Controversial choices are ‘tarnishing' Canelo's legacy

Fans are desperate to see him fight David Benavidez but the Mexican superstar instead boxes Edgar Berlanga tomorrow

- ALEX PATTLE

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez finds himself firmly in the final phase of his career. And if fans had to identify a characteristic that defines this phase, many would shout about a lack of risk: a lack of risk in choice of opponent, and a lack of risk in fighting style.

Those same fans have been making it clear, usually on social media, that in their eyes the multiple-weight world champion is “tarnishing his legacy” with this approach. Others take issue with such suggestions, claiming that the ‘face of boxing’ has earned the right to do whatever he wants at the age of 34 – to make money however he wants.

Both arguments may be valid. Canelo has blessed boxing over the last decade with his sheer volume of activity, an approach that can actually be traced back to his professional debut in 2005, when the Mexican was aged just 15. And that everpresence will be missed when he retires. His commitment to the craft and his willingness to regularly immerse himself under the searing heat of the brightest lights – from arenas in Las Vegas to stadia in Mexico – will be remembered.

And that same commitment has arguably earned Canelo the right to ‘ease’ himself towards retirement – as much as there can be anything ‘easy’ about boxing. Because, as much as some fans have been unenthused by Alvarez’s last four bouts, there is nothing easy about facing Jaime Munguia, Jermell Charlo, John Ryder or Gennady Golovkin.