Canelo Alvarez was saved by the ropes when boxing icon’s brother almost KO’d him with perfect punch

Watch Canelo Alvarez get wobbled

Canelo Alvarez was just 19 years old when he fought Jose Cotto in his HBO debut.

The brother of future opponent Miguel Cotto almost sprung a huge upset in the first round of his fight with Alvarez.

Cotto connected with a perfect left hook that knocked his opponent back into the ropes.

They were the only thing that stopped the 32-0-1 star from being dropped for the first time.

Sensing Canelo was badly hurt, Cotto swarmed him with punches and landed three more on his chin.

The Mexican fan favorite ate them all and tried to fight back, but he remained on wobbly legs for the rest of round one.

Ultimately, Canelo scored a ninth-round knockout to prove he can survive in-ring adversity.

What’s next for Canelo Alvarez?

34 fights later, Canelo Alvarez has established himself as the biggest name in boxing.

He’ll square off against pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in a super fight on September 13.

Dana White will promote the bout, which will be his first since entering the boxing business.

The UFC CEO stepped in when a brawl almost broke out at the Canelo vs. Crawford launch press conference.

In just six weeks’ time, everyone will step aside to let Alvarez and ‘Bud’ trade blows in the biggest fight of 2025.