Still one of the biggest names in boxing today, fans of varying generations know the name Canelo Alvarez.
As one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time, Alvarez has represented his nation at the highest level through his lengthy career.
Although Alvarez suffered defeat to Dmitry Bivol and Floyd Mayweather, the two modern greats are the only men to best the Mexican.
With a huge undisputed title fight with Terence Crawford set for September 2025, Alvarez will be competing in one of his biggest matches in his 20-year career.
In 2011, a 20-year-old Alvarez would start his journey as a champion by claiming his first title.
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Canelo Alvarez defeated Matthew Hatton in 2011 to become world champion
Undefeated in the first 36 fights of his career, Alvarez was awarded his first world title opportunity as he held a 35-0-1 record.
Competing for the vacant WBC World Super Welterweight title, Alvarez faced Matthew Hatton, brother of Ricky Hatton, in March 2011. The pair squared off at the Honda Center in California.
Hatton went into the bout with a 41-4-2 record, as he was also getting his first world title opportunity. However, it was not to be for the Englishman.
Alvarez was able to get the better of ‘Magic’ in all 12 of the rounds of the bout. Despite a point deduction for hitting after the break, the Mexican would have a one-sided win on the judges’ scorecards.
The win would make 20-year-old Alvarez a world champion for the first time, as he earned the 36th victory of his career.
Canelo Alvarez defended his super welterweight title six times
Becoming a champion for the first time, Alvarez would go on to defend the WBC World Super Welterweight title six times.
Alvarez defeated Ryan Rhodes to make his first title defense as he was able to stop the challenger in round 12.
Two more wins in 2011 would see Alvarez defend his world title for the second and third times against Alfonso Gomez and Kermit Cintron, respectively.
Shane Mosley and Josesito Lopez would also fail to dethrone the Mexican champion in 2012, as well as Austin Trout being defeated by Alvarez the following year.
Both Alvarez’s title run and unbeaten professional record came to an end when Floyd Mayweather defeated the champion in September 2013. Fighting in Las Vegas, Mayweather won the bout via majority decision.