Canelo Alvarez’s (63-3-2, 39 KOs) recent devastation at the hands of Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) has left many questioning the once pound-for-pound king’s skillset. However, Golden Boy honcho, Oscar De La Hoya, is certain that Alvarez can turn things around, provided he makes an adjustment.
Talking to FightHype, De Le Hoya voiced his concerns about Alvarez’s recent performance and hinted at a change that he could incorporate to improve his chances against boxers of Crawford’s caliber.
“The only thing that I can tell him or give him advice is ‘get a new trainer. I can’t advise him on retiring or staying in boxing; that’s a very personal decision. But I can say, get a new trainer, you’ll do better, a new trainer will teach you different tricks,” the former champ turned promoter said. “Imagine him getting one of the best trainers in the world, like a Ronnie Shields who’s going to teach you footwork, who’s going to teach you speed and movement, and not be so heavy on your feet.”
Eddy Reynoso has been Alvarez’s trainer ever since he turned pro at the age of 15 in 2005. While he has been instrumental in guiding Álvarez through numerous successful bouts, including victories over notable opponents such as Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs and Callum Smith, his recent loss to Crawford had many questioning the veteran’s tutelage.
One of the main points that many have pointed out was the apparent sloppiness of his footwork, which left him vulnerable to Crawford’s speed and angles. While De La Hoya doesn’t wish to see Alvarez retire at this point, he wants him to change his plan of action.
“So, I’m not saying Canelo’s shot or done, no. It’s far from it. It’s all on the matchmaking; it’s all who you put in front of him. It’s all about squeezing those last dollars from the fans, Canelo,” said De La Hoya.
“It’s Over”
While De La Hoya has named Ronnie Shields as a potential coach, Shields himself isn’t confident that there will be a redemption arc for Alvarez. In fact, he even feels that it is time that he retired.
“Canelo, man, had a great career. When it’s over, it’s over. And right now, I don’t feel he should fight anymore. He had one of the best careers any fighter could ever have. He’s done everything he’s set out to do. What’s next? To prove what? He has nothing to prove; he’s already proved everything. And I think right now the door is closed, he should shut it himself and say, ‘you know what, I had a great career, enough is enough,’” he said.
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