Salinas launches Canelo: “You don’t know anything” and Canelo responds and surprises
In the world of politics and sports, the two spheres collide in such a dramatic and deep way when they did when former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari publicly criticized the boxing champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The subsequent controversy not only captivated the public, but also led to a notable transformation in the conversation that surrounds public policies in Mexico.
It all started with a routine interview. Canelo, in Mexico City to promote his next fight, was asked about a ESPN sports reporter about his thoughts aboutYoung people building the future(Juvenile Building The Future), a government program aimed at providing scholarships to young people for the training of the workforce. Canelo’s response was overwhelming, but reflective: “I think the program intends, but for what I have seen, much of the money is lost in the bureaucracy, or does not reach those who need it most.” The boxer continued explaining his personal experience in Jalisco, where his foundation works in close collaboration with local young people, many of whom were registered in the program but received little or no support.
What seemed like a small comment, maybe even trivial, intensified quickly. Three days later, during a speech in a rural development event, Salinas, in his exclusive academic tone, hit the world -renowned boxer. “It’s curious how now they are an expert in public policies,” said Salinas, smiling, “we have boxers who offer opinions on social programs as if they had studied economics at Harvard.” The former president’s comments became viral almost immediately, stirring a national debate that soon went from sports to the future of the most vulnerable communities in Mexico.
Salinas, who for a long time had been a figure of political power and influence, seemed to underestimate the public’s attachment to Canelo, a hero for millions throughout the country. His insult to the boxer, suggesting that hitting people in the ring did not qualify one to talk about national politics, he failed. As expected, the media frenzy exploded and social networks were flooded with reactions. The memes that represent Canelo knaking Salinas and the former president who delivered a conference in a boxing ring took over the digital panorama. Public opinion was quickly divided into two camps: some supported the position of the former president, arguing that public policies required technical experience, while others put on the side of Canelo, emphasizing that their experienced experience made their opinion as valid as that of any expert.
In the midst of this media storm, Canelo, who was training in San Diego, took his time to reflect. His manager advised him to ignore Salinas and stay focused on his next fight. But Canelo, never one to go back to a challenge, had other plans. I wanted to answer, but not in the way people expected. Decided to hold a press conference in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Mexico, where the effects ofYoung people building the futureThe program felt more intense.
The press conference, held in its boxing gym in Guadalajara, was an unexpected turn in the saga. There, surrounded by young people who had benefited from the work of its foundation, Canelo presented a detailed analysis of the government program. Backed by data and research, Canelo highlighted the inefficiencies of the program, the delays in the pages and systemic barriers that prevented vulnerable young people from accessing opportunities. He acknowledged that while the concept of the program was necessary, its implementation was defective.
“What I am trying to do is raise the conversation,” Canelo told reporters. “It’s not about who is right or wrong. It’s about finding real solutions for these young people.” Canelo’s speech response was overwhelming. Instead of a burning replica, the presentation of the boxer was calm, methodical and deeply rooted in the experiences of the most affected by the problems he was addressing.
Canelo’s criticism to Salinas took an unexpected turn when he proposed a constructive solution. Instead of continuing verbal combat, he offered to debate the former president in a public forum. He explained that this was not personal attacks, but about finding common land and using their respective experiences to improve the country.
The former president, after days of silence, finally responded, not with an acceptance of the challenge, but with a proposal for a more inclusive forum. Salinas acknowledged that while his previous comments could have been “inaccurate”, the dialogue that Canelo had caused was valuable. He recognized the merit in the boxer’s perspective and suggested a broader discussion that involved experts, beneficiaries and other key players.
What followed was a surprising turn of events. Instead of facing national television, Salinas and Canelo joined forces to create a new pilot program in Jalisco. This collaboration, born of the conflict, showed the power of dialogue and action. It was not who won the argument, but how they could work together to create a program that really address the needs of the most vulnerable young people in Mexico.
The new program, which combines elements of Salinas’s technical experience and Canelo Base knowledge, was launched with an approach to real world solutions. It included simplified processes to ensure that young people in marginalized communities could access the support they needed without bureaucratic obstacles that had been a constant frustration.
Months later, the success of the program was undeniable. Canelo’s participation in social problems transcended his role as boxer, and had successfully used his platform to achieve change. Its history became a symbol of how individuals in all areas of life could participate in public discourse, regardless of their formal education or social position. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest change does not come from the ivory towers of the academy or politics, but from the voices of those who really understand the struggles of common people.
The public debate between Salinas and Canelo had caused more than only controversy; He had lit a movement that remodeled the way in which social problems were discussed and approached in Mexico.
