Canelo Álvarez’s Growing Passion for Golf Could Chart His Post-Boxing Future
Saul “Canelo” Álvarez focuses intensely as he putts during a Pebble Beach Pro-Am practice round, revealing his passion for golf that rivals his love for boxing.
- Boxing champion Canelo Álvarez has developed a deep love for golf, even competing in pro-am events.
- Álvarez’s dedication to improvement in golf mirrors his focus in the ring, and he envisions a possible second career on the links.
- Before committing fully to golf, Álvarez faces his next big boxing challenge: a fight with Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light heavyweight title.
Saul “Canelo” Álvarez’s story is one of relentless ambition. From humble beginnings in Guadalajara, Mexico, selling ice cream on the streets, Álvarez rose to become one of boxing’s top earners, raking in nearly $40 million per fight. As a four-division champion with a near-legendary record, Álvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
This Cinco de Mayo weekend, he’s set to face Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light heavyweight title in Las Vegas, with the potential of a thrilling third fight against Gennadiy Golovkin later in the year. But Álvarez’s mind isn’t solely on boxing these days—it’s also on the greens of golf courses, a newfound obsession that may become his next career.
Following a victory against Caleb Plant in November, Álvarez celebrated by doing what has become his post-fight ritual: heading to the golf course. His love affair with golf began in May 2019, and since then, he has aspired to become as competitive on the green as he is in the ring. Golf, a peaceful contrast to the ferocity of boxing, offers Álvarez a release from the intense routines that fighting demands. His goal now is to develop his skills enough to one day compete professionally in the sport.
- Handicap: Currently a 10 handicap, Álvarez is known to play fiercely in celebrity tournaments and has recorded impressive performances, including nearly achieving a hole-in-one at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
- Routine: His golf training is as disciplined as his boxing regimen; he plays daily during camp and competes with stars like Stephen Curry and Ezekiel Elliott.
Golf has become more than just a pastime for Álvarez. The game is his respite from the pressures of boxing and has helped him find calm and balance. His focus on golf has even influenced his personal life, with social media filled with as many images of him swinging a golf club as it does of him swinging at opponents. His embrace of golf has also coincided with his improved English, helping him connect with international audiences in new ways.
A Different Side of Canelo
Playing a sport historically reserved for the wealthy has allowed Álvarez to explore new facets of his identity. As he says, “Golf makes me feel calm in my personal life, and boxing too.” Not only does golf bring him peace, but it also showcases his competitive spirit. He is unapologetically ambitious on the course, winning a celebrity tournament in South Carolina last June and joining the USA vs. World matchplay tournament at Liberty National in New Jersey.
Álvarez’s desire to compete and win extends beyond boxing, highlighting a determination that his coach, former PGA Tour player Aaron Dexheimer, describes as rare and inspiring.
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Influence on Mexican Golf
Canelo’s unexpected enthusiasm for golf could be a powerful influence on the sport’s popularity in Mexico. Although only three native Mexicans have won a PGA event, Álvarez’s love for the game may inspire new interest among Mexican fans and young athletes. Thomas Brookes, CEO of The Icons Series, sees Álvarez as a force that could break stereotypes and help grow golf’s appeal among Mexican and Hispanic audiences, potentially even more than a professional Mexican golfer.
A Driven Lifestyle
Between boxing workouts, Álvarez maintains a strict schedule, often training for hours in the morning, golfing in the afternoon, and spending evenings with family. His wife, Fernanda, jokingly complains about his constant tuning into the Golf Channel, but Álvarez’s commitment is unwavering. He even brings golf into his fight camps, with promoter Eddie Hearn arranging mini-golf setups in his hotel rooms to keep him engaged.
Future Aspirations
According to Dexheimer, Álvarez’s mental approach and commitment make him a standout student. Álvarez is willing to hit the same shot hundreds of times to improve, a level of discipline that mirrors his boxing success.
“If he decides to be a professional golfer, it’s going to be a matter of transferring his body,” says Dexheimer. Álvarez’s success in boxing has prepared him for this new path; as his mantra states, “No Boxing, No Life,” yet golf may soon follow in its footsteps.
As he heads into his fight against Bivol, Álvarez looks to once again prove himself in the ring. But win or lose, his mind will be on the fairways. His dedication and desire to master golf reflect a champion’s mindset, one that will likely carry him through whatever challenges lie ahead—whether that’s against Bivol or a challenging golf course.
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