Floyd Mayweather Sidesteps Judging Canelo Alvarez’s Legacy in Mexican Boxing After Teddy Atlas’s Blunt Comments
Is Canelo Alvarez the greatest Mexican fighter in history? This age-old debate shows no signs of fading, especially now that Floyd Mayweather, a former rival, has weighed in—albeit with caution. Mayweather, who famously outclassed Alvarez in their 2013 clash, recently shared his thoughts in an interview with Fight Hub TV. However, rather than deliver a definitive answer, Mayweather chose to navigate the delicate topic with diplomacy, much like he did in the ring.
Mayweather’s response, in light of the ongoing debate stirred by veteran boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, seemed especially measured. Atlas, known for his blunt commentary, had recently dismissed the notion that Alvarez was the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, sparking intense discussion among fans and pundits alike. Despite this, Mayweather opted for a more reserved approach, neither fully endorsing nor rejecting Alvarez’s claim to greatness.
Floyd Mayweather’s Diplomatic Dance
Speaking with Fight Hub TV ahead of his exhibition match against John Gotti III in Mexico City, Mayweather was asked the million-dollar question: “Is Canelo the greatest Mexican boxer?” The interviewer hoped for a straightforward answer, yet Mayweather, ever the tactician, offered a nuanced response.
“Canelo is a hell of a fighter,” Mayweather acknowledged, paying respect to his former adversary. But when pressed to compare Alvarez to the long list of legendary Mexican fighters, Mayweather demurred. “There are a lot of great Mexican fighters. That’s not for me to rate fighters. I just take my hat off to so many fighters that paved the way. You know, for me to be where I’m at. Just, you know, throughout life! Canelo is a hell of a fighter,” he said, sidestepping any potential controversy with grace.
Teddy Atlas’s refusal to consider Alvarez “the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.”
Hoping for a clear-cut answer, the interviewer asked Floyd —“Is Canelo the greatest Mexican boxer?”
journey himself.
“Canelo is a hell of a fighter. There are a lot of great Mexican fighters. That’s not for me to rate fighters. I just take my hat off to so many fighters that paved the way. You know, for me to be where I’m at. Just, you know, throughout life! Canelo is a hell of a fighter,” Mayweather stated.
The Mexican Boxing Pantheon
The real crux of the debate lies in comparing Canelo Alvarez to Mexico’s storied boxing history. From Julio Ceaser Chavez to Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez to Ricardo Lopez, the annals of Mexican boxing are filled with names that have defined the sport. It’s against these giants that Alvarez’s legacy is measured, a task that Mayweather tactfully avoided taking on.
However, Teddy Atlas didn’t hesitate. The 68-year-old trainer, who was less than impressed with Alvarez’s recent performance against John Ryder, went as far as labeling him “overrated.” In Atlas’s view, this doesn’t diminish Alvarez as a fighter, but it certainly places him below the pantheon of Mexico’s greatest. “He is not the greatest Mexican fighter of all time,” Atlas stated unequivocally.
Teddy Atlas’s Unapologetic Stance
Atlas later elaborated on his remarks, making it clear that his comments were intended as a reality check for fans. He emphasized the rich history of Mexican boxing and the exceptional fighters who have come before Alvarez. “I don’t think they realize how special the list, the laundry list of Mexican fighters that have won titles, that have fought with honor! And to put Canelo on the top of that list, I just thought it was wrong!” Atlas declared, standing firm in his assessment.
Moreover, Atlas questioned Alvarez’s record, particularly pointing to the controversial decisions in his first two fights against Gennady Golovkin. According to Atlas, those close bouts further diminish Alvarez’s claim to being the greatest, especially when compared to the likes of Chavez or Sanchez, who notched over 100 fights in their careers with unmatched skill and durability.
Calling him “overrated”, the 68-year-old trainer further stated, “doesn’t mean that he is not a real good fighter. But he is not the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.”
Providing further clarification on his earlier comments on Canelo, which even got the Mexican star mad, Atlas recently explained to Fight Hub TV that he just wanted to remind the fans “how steep the history of the great Mexican fighters are.”
“I don’t think they realize how special the list, the laundry list of Mexican fighters that have won titles, that have fought with honor! And to put Canelo on the top of that list, I just thought it was wrong!” Atlas remarked boldly.
Is Canelo Alvarez Overrated?
This controversy surrounding Canelo Alvarez’s place in Mexican boxing history isn’t likely to resolve soon. With voices like Teddy Atlas being so vocal and Floyd Mayweather choosing to remain diplomatic, the debate rages on. As fans continue to weigh in, the question remains: Is Canelo truly deserving of being called the greatest Mexican fighter, or has his legacy been inflated by modern acclaim?
