Canelo Álvarez’s mother fights a disease at age 65, her family shares an urgent update from Guadalajara
In a heartbreaking announcement that has impacted the world of boxing, the family of Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez revealed today, May 30, 2025, from his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, that his mother, Ana María Barragán, is fighting a serious disease at age 65. The news, shared just 30 minutes ago, has generated great support between fans and the Álvarez family sports community, while the undisputed supermedian champion faces one of the most difficult moments of his personal life. While the details are limited, this event dares Canelo’s preparations for its long -awaited September 13 against Terence Crawford.
Ana María Barragán, known for her intense red hair, a feature inherited from Canelo, which earned her “Canelo” (in Spanish, “Canelo”), has been a pillar of strength for the Álvarez family. As the mother of eight children, including Canelo and her seven brothers, she played a fundamental role in the formation of the disciplined work ethics and the boxer resilience. Despite his separation from Canelo’s father, Santos Álvarez, in 2005, Ana María has continued to be a central figure in the family, often expressing pride in the rise of his son of a adolescent prodigy to a world boxing icon with a 63-2-2 record and titles in four categories of weight. His alleged disease has caused a lot of concern, with fans in X publishing messages of hope and prayers for his recovery.
The statement of the Álvarez family, issued from Guadalajara, offered few details about Ana María’s state, just confirming that the 65 -year -old boxer faces a serious health problem and receives medical care. Sources close to the family indicate that Canelo, who is a great devotee of his parents, has been next to his mother, combining his training commitments with family responsibilities. The moment is particularly moving, since Canelo prepares for a decisive confrontation in his career against Crawford, a fight that is expected to attract a massive audience and that potentially marks his last fight before retirement. Promoters such as Eddie Hearn have speculated that the physical wear of boxing and the lucrative Canelo contract for the Riad season could lead him to retire after September, and this family crisis could further influence his decision.
Canelo’s link with his mother has been well documented. In interviews, he has recognized Ana María and his father for instilling the values that drove him to become the largest sports icon in Mexico. His supposed Irish descent, which explains his distinctive red -haired hair, has been a reason for pride, and has frequently attended his fights, encouraging with his legion of fans. The news of his illness comes shortly after Canelo’s victory by unanimous decision over William Scull on May 3, 2025, a fight criticized for his lack of action, but that consolidated his status as undisputed champion of supermedian weight. Critics, including Bob Arum, have questioned the recent actions of Canelo, but the boxing community now joins to support the champion in this hard personal test.
The announcement has also revived the debate on the legacy and future of Canelo. With a potential fortune of 400 million dollars from his boxing career and his businesses, Canelo has financial security to prioritize his family about the ring. Publications in X reflect fans’ concerns: some urge him to focus on their mother’s health instead of the fight against Crawford, while others express confidence in their ability to honor their family with another victory. The Mexican boxing scene, which already seeks talents such as Jaime Munguía and Gilberto Ramírez to carry the torch, could face an early transition if Canelo retires before expected.
While the Álvarez family is going through this difficult moment, the boxing world expects more information about Ana María’s state. Canelo’s resilience in the ring has been legendary, but his strength outside him, supporting his mother and his family, could define this chapter of his life. Fans from all over the world send messages of breath, wishing a speedy recovery of Ana María and that Canelo finds the balance in this personal and professional crossroads. The coming weeks will reveal whether this health crisis alters the trajectory of one of the most important boxing careers.
