Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has not only established himself as one of boxing’s biggest names but has also accumulated considerable wealth through his illustrious career, endorsements, and strategic business moves. His current net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. Known for his exceptional skill, Alvarez has consistently ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters globally and has achieved world champion status across four weight divisions.
Career Earnings and Major Contracts
Canelo’s financial success reflects his standing in the boxing world, with his career earnings surpassing $600 million before taxes from fight purses, endorsements, and business ventures. Notably, in October 2018, Alvarez signed a $365 million contract with DAZN and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, covering 11 fights over five years. This contract guaranteed Alvarez $35 million per fight and contributed to his position as one of the highest-paid athletes. However, the contract’s terms eventually led to disputes, prompting Alvarez to file a lawsuit in 2020 against DAZN and Golden Boy, seeking damages and alleging breach of contract.
Between 2018 and 2021, Canelo’s earnings included significant paydays, such as:
- June 2018 – June 2019: $95 million
- June 2019 – June 2020: $40 million
- June 2020 – June 2021: $90 million
In addition to his DAZN deal, Canelo’s fights against major opponents, including Gennadiy Golovkin, Sugar Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto, earned him significant purses and pay-per-view (PPV) shares, further increasing his wealth.
Major Fight Earnings
Throughout his career, Canelo has fought some of boxing’s biggest names, with each fight enhancing his earning power. Below are some of his most lucrative bouts:
| Fight | Opponent | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Sugar Shane Mosley | $1.2 million |
| 2012 | Josesito Lopez | $2 million |
| 2013 | Floyd Mayweather | $12 million |
| 2015 | Miguel Cotto | $5 million + PPV |
| 2016 | Amir Khan | $15–$25 million |
| 2017 | Gennadiy Golovkin | $40 million |
| 2018 (Rematch) | Gennadiy Golovkin | $25 million + PPV |
| 2019 | Sergey Kovalev | $35 million |
These fights, along with PPV buys, generated millions in revenue, with his rematch against Golovkin alone drawing $94 million in PPV buys.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Beyond boxing, Canelo Alvarez has expanded his wealth through various business ventures. He owns Canelo Energy, a chain of gas stations across Mexico, and Upper, a convenience store with over 20 locations. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to a clothing line and a fitness app, reflecting his broad interests in building a brand beyond the ring.
In 2023, Canelo launched a tequila-based canned cocktail called VMC and Yaoca, a sports drink company. Known for his selective approach to endorsements, he currently has a $2 million annual deal with Anheuser-Busch as his primary endorsement partner, underscoring his cautious approach to brand partnerships.
Early Life and Rise in Boxing
Born Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán on July 18, 1990, Canelo grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was one of seven siblings, all of whom pursued boxing, inspired by their father’s interest in the sport. Recognized for his rare red hair in Mexico, Canelo, meaning “cinnamon,” began boxing at 13, achieving immediate success in amateur boxing. By 15, he had already won a gold medal in the Mexican Junior Championship, and he turned professional that same year, starting his journey to becoming one of boxing’s most formidable fighters.
Boxing Career Highlights
Canelo’s early years showcased his fierce knockout power and precision, winning the WBC light middleweight silver title in 2010. He defended his titles through the years, facing world-class opponents and securing championships in multiple weight divisions, including:
- Light Middleweight
- Middleweight
- Super Middleweight
- Light Heavyweight
One of his career highlights came in December 2020, when Canelo became the first boxer in history to unify the WBA (Super), WBC, and Ring super middleweight titles, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force across divisions.
Boxing Style and Technique
Canelo’s style is characterized by his exceptional counterpunching, head movement, and powerful body shots. He uses his unique ability to exploit openings in his opponents’ defenses, often ending his combinations with powerful strikes to the body, particularly targeting the liver. Known for his tactical intelligence, Canelo often lures his opponents into traps, combining head movement with unexpected punches to dominate fights.
Lawsuit Against DAZN and Golden Boy
In September 2020, Canelo filed a lawsuit against DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions, alleging a breach of contract. The dispute centered on DAZN’s dissatisfaction with the caliber of his opponents and their attempt to reduce his guaranteed $35 million per fight payout. The lawsuit sought $280 million in damages, plus additional lost revenue. Eventually, the case settled, allowing Alvarez to pursue independent promotions for his fights and negotiate his terms.
FAQs:
What is Canelo Alvarez’s current net worth?
Canelo Alvarez’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $250 million, accumulated through his boxing career, endorsements, and business ventures.
How much has Canelo Alvarez earned from his fights?
Alvarez has earned over $600 million pre-tax through fight purses, endorsement deals, and other sources throughout his career.
What is the largest contract Canelo Alvarez has signed?
In 2018, Alvarez signed a $365 million contract with DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions, which was one of the largest sports contracts at the time.