Julio César Chávez on Canelo Álvarez, Digi Mart USA News: Julio César Chávez has once again weighed in on the place Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez holds in the history of Mexican boxing, delivering a firm message to those who still question his career. The former Mexican champion said the Guadalajara native deserves recognition and affection from fans for what he has accomplished inside the ring.
Speaking at the 64th Annual Convention of the World Boxing Council (WBC), the legend highlighted the importance of Álvarez to Mexican boxing in recent years. He also addressed the comparisons often drawn between the two and said the current champion’s achievements should be valued without overlooking his contribution to the sport.
Chávez’s remarks came after the 168-pound titleholder regained the world super middleweight championship against Christian Mbilli. Over 21 years as a professional, Álvarez has won 14 world championships in four different divisions, a career that Chávez said deserves far more recognition from the Mexican public.
Chávez asked Mexicans to recognize Canelo’s career. The former champion from Sinaloa was clear about the relationship between Canelo and the fans.
For “J.C.C.,” the boxer deserves both respect and affection for having led Mexican boxing through an important stretch, regardless of opinions about his style or performances.
“He deserves the respect of all Mexicans, he deserves the affection of all Mexicans, because in one way or another he has been the one leading the way for the last 10 years or I don’t know when,” he told reporters.
However, Chávez also acknowledged that changing the perception of those who do not support the Guadalajara fighter does not depend on him. In that sense, he suggested that a particularly demanding fight could help Canelo win over fans who have not yet fully embraced him.
“Unfortunately, it is no longer in my hands to tell everyone to support him,” Julio said, adding that his countryman “would need a war to win the affection of all Mexicans.”
Beyond the criticism he may receive, Chávez said Saúl has already built an important legacy. The former world champion praised Álvarez’s accomplishments and said his professional record has made him a fundamental figure for Mexican boxing.
“Honestly, for me he is a great fighter who has done a lot for Mexican boxing and has won what no Mexican has won in history,” he said.
In this way, the standard-bearer of Mexican boxing publicly backed the Guadalajara fighter again and asked that his athletic career be valued. Although he acknowledged that some segment of the public may still not fully identify with Canelo, he maintained that his results and contributions to Mexican boxing are sufficient reasons to treat him with respect.
