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Canelo Alvarez Age: Is the Boxing Star Retiring Soon?

Published 04/28/2024, 11:26 AM EDT

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Is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez gearing up to leave the boxing ring soon? At 33, this seasoned fighter still packs a powerful punch. As whispers of retirement circle, Alvarez preps for a significant bout against Jaime Munguia. Set for May 4th at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this fight stirs both excitement and speculation.

What’s truly on the horizon for Canelo? With a storied career and recent contract extensions, does he hint at hanging up his gloves, or is there more to expect from the boxing superstar?

What is Canelo Alvarez’s age? How long has he been boxing?

At 33 years old, Canelo Alvarez is not just a seasoned veteran of the ring; he’s a phenomenon in the boxing world. He threw his first punch in the professional ring at the tender age of 15, a remarkable start to an 18-year-long illustrious career. But his journey began even earlier, lacing up gloves and stepping into the squared circle for amateur bouts at just 13.

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Canelo’s professional debut on October 29, 2005, against Abraham Gonzalez, marked the beginning of what would become a storied career. Since then, he has not only accumulated a record boasting numerous wins but also gathered titles across multiple weight classes, from light middleweight to light heavyweight. His skill, tenacity, and strategic acumen have seen him through high-profile bouts at some of the most iconic venues around the world, including the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which is where is fights the most.

Since his debut, Canelo has been a dominant force in the ring, boasting an extensive career with 64 bouts under his belt. Over these years, he has accumulated a total of 484 rounds of boxing, maintaining a knockout percentage of 65%. But is Canelo set to hang his gloves?

Canelo Alvarez hints at retirement

While the fire still burns bright for Canelo Alvarez, the whispers of retirement are beginning to circulate around the legendary boxer. Canelo is acutely aware that he cannot remain in the ring forever. Having turned professional at a young age, he has endured many battles, absorbing the kind of punishment only boxing can mete out. Despite this, his remarkable talent has meant fewer hits taken compared to many of his peers, potentially prolonging his tenure at the pinnacle of boxing.

In conversations with the media, such as BoxingScene.com, Canelo has expressed a laid-back approach to retirement. “I still feel young, fresh, and I never think about the end of my career,” he remarked, suggesting that the end is not as near as some might speculate. “I just train and fight every year and we’ll see. We’ll see in the future, but I’m still young. I feel great, I feel strong and I feel at my best.”

Despite these assurances, the reality of his PBC contract nearing its end adds a layer of uncertainty. With only two fights remaining under this agreement, each bout’s outcome could heavily influence his career trajectory. The risk of losing his champion status, as happened to boxing icons like Manny Pacquiao, looms if he were to face defeat again, potentially at the hands of rivals like he did in 2022 against Dmitry Bivol. Such a loss could diminish his ability to dictate fight terms and affect his enduring popularity.

Canelo Alvarez tracks back on retirement comments

Just as retirement rumors began to heat up, Canelo Alvarez made a striking declaration that reassured fans he’s not hanging up his gloves anytime soon. In a bold move that put speculation to rest, Canelo announced a commitment to remain active in boxing for at least five more years. This news came alongside his new deal with TV Azteca, opening a fresh chapter in his already distinguished career. Could this be the dawn of a new era for Canelo, or simply an extended farewell? Only time will tell.

By committing to continue fighting, Canelo ensures that the boxing community can look forward to more thrilling displays of his skill and dedication. At 33, his passion for the sport appears undiminished, promising high-caliber bouts that will delight boxing enthusiasts across the globe.

Further solidifying his connection with fans, especially in his home country, Canelo has negotiated to keep his fights accessible, standing up against the push for pay-per-view exclusivity in Mexico. He has expressed a clear intention to make his bouts available freely to his supporters, reinforcing his role as a champion of the people.

So, as Canelo Alvarez gears up for more bouts, who do you think will be his most formidable opponent in the coming years? Will we see a new challenger rise, or will an old rival create the ultimate test?

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

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Mrinal Mishra is a senior writer for Boxing at EssentiallySports. With over 1300+ articles to his name, Mrinal’s articles often find congratulatory mentions from boxing greats like Mia St. John.
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Gokul Pillai