Saúl “Canelo’' Alvarez made history against Caleb Plant, the previous IBF Super Middleweight Champion on Nov. 6, becoming the first Mexican undisputed champion in boxing history to do so. Although no Mexican has ever held all four titles in their division to become undisputed, many have proved themselves as legends by their own means. Here are a few of the greatest Mexican fighters to ever step into the ring.
5: Érik Morales & Marco Antonio Barrera
These two fighters share more than just the fifth spot on this list, together they create one of the most exciting trilogies in boxing history. The two went the distance in all three of their fights, never letting each other rest and stepping on each other’s toes for a total of 36 rounds. Morales had 52 wins and 9 losses during his career. Barrera had 67 wins and 7 losses.
4: Salvador Sánchez
Sánchez is a fighter who could have potentially been at the top of this list if his career hadn’t ended early by his untimely death at the age of 23. Today he is still considered one of the greatest ever, becoming the WBC Featherweight Champion at the age of 21 and successfully defending his title 10 times before passing away as the champion. Sánchez had 44 wins and 1 loss throughout his career.
3: Juan Manuel Márquez
When it comes to legacy fighters, Márquez has it all. He won seven world titles in four different divisions, facing off against some of history’s most legendary fighters, like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao — to make some of the most legendary fights. JMM had 56 wins and 7 losses during his career.
2: Julio César Chávez
Chávez is the only fighter on this list with over 100 victories, at 107, 83 of which being knockouts. Defined by his explosive combinations, an indestructible chin and a tireless dedication, Chávez was a key figure in defining Mexican-style boxing. JCC had only 6 losses throughout his career.
1: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez
Canelo’s impeccable head movement, devastating counters and iron jaw has solidified him as the greatest Mexican boxer at the moment, and is already considered by many as the greatest ever. On Nov. 6, Canelo made history and became the first Mexican undisputed champion of the world. Accomplishing this makes him a promising number one on anyone’s top five Mexican boxers list. His current record is 56 wins, with only one loss against Floyd Mayweather.
“Esto logró más para mi familia, para mi equipo pero sobre todo para todos ustedes, para todo México,” he said.
The fighter’s listed above continue to represent their community as one with heart and strength.