Sunday, October 6

Tokyo 2020: the reason why “Canelo” Álvarez did not represent Mexico in the Olympic Games


Tokio 2020: la razón por la que “Canelo” Álvarez no representó a México en los Juegos Olímpicos
The Aztec has just overtaken Billy Joe Saunders on the fast track.

Photo: Steve Marcus / Getty Images

Boxing is one of the sports with the longest tradition in Mexico . Within the ring, great fighters have been formed who have represented the Aztec country throughout the world. At the Tokyo Olympics boxing takes place . It has even been one of the disciplines that has given a a large number of medals to the Mexican delegations . In this sense, the question arises, why didn’t “Canelo” Álvarez ?

Evidently, We must start from the fact that for the Rio Olympic Games 2016 , marked a before and after in the discipline. From that edition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made the decision to accept in the competition fighters who have had professional filming . This decision was accepted by some and rejected by others. However, this opened the doors to multiple Mexican fighters, including “Canelo” Álvarez.

Now, a couple of years ago, Mauricio Sulaimán , president of the World Council (WBC), revealed some words that the Mexican fighter himself told him about the “unification” of amateur fighters with professionals in Olympic contests.

“I have talked to many boxers. Canelo told me, ‘How would I feel seeing my gold medal knowing that I destroyed a young boy’s dreams of succeeding in this sport? (…) the difference in levels between amateurs and professionals puts at risk the permanence of this sport in the Olympics ”, said the leader.

The “Canelo” Álvarez is one of the Mexican fighters of the moment. The Aztec has entered the ring in 59 fights, of which has won 56, 38 of them by way of knockout . Without a doubt, Álvarez would be a great additive in the Olympic Games, but his level would be well above that of his opponents.

The Olympic Games, a springboard for young fighters

The Tokyo Olympic Games, like all previous editions, have a special additive for boxers participating in competitions. Getting a medal, no matter its material, represents a great showcase and boost in their nascent sports careers . Being able to be among the top positions gives them a great exposure to enter the professional plane.

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“Canelo” in the blood: Johan Álvarez knocked out Owen Rodríguez in the first round

The negotiations for the fight between Canelo and Plant

Video: boxer was disqualified for trying to bite his opponent’s ear at the Tokyo Olympics 2020