By Keith Idec
Gennady Golovkin’s handlers have helped make him more popular among one of boxing’s biggest fan bases by touting his “Mexican style.”
Canelo Alvarez, born and raised in Mexico, doesn’t think there’s such a thing as a singular style suitable for Mexican fighters. The Mexican icon doesn’t consider the connection Kazakhstan’s Golovkin has built with Mexican boxing fans to be a genuine bond, either.
“I think it’s hypocritical,” Alvarez, who is involved in various charitable causes in his home country, said Sunday before an open workout in Los Angeles. “He’s a hypocrite. You know, maybe he uses it to get him some fans. But he’s a hypocrite. If something tragic were to occur in Mexico, he wouldn’t be there.”
The 28-year-old Alvarez has taken offense to criticism from Abel Sanchez, Golovkin’s trainer, for not fighting like “a real Mexican” in his first meeting with Golovkin last September 16. Faced with one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers, Alvarez moved more than usual and rarely traded with Golovkin during their 12-round, 160-pound championship match at T-Mobile Arena.
Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) took the flushest punches Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) was able to land well in a bout that resulted in a controversial draw. The former two-division champion admits Golovkin is strong, yet contends he didn’t feel anything in that fight that he hadn’t experienced.
Alvarez also scoffed at the theory that all Mexicans must fight the same way or risk ridicule. He proudly points out that he can box effectively and uses his intelligence in the ring to counteract his opponent’s strengths.
“There’s no defined style [that’s] Mexican style,” Alvarez said. “There have been many fighters to come from Mexico who have different styles. So no, I don’t think there’s a defined Mexican style. My style is mine, and I’m Mexican. That’s what’s most important.”
2023-10-21 16:47:40
