Canelo Álvarez harshly criticizes Juan Manuel Márquez for his comments about Pacquiao.
In an intense escalation of tension in the boxing world, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez launched a harsh verbal attack against fellow Mexican boxing legend Juan Manuel Márquez, belittling his legacy and reigniting a debate that has stirred fans. The controversy erupted after Márquez questioned Manny Pacquiao’s decision to return to the ring at age 46 to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, suggesting that the Filipino icon was not fit for a world title shot after four years of inactivity. Márquez’s comments, as reported by Marca, included criticism of the WBC for sanctioning the fight, stating: “The organization is to blame. Why are they putting Pacquiao in to fight for the world title after four years of inactivity?”
Canelo, who has publicly supported Pacquiao ahead of his upcoming showdown with Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025, didn’t hold back in his response. In a recent interview, Álvarez made a scathing comment: “The only legendary thing about Márquez is the knockout of Pacquiao. Beyond that, it’s just complaints.” This comment refers to Márquez’s iconic sixth-round knockout of Pacquiao in their fourth fight in 2012, widely considered one of the most memorable moments in modern boxing history. Canelo’s jab implies that Márquez’s legacy is based solely on that moment, while downplaying his other accomplishments, such as winning world titles in four weight classes and victories over fighters like Marco Antonio Barrera and Joel Casamayor.
The dispute appears to stem from differing perspectives on Pacquiao’s return. Canelo, who recently defended his super middleweight titles against William Scull in a lackluster unanimous decision victory, has expressed his admiration for Pacquiao, calling him “a role model in boxing” during a recent encounter in Los Angeles. This stance stands in stark contrast to Márquez’s skepticism, which has drawn the ire of Pacquiao’s followers and now Canelo himself. The exchange has sparked heated debate among fans, with some praising Canelo for defending Pacquiao’s right to fight, while others accuse him of disrespecting Márquez, a national hero in Mexico.
Márquez, known for his granite chin and technical prowess, has yet to publicly respond to Canelo’s remarks. However, the boxing community is rife with speculation as to whether this verbal exchange could lead to more exchanges or even a potential exhibition fight, given both boxers’ legendary careers and shared Mexican heritage. For now, Canelo is focused on his big fight against Crawford, while Pacquiao prepares for his return against Barrios on July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
This latest controversy underscores the passionate rivalries and loyalties within boxing, where even retired legends like Márquez and current stars like Canelo can clash over the sport’s past and present. While the boxing world awaits responses from both sides, Canelo’s provocative words have ensured that this debate remains a hot topic in the run-up to these high-profile fights.
