.), and light heavyweight (175 lbs.). Alvarez’s resume counts fights against illustrious fighters like Mayweather, Crawford, Golovkin, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Sergey Kovalev.
Alvarez has never been knocked down despite taking some of the meanest shots in boxing. Then again, while also known for his defensive skills, the Mexican has taken more punches in recent fights against Bivol and Crawford.
On Sept. 12, in Saudi Arabia, Alvarez will make his first ring appearance since the Crawford fight when he faces WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli.
By the time they meet, Alvarez will be 36 years old. Not a few called on Alvarez to retire following the loss to Crawford. The setback to Crawford triggered loose whispers that Alvarez may no longer be the same fighter.
Alvarez really has nothing more to prove, but he apparently believes he can still reclaim lost glory.
Alvarez, aware of the health concerns from the fans, recently disclosed that he underwent extensive health and brain scans at a specialized longevity clinic in Switzerland.
Alvarez claimed the medical results showed zero signs of trauma, chronic inflammation, or brain damage despite his 21-year professional career and nearly 70 fights. Medical studies conducted at the Swiss clinic reportedly revealed Alvarez’s biological age to be 26, despite his chronological age of 35.
The health concerns have solid basis. By continuing to fight, Alvarez is exposing himself to brain trauma which increases the risk of long-term conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and parkinsonism.
Admittedly, the exact level of risk is individualized based on style, defense, and genetics. Still, it makes for a serious concern given that Alvarez has been taking punches for over two decades.
While Alvarez recently received a clean bill of health, studies also show that a boxer faces a significantly increased risk of developing parkinsonism and related neurological conditions after their careers. This condition, which is heavily tied to repetitive head trauma, is often referred to historically as dementia pugilistica or “punch-drunk syndrome.”
Former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, three years after his last pro fight. The legendary Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, 67, was recently diagnosed with dementia.
Alvarez is risking serious head damage against Mbilli.
The Cameroon-born Canadian professional boxer is relentless pressure fighter known for his incredible punch output and concussive power. The WBC super middleweight champ totes a record of 29-0-1 (draw) with 24 knockouts.
Alvarez has amassed an estimated $760 million to $800 million in career earnings across fight purses, pay-per-view revenue, and endorsements.
He remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport, but one cannot help but wonder if all money in the world will be worth the threat of a major head injury.
It is a rarity, but a great champion can also notch a significant win by simply walking away from the brutal, punishing sport that is boxing.