Canelo's dad, Santos Alvarez, joined him in Riyadh. It's a rare public appearance for Santos, who divorced Canelo's mother, Ana Maria, in 2005 when Canelo was just a teenager. The Ring Magazine shared a photo of the father-son duo during fight week, giving fans a glimpse of their relationship.
For many boxing followers, it's the first time they've seen Canelo's father. But there's a chance the two spend more time together behind the scenes than we know.
Canelo, born in the summer of 1990, is now entering the twilight of his career. He seems to want his loved ones to be part of his final journey in the sport where he's become the face of boxing.
"I want my family to be with me for these big moments," Canelo said. "It means a lot to have my father here. We don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like, so this is special."
The upcoming weekend in Riyadh is shaping up to be a massive event for boxing. There are three different cards lined up back-to-back-to-back, featuring a star-studded lineup. Along with Canelo, fans will get to see Naoya Inoue, Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez in action.
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a hub for big boxing fights, and Canelo's presence adds even more shine to the event. As he prepares for his bout, having his father by his side seems to have given him an extra boost of motivation.
"My father taught me about hard work and dedication," Canelo shared. "To have him here, seeing what all that hard work has led to, it's a proud moment for both of us."
As the boxing world turns its eyes to Riyadh, Canelo and his father are soaking in the moment together. It's a touching reminder that even for the biggest stars in sports, family support can make all the difference.