How Did Saul Alvarez Get His Nickname ‘Canelo’? Meaning & Story Behind Moniker

Canelo Alvarez needs no introduction to boxing fans as he is already one of the greatest to have stepped into the squared ring. The multi-divisional champion is 34 and has an alluring professional record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 no results. He will appear in the ring again on May 2nd when he takes on William Scull for all four super-middleweight straps. However, Canelo isn’t his real name. In fact, it is a moniker that his long-time trainer, Eddy Reynoso, gave him when he was just 12. 

Canelo’s actual name is Saul Alvarez. While it is no secret to the combat community, not everyone knows the meaning of Canelo or the reason behind this nickname. 15-year-old Alvarez became a professional in 2005. It has been a glittery journey for him since then. In 19 years, he has lost only twice to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol, creating one of the best resumes in the sport. But how did ‘Canelo’ become an inevitable part of Alvarez’s life?

Why do they call him ‘Canelo’ Alvarez?

The term Canelo comes from the Spanish word Canelito, which means ‘little cinnamon’. Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan, aka Canelo, received the nickname for his appearance. As per The Sun, Canelo’s trainer Reynoso felt, the little boy’s look isn’t the same as most of the war-torn Mexicans. Instead, he had charisma, a subtle face, and red hair, which was absolutely flamboyant.

However, an in-ring Alvarez was totally different. He was fierce, skillful, and always eager to learn. That’s when Reynoso tagged him as ‘Canelito’. But later trimmed it to Canelo. Alvarez has since owned the nickname. Now, Canelo seems to be his prime identity, while most of the boxing fans are unaware of his name being Saul Alvarez. However, that’s not the only nickname he has. 

Canelo Alvarez gets a new nickname

Canelo Alvarez has earned a cheeky new nickname in the UK: ‘Brit Basher’ after defeating eight British opponents in his career, including Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith, and most recently, John Ryder. The undefeated streak has become a badge of dominance, and even Canelo is in on the joke. Speaking to The Sun, he quipped, “I’m sorry to say it, but I’ll keep doing it if someone pays me!”

Now under a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, Canelo may soon fulfill his dream of fighting in the UK. “Without a doubt, it would be crazy to go there and fight in front of everyone. Honestly, I’d love it,” said the Mexican star. With future bouts planned in Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, the “Brit Basher” might be coming to Britain next.

That said, it appears Canelo Alvarez doesn’t just have a great resume, he also has a couple of very cool nicknames. What are your thoughts about them?