Whatever doubts existed, with a stroke of his genius, Terence Crawford flung them far away. Two weeks ago, in front of a packed house, a masterly display saw the Nebraskan school Canelo Alvarez. Crawford has now entered the discussion for all-time greats. Canelo, on the other hand, seems to cut a sorry figure. For the record, no one has called him out for being shot. His prospects still remain high.

He has two fights under the Riyadh Season contract. Then there’s been a clamor for a rematch with Crawford. Still, given that he’s achieved everything a fighter could dream of, whispers that Canelo Alvarez should consider retirement seem to have emerged. A few, like the former promoter Oscar De La Hoya, suggest a change in the corner. Only that De La Hoya’s recommendations have a name, who incidentally believes Canelo’s days in boxing are over!

2003 Trainer of the Year award recipient Ronnie Shields felt Canelo Alvarez should hang up the gloves. In the past, the former title challenger trained the likes of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. His current stable includes David Morrell Jr. and Erislandy Lara. So speaking with a Fight HUB TV reporter, he said, “I think right now the door is closed. He should shut it himself and say, ‘You know what? I’ve had a distinguished career, but enough is enough.'”

According to Shields, Canelo had an outstanding run as a fighter and champion. However, it’s time to call it a day. “I don’t feel he should fight anymore,” he reflected. “Look, he had one of the best careers any fighter could ever have. He’s done everything he set out to do. What’s next? To prove what? He has nothing to prove. He’s already proved everything.”

The 35-year-old has already given his best in boxing. His physical prime is behind him, and now it’s time to step back and enjoy life outside the ring. Whether young or old, a new trainer can not make him ‘anything other than what he already is right now.’

Now, interestingly, should Alvarez consider a change in trainer, then one of the names Oscar De La Hoya could think of would be that of Ronnie Shields.

A fresh approach might be the key

Unlike Shields, De La Hoya felt Canelo still had a few fights left in him. Now that’s a surprise take from a promoter who split up with the Mexican superstar most acrimoniously. The two almost came to blows last year. “The only thing that I can tell him or give him advice is ‘get a new trainer,” he said.

“I can say, get a new trainer; you’ll do better. A new trainer will teach you different tricks. Imagine him getting one of the best trainers in the world, like a Ronnie Shields, who’s going to teach you footwork, who’s going to teach you speed and movement, and not be so heavy on your feet,” De La Hoya suggested.

To set the record straight, Oscar De La Hoya isn’t the only one to recommend a change in the trainer. Robert Garcia, the winner of Ring Magazine’s 2024 Trainer of the Year award, expressed a similar opinion. Like many, Garcia believes Canelo might be looking forward to re-matching Terence Crawford.

So he suggested that if the former super middleweight champion added a fresh face in his corner, then it might enthuse fans and followers. “If he makes a few changes, if he adds somebody new to his camp just to let the world and the boxing news show that there’s something new coming, maybe people will get interested in the rematch,” he speculated.

After undertaking a journey that lasted so many years, it’s hard to imagine Eddy Reynoso and Canelo parting ways. So, it will be intriguing to see if Canelo takes a bold step before he finally bids goodbye.

What’s your take? Will the addition of a new trainer help Canelo resurrect his career?