BTN News: As anticipation builds for the upcoming fight between Canelo Álvarez and Edgar Berlanga on September 14, 2024, in Las Vegas, Mexican boxing icon Julio César Chávez has made headlines with his candid comments about the event and his own unparalleled legacy in the sport. In a recent interview with ESPN, Chávez did not shy away from sharing his thoughts on the current state of boxing in Mexico and how it compares to his illustrious career. While he praised Álvarez’s achievements, Chávez also emphasized that the sport may never again see another fighter like him, who remained undefeated for 90 fights over a span of 15 years.
“No One Will Ever Match My Record,” Says Chávez
Chávez, often referred to as the greatest Mexican boxer of all time, expressed pride in his accomplishments, suggesting that the country may never see another fighter with his level of success. “God gives everyone their own gift,” Chávez stated. “I feel at peace with what I accomplished, though of course, I would have liked to do more. But with all due respect, you will not see another guy like me — 90 fights unbeaten, 15 years without a single loss.”
While Chávez did not make a direct prediction about the outcome of the upcoming Canelo Álvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga bout, his comments highlight his belief that his record and legacy in the sport remain unparalleled.
Canelo Álvarez’s Journey to Legendary Status
Chávez acknowledged Canelo Álvarez’s impressive career and his potential to be recognized as a legend, albeit with some reservations. He suggested that Álvarez still needs a defining moment to fully win over the Mexican public. “He will be a legend, he is going to be a legend,” Chávez said. “But unfortunately, he lacks a war — a great fight that would make the people of Mexico fully embrace him.”
According to Chávez, Álvarez faces a unique challenge in unifying the support of Mexican boxing fans, something Chávez claims to have never experienced. “Unfortunately, you can see it — Mexico is divided over him. Some people love him, others don’t. With all respect, that did not happen with me, thank God,” he added.
A Divided Public: Can Canelo Win Over Mexico?
Chávez’s remarks bring to light a critical aspect of Álvarez’s career: his relationship with the Mexican public. Despite being one of the most successful boxers in recent years, Álvarez has struggled to win unanimous support from his home country. According to Chávez, a lack of a defining “war” or a truly memorable fight may be the reason for this division among fans.
While Chávez often speaks positively about Álvarez’s technical prowess and achievements in the ring, he is careful to place himself above any current fighter, suggesting that the younger generation still has much to prove.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Chávez’s statements underline a significant moment in boxing history as fans prepare for the Canelo Álvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga showdown. His reflections serve as a reminder of the high standards set by past champions and the challenges faced by new fighters seeking to carve out their own legacies. Whether Álvarez can fulfill the criteria to be regarded as a legend in the same vein as Chávez remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world of boxing continues to be captivated by the comparison between these two Mexican greats.
Conclusion: The Upcoming Fight and Future of Mexican Boxing
With the Canelo Álvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight just around the corner, all eyes are on Álvarez to see if he can add another significant chapter to his already impressive career. As Chávez’s comments suggest, the road to becoming a universally beloved legend is not easy, but it is one that many believe Álvarez is capable of traveling. Whether he will ever reach the level of admiration enjoyed by Chávez is yet to be determined, but the upcoming bout in Las Vegas will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping his legacy.
