Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is one of the most accomplished boxers in the world. Known for his agility, power, and precise counterpunching, he has risen to become a four-division world champion.
Canelo has earned his status through a mix of athletic prowess and smart business moves. His net worth, currently standing at $250 million, reflects both his success in the ring and his ventures outside of boxing.
Player Overview: Saul Alvarez
Full Name | Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán |
---|---|
Net Worth | $250 Million |
Date of Birth | July 18, 1990 |
Nationality | Mexican |
Division | Light Middleweight, Middleweight, Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight |
Famous Fights | Gennady Golovkin, Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan |
Business Ventures | Canelo Energy, Upper (convenience stores), VMC Tequila Cocktails, Yaoca Sports Drinks |
Introduction
Saul Alvarez, widely known as Canelo, has dominated the boxing world since the early 2000s. With an impressive array of titles across four weight divisions, Canelo is recognized for his sharp counterpunching skills, ability to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses, and his signature body punches.
Beyond the ring, he has expanded his reach into business, launching several ventures that further contribute to his immense wealth. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at Canelo’s rise to fame, his financial empire, and the major milestones in his boxing career.
Con la bandera por delante 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/cVvrHS7mlX
— Saúl (@caneloalvcrez) September 14, 2024
Early Life and Boxing Beginnings
Born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Saul Canelo Alvarez grew up in a boxing family. The youngest of seven siblings, all of whom became boxers, Canelo was destined for the sport.
At the young age of 13, he began training and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, securing a silver medal in the Mexican Junior Championship before clinching gold the following year.
Professional Boxing Career: From Teen Prodigy to Global Star
Canelo turned professional at just 15 years old. Despite his young age, he quickly made a name for himself, fighting and knocking out opponents much older than him. His first major breakthrough came in 2011 when he won the WBC, WBA (Super), and Ring Magazine Light Middleweight titles.
Major Fights and Titles
- Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul Alvarez
One of the most significant matches of Canelo’s career was his bout against Floyd Mayweather in 2013. Despite suffering his first major loss, this fight cemented Canelo’s status as a global name in boxing. - Gennady Golovkin Fights (Gennady Golovkin I & II)
Another iconic moment in Canelo’s career was his two fights with Gennady Golovkin, which were marred by controversy but showcased Canelo’s skill in the ring. Their first fight in 2017 ended in a split decision, and after extensive negotiations, Canelo secured a win in the 2018 rematch. - Amir Khan Knockout
In 2016, Canelo delivered a brutal knockout against Amir Khan, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the middleweight division.
Canelo’s Business Empire: Beyond the Ring
In addition to his achievements in boxing, Canelo Alvarez has built a vast business empire, which has contributed significantly to his $250 million net worth.
- Canelo Energy and Upper Convenience Stores
One of his most notable business ventures is Canelo Energy, a chain of gas stations spread across Mexico. He also owns 20 locations of a convenience store chain called Upper, showing his entrepreneurial spirit beyond sports. - Alcohol and Beverage Ventures
In 2023, Canelo entered the beverage industry with two major launches: VMC, a tequila-based canned cocktail, and Yaoca, a sports drink aimed at health-conscious consumers. - Selective Endorsements
Unlike many athletes, Canelo is known for being highly selective with his endorsement deals. His primary deal is with Anheuser-Busch, where he earns $2 million annually.
El tío peluche 🌹 pic.twitter.com/0niODw8McG
— Saúl (@caneloalvcrez) October 5, 2024
Career Earnings: A Breakdown of Saul Alvarez’s Wealth
Canelo’s career earnings come not only from his success in the ring but also from his lucrative contracts and smart investments. Here’s a breakdown of his top-earning fights:
- Sugar Shane Mosely: $1.2 million
- Floyd Mayweather: $12 million
- Gennady Golovkin I: $40 million
- Gennady Golovkin II: $30 million
- Amir Khan: $25 million
Canelo’s earnings have steadily grown as he’s taken on more high-profile matches. His fight contracts, particularly his $365 million deal with DAZN in 2018, have played a crucial role in increasing his wealth.
Major Lawsuits: The DAZN Dispute
In 2020, Canelo filed a breach of contract lawsuit against DAZN, Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya. The lawsuit claimed Canelo was owed $280 million in damages, as DAZN failed to fulfill their obligations of paying him $35 million per fight.
This legal battle had significant implications for Canelo’s career and his business dealings, as it highlighted his desire to have more control over his fights and opponents.
Boxing Style and Legacy
Canelo is celebrated for his ability to adapt and thrive against a wide range of opponents. His counterpunching ability, combined with his sharp reflexes, make him a formidable opponent.
Canelo is also known for his powerful body shots, often targeting the liver to weaken his challengers. His high boxing IQ allows him to set traps and execute complex combinations, making him one of the most intelligent fighters in the sport today.
Career Earnings Summary
To date, Saul Alvarez has earned over $600 million pre-tax through his boxing career and various business ventures. From his multi-million dollar contracts to endorsement deals, Canelo’s financial success reflects his status as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
References
- ESPN. (2018). “Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fight results.”
- Forbes. (2020). “Canelo Alvarez’s DAZN contract: The biggest fight deal in boxing history.”
- Sports Business Journal. (2023). “Canelo Alvarez’s business empire: Ventures and earnings.”
- DAZN News. (2021). “Canelo Alvarez’s legal battle with DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions.”
- Celebrity NetWorth.