MIAMI - With just days until his highly anticipated fight against Jaime Munguía, two things dominate the mind of Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez: training and the cold. Mucho frío. The 33-year-old athlete has spent weeks training in the Lake Tahoe area, California, where the altitude reaches 6,000 feet above sea level. It helps increase his endurance. It also brings him peace.
This is not the first time the Mexican has chosen this area for training, but this time brings a novel aspect. There has been snow. "I prefer the cold, and the landscape is very beautiful," he mentioned in an interview with The Latin Times. He laughs at the reference of "Rocky IV," in which the character played by Sylvester Stallone trains surrounded by snow. "I love that movie, but this wasn't intentional. We didn't think it would still be snowing at this time of year, but it has been a welcome surprise."
The smile on his face when discussing the cold belies the torture he undergoes every morning upon waking up. "The first thing I do is get into an ice bath," he revealed. Unlike other athletes who turn to cold temperatures after training or playing their sport, Canelo does it not only for efficiency but also for health. "I feel that the biggest training is getting the body and the brain to quickly adapt to being out of their comfort zone," he explained. It's not something anyone ever gets used to, but he is seeking to make the reaction to shock as swift as possible. For him, working the mind is "crucial."
He has also incorporated meditation techniques into his preparation, along with finely curated playlists dominated by Latin music.
"I listen to everything. Traditional corridos, laid-back songs, war songs, norteño music, ballads, salsa, bachata... I really enjoy music. It motivates me and, most importantly, it relaxes me," he shared. He chose not to mention the names of artists or songs, but he's well aware of what's trendy. "Listening to music does me good. It makes me happy," he affirmed.
One step at a time
Nobody thinks boxing is an easy sport. Although Canelo says that for him, "it's easy to do what's necessary."
This practicality is undoubtedly one of the secrets of his extraordinary performance, one of the most outstanding in the history of professional boxing. With an impressive record of 60 wins, 2 loss, and 2 draws, including 38 knockouts, Canelo has consistently demonstrated his power and skill against elite competition.
His reign as a four-division world champion is a feat achieved by few, with titles claimed in the super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions. Notable victories over formidable opponents such as Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin (twice), and Sergey Kovalev underscore his ability to triumph against the best in the business. He has beaten them all. Canelo's success in boxing isn't confined to the ring; his fights regularly draw massive audiences, with pay-per-view buys numbering in the millions, solidifying his status as a global superstar in boxing.
"The truth is, I love what I do, and I focus 100% on what I'm doing. I immerse myself in training and in the fight in front of me. It's something I've had since I was a child. My mindset has always been very strong, and it has been reinforced by my family and my trainers," he shared. "I always know and am aware that there is a time for everything. Right now it's my time to train, to give it my all here in the camp, and then other things will come. That's the trick—knowing when to be in something and when not to."
Canelo vs. Jaime Mungía
"I've finally learned that you should never say 'never,'" Canelo confessed when discussing his decision to finally face Munguía, a Mexican boxer, after swearing he wouldn't fight fellow compatriots. The persistence of journalists and commentators and even million-dollar offers never made him waver from his decision. He changed his mind when several factors came together, such as the date, the opponent in whom he saw himself, and a different perspective.
"I realized that I represent Mexico in the world, but I also belong to my fans. People will find it very interesting to see two Mexicans showcasing the best of our boxing. Two Mexicans, on such a big stage as Las Vegas and on such a special date, capturing the attention of the whole world. That makes me very proud," he said. "I think it's very good for Mexican boxing."
The fight is on the eve of 'Cinco de mayo,' the biggest date to celebrate Mexican pride in the United States. Set to take place on May 4, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the Canelo vs Munguía will be available on pay-per-view through Amazon Prime Video and DAZN.
Why Mungía? "I've been following him, and he has done very well and achieved good things. I thought he deserved the opportunity. Besides, he is a fighter who has been winning fights, is a strong fighter, is a fighter who is very hungry and is ready," he indicated." he acknowledged. And indeed, it is an opportunity. Munguía's record stands at 43 wins, 0 losses with 34 knockouts, reflecting a respectable but much less extensive career than his rival, who is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Canelo Outside the Ring
Although retirement is not yet on his mind, Canelo is part of an elite group of athletes who are not only the best in their sport but have also known how to diversify their success. Names like Roger Federer and Lionel Messi are in this selected group. He still hasn't met the Argentinian soccer star, "but that is coming," he promised. The encounter between the two Latino sports gods has been awaited by fans since Canelo's outburst and following apology during the 2022 World Cup.
"I consider myself a businessman," he added. According to Forbes, his known fortune amounts to $273 millions. His diverse portfolio includes Canelo Energy, a chain of gas stations in Mexico; VMC drinks, a line of canned drinks based on tequila; Yaoca, a brand of food products for athletes; and the Upper network of convenience stores, in addition to a strong investment in real estate.
He also loves fashion and is starting to get involved in the movie business. His first foray as an investor in the entertainment industry was in the movie 'The Long Game,' starred by Dennis Quaid and Jay Hernández, about a group of Mexican American young golfers in Texas who won the state championship after facing serious discrimination.
However, he has a favorite. "I love investments in commercial real estate, especially hotels. I love it," he confessed. He also loves fashion, looking good, his family, and "that feeling that you worked hard, pushed beyond your own limits, and achieved your goal—that's incomparable."
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