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Watch: Canelo Alvarez and legendary coach training rising superstar Teofimo Lopez ahead of Mexican Independence Day showdown
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Canelo Alvarez has a big fight coming up this September. The Mexican boxing icon is gearing up with rising super lightweight star Teofimo Lopez. The Mexican and the Latino took the internet by storm with their unexpected sparring sessions in the ring. Here is what happened:

Canelo Alvarez has been intensifying his preparation for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga. Teaming up with Teofimo Lopez in a series of viral training sessions, the two boxing stars have been working on advanced techniques. Canelo was seen sharing his expertise with Lopez, particularly on how to handle tough situations against the ropes. 

Their collaboration has generated significant buzz on the internet. Canelo is refining his skills ahead of his upcoming super middleweight title defense on Mexican Independence Day. Also helping is Canelo Alvarez’s legendary trainer, Eddy Reynoso. Teofimo Lopez had previously expressed a strong desire to fight Terence Crawford

The 27-year-old boxer believes that a victory over Crawford would elevate his legacy. However, Crawford has set his sights on a different challenge – Canelo Alvarez. The 41-0 champion who recently dominated the welterweight division, is interested in making a significant jump to super-middleweight to face Canelo. While Lopez remains eager to face Crawford at 147 pounds, Crawford seems more focused on the potentially historic bout against Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez’s relationship with trainer Eddy Reynoso

The relationship between Canelo Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso is one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in boxing. It began in 2003 when a 14-year-old Canelo walked into Don Chepo Reynoso‘s gym in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At the time, Eddy Reynoso was just 27. His father Don Chepo immediately recognized Canelo’s potential due to his power and skill even at such a young age. Canelo’s bond with the Reynosos (particularly Eddy) grew from a traditional trainer-fighter relationship into something more akin to a father-son dynamic.

Eddy Reynoso was instrumental in developing Canelo’s boxing skills. He also played a crucial role in shaping the to-be boxing icon’s glorious career. Under Reynoso’s guidance, Canelo rose to become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He captured multiple world titles across various weight classes.

Canelo’s loyalty to Reynoso is evident in how he values his trainer’s recognition and success just as much as his own. Reynoso was named the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Trainer of the Year in 2019. It was Canelo who enthusiastically broke the news to him first. This partnership is seen as one of the key reasons behind Canelo’s sustained success at the highest levels of the sport.

Reynoso has also become one of the most sought-after trainers in boxing. He has worked with other top fighters like Ryan Garcia and Andy Ruiz Jr. However, his connection with Canelo remains the cornerstone of his career.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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