Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez, the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, has started drinking mate. The Mexican champion surprised fans by sharing his new habit on social media, joining the ranks of South American athletes who swear by the infusion.
Canelo posted a story where someone asked him what he was drinking. He replied:
"Mate, to have energy, reduce inflammation, it helps with many things..."
Mate is an infusion made from yerba mate leaves, typically prepared by adding hot water to a container also called a mate. It's a staple in South American culture, often bringing people together for morning or afternoon gatherings.
The drink has gained popularity among athletes, especially soccer players. Many pros carry their mate sets everywhere they go. In fact, Lionel Messi, arguably the world's best soccer player, is such a fan that he's releasing his own pink thermos and mate set with Stanley in November 2024, styled after his Inter Miami team colors.
Canelo's adoption of mate fits with his focus on health and performance. The champion knows how crucial it is to watch what goes into his body. He's also known to practice fasting as part of his training regimen.
The timing of Canelo's new habit is interesting. He's gearing up for a big fight on May 3rd in Saudi Arabia against William Scull. All four of Canelo's super middleweight titles will be on the line.
Mate might give Canelo an extra edge. The drink is known for providing an energy boost and reducing inflammation, among other health benefits. These effects could prove useful as he prepares for his upcoming bout.
Canelo's openness to trying new health practices shows why he's at the top of his game. Whether mate will become a permanent part of his routine remains to be seen, but it's clear he's leaving no stone unturned in his quest to stay at the pinnacle of boxing.
