Canelo Alvarez has been nothing short of impressive for well over a decade in boxing.
Alvarez has only tasted defeat to Dmitry Bivol and Floyd Mayweather, as he is considered one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time.
The multi-division champion made his debut in 2005, and 20 years later, he is one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound stars. Set to take on William Scull in May 2025, the pair will meet in a super middleweight title unification bout.
Alvarez will aim to defend his world titles at 34 years old. However, he made his very first title defense when he was aged just 20.
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Canelo Alvarez defended world title against Ryan Rhodes in 2011
Alvarez became a world champion for the first time in March 2011. Defeating Matthew Hatton, brother of Ricky Hatton, Alvarez claimed the WBC World Super Welterweight title.
Aiming to defend his title for the first time, Alvarez would return to the ring three months later to take on Ryan Rhodes at 20 years of age.
The challenger, Rhodes, was 14 years the Mexican’s senior, with a record of 45-4. Fighting out of England, ‘Spice Boy’ was on a 10-fight winning streak when he challenged Alvarez.
However, despite experience being on the side of Rhodes, Alvarez would have an impressive showing.
In the fourth round of the bout, Rhodes would receive a count after being dropped by the champion. Recovering from the blow, the fight would continue up until the 12th round.
In the final round of the bout, a young Alvarez would able to put an exclamation mark on the bout. In the final round, Alvarez’s overwhelming punishment convinced the referee to stop the bout, as Rhodes’ corner also threw in the towel.
Alvarez retained his super welterweight title in what was the first of six defenses of the belt.
Canelo Alvarez made six title defenses before facing Floyd Mayweather
After Alvarez defeated Rhodes, he would defend his WBC World Super Welterweight title a further five times. In this period, he also picked up the WBA title, defeating Austin Trout.
His run as a champion lasted for just over two years, from 2011 to 2013. This run included victories over Shane Mosley and Josesito Lopez.
In September 2013, Alvarez would face all-time great Floyd Mayweather. Meeting in Las Vegas, Alvarez would succumb to his first professional loss.
Mayweather won the bout via majority decision, as he extended his record to 45-0.