To say that Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez makes his presence felt in the ring is an understatement. His charisma and evolving fighting style have made him a legend in boxing history, with 63 wins in 68 fights, only three defeats and two draws since starting his professional career at age 15. But everything starts with his ring walks.
Throughout the years, El Canelo has made a big spectacle of his entrances, underlining his Mexican and Latine identity while flexing his celebrity. His walks have included live performances by J. Balvin, JOP and Fuerza Regida, Luis R. Conriquez, Santa Fe Klan and Tornillo Vázquez; and Pepe, Ángela, and Leonardo Aguilar. He even brought in a 150-piece mariachi band to play a remix of “Eye Of The Tiger.”
For his comeback fight on Saturday, October 31, against Christian Mbilli, he walked out of a pyramid decorated with cempasúchil flowers, with Tito Doble P in tow, performing beside him. When asked about it before the fight at a virtual press conference, he had said he wasn’t thinking about it, but was sure something cool would come together. And there was a good reason why the last thing on his mind had been putting on a show.
For the first time in many years, Canelo Álvarez was a challenger. He wasn’t only facing the World Boxing Council super-middleweight champion; this was also his first fight since losing to Terrence Crawford in September 2025. Since his last match, Álvarez underwent elbow surgery and took personal time off. Canelo had a lot to prove in this fight, promoted by his own company as “Mexico Against The World,” at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He won by unanimous decision.
After his loss against Crawford and subsequent surgery, many suspected that Canelo was planning to retire from boxing. At 36, Álvarez is a veteran with more than 20 years in the sport. Leading up to the bout, he had spent months answering endless questions from the press, maintaining that he was in for the long haul and ready to reclaim his place at the top.
Many experts consider this fight one of the most crucial of Canelo’s career. By defeating Mbilli, he could retire at the top or continue for a few years before stepping down. But a loss would have tarnished a remarkable career, signaling that his best days were behind him. His future was on the line.
Álvarez wanted to prove himself. Mbilli is a promising, hungry boxer with an aggressive style that relies on attack, speed, and power—a contrast to Canelo’s measured, strategic approach of studying and tiring the opponent before pouncing. Canelo had picked Mbilli because he wanted to face someone who challenged him. “Facing these kinds of fighters adds [to my] legacy,” Canelo said in the preview short doc, Saúl – The Return of Canelo Álvarez. “[I want] more championships. [To] face the best out there and [become a] world champion again.”
Even with these high stakes, Canelo showed no signs of buckling under pressure; in fact, he focused on winning because he had “una espina clavada.” “I’m ready for everything,” he said in the documentary, while also acknowledging that even if he spent as much time prepping as possible, an X factor could open a small window to victory. “At this level, […] if your mind is not [in it] 100%, that [can make] a difference. You have to [give] 100% everything.”
For Canelo, confidence comes with a relaxed view. “For me, age is just a number,” he said in the doc. “I feel like I’m 26 years old.” He’s also a boxing lifer; his love for every aspect of the sport is evident, and fans can see why he wasn’t ready to hang up his gloves just yet.
Canelo represents more than just a boxer. He is one of the most beloved athletes in the world because he carries Mexico with him in everything he does; his milestones become part of Mexican culture. His pride not only elevates Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez as the boxing GOAT but also gives boxing a flavor that makes it one of the world’s greatest spectacles.