Canelo Alvarez Declares He Won’t Chase Belts Anymore: “I’ve Already Made My Mark in Boxing History”

Canelo Alvarez, one of the greatest boxers of his generation, has made a bold statement about his future in the sport, announcing that he no longer has the desire to chase the titles he has lost. In an open and candid interview, the Mexican superstar shared that while he once dominated multiple divisions, he has no interest in reclaiming his belts, even after facing setbacks in recent years. Instead, Canelo is focused on challenging himself against the best fighters in the world, regardless of whether they hold any titles.

A Champion Without the Belts

For many, Canelo Alvarez’s name is synonymous with success. The undisputed champion in multiple weight classes, Canelo has built a legacy that few in the sport can match. He has captured world championships in four different weight divisions and was widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. However, in recent interviews, Canelo revealed that he has come to terms with his position in boxing history and is no longer obsessed with holding on to every title.

“I’m not going to try to recover the titles I lost, I’m not interested anymore,” Canelo said, expressing his resolve. “I’ve completed a cycle in my life, I was and still am a champion, even in other divisions. And even though I no longer have the belts, no one can take away the fact that I’m a champion.”

This declaration comes after Canelo lost his undisputed super middleweight crown to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, and later to the current middleweight champion, Gennady Golovkin, in their trilogy fight. Despite these losses, Canelo’s place in boxing history is secure, as his accomplishments over the years have solidified him as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

A Cycle Completed

Canelo’s decision to stop chasing belts marks the end of a long and successful chapter in his career. For years, he was the face of world boxing, conquering multiple divisions and proving his dominance. From defeating the likes of Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, and Sergey Kovalev to becoming the first Mexican fighter to win the undisputed title at super middleweight, Canelo’s legacy is undeniable.

“I spent many years being undisputed, and honestly, I’m no longer interested in being so again,” he admitted. “My name is already in the history of world boxing. I won’t try to recover my belts in any way.”

This statement signifies a shift in his mindset. Canelo recognizes that his body of work has already cemented his status as one of the greatest in the sport, and at the age of 32, he no longer feels the need to prove anything to anyone. The hunger for titles has been replaced by a desire to challenge himself against opponents who will test his skills, regardless of whether those fighters hold championship belts.

Shifting Focus: Quality Over Quantity

Canelo’s decision to pursue challenges rather than titles shows a more philosophical approach to his career. He has seen and done it all, and now, his focus is on competing against the best. “From now on, I’ll keep fighting against those I consider a challenge for me, the best in the world, whether they have titles or not,” he explained.

This shift from titles to challenges shows Canelo’s maturity and understanding of his place in the sport. Instead of seeking the next title, he’s looking for the next challenge that will push him to his limits. This could involve fighting rising stars or other elite fighters in the sport, regardless of whether they hold a belt.

Canelo’s willingness to step into the ring against anyone with the potential to challenge him demonstrates his hunger for growth. He’s no longer focused on the pursuit of gold but on the pursuit of greatness through competition. This attitude mirrors that of many legendary athletes who, in the later stages of their careers, seek to cement their legacies not by continuing to chase titles but by taking on the biggest challenges.

The Road to Retirement

Canelo’s statement also suggests that he’s approaching the final stages of his boxing career. While he has not announced an official retirement date, his words indicate that he’s nearing the end of his journey in the sport. “That’s what I’ll do until my very near retirement,” Canelo said. This admission raises questions about what the future holds for the multi-division world champion. Will he continue to take on challenges from younger fighters? Or will he focus on a few big name fights before calling it a career?

Regardless of how much longer Canelo will stay in the ring, one thing is clear: his legacy is already secure. No matter what happens from here on out, Canelo Alvarez will go down as one of the sport’s greatest champions. His decision to fight for the sake of the challenge, rather than to reclaim titles, reflects his deeper understanding of the sport and his personal journey.

What’s Next for Canelo?

With this newfound clarity in his career direction, Canelo Alvarez’s next move will be closely watched by the boxing world. There are still a number of potential matchups that could further define his legacy. Fighters like Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez, and other top talents in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions could be future opponents who will test Canelo’s skills and determination. These fights will be less about collecting belts and more about proving his resilience and ability to remain at the top of the sport.

Moreover, Canelo’s decision to prioritize challenge over titles could open doors for exciting cross-division fights. As he focuses on legacy and testing himself against the best, boxing fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming years. Whether he’s fighting for belts or not, Canelo’s name will undoubtedly continue to be associated with greatness.

Conclusion

Canelo Alvarez’s declaration that he won’t chase titles anymore is a turning point in his career. It’s a recognition that he has already done enough to secure his place in boxing history, and now, his focus will be on taking on challenges that push him to his limits, rather than chasing after gold. As he nears retirement, Canelo’s journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: he will go out on his terms, fighting the best for the love of the sport and the pursuit of greatness. The boxing world will continue to watch eagerly as he writes the final chapters of his illustrious career.