A boxer’s first loss is a crucial part of their career—some perish under its load, while others turn it into a lesson. Guess which path undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez took after his first career upset against boxing great Floyd Mayweather? 

There was a noticeable shift in his game after the loss back in September 2013—he became less dependent on his power, and his footwork and head movements soured to higher levels. He became much more patient and intelligent as a fighter. All this because of a loss, but that doesn’t mean the loss didn’t affect him. While appearing in an interview Adela Micha, ‘Cinnamon’ reflected on that loss while making a hard-hitting confession.

A look back at Canelo Alvarez vs. Floyd Mayweather

While talking to the future Hall of Famer, Micha, who has known Canelo for a long time, noted that Canelo Alvarez almost never seemed in danger of losing. But when it happened, did it ever hit him hard, making him cry out in anger? At first, a proud Canelo responded with a resounding “No”. However, after pondering for a second, it hit him as he unraveled his true feelings about his first-ever loss in the professional ranks.

“When I lost with [Floyd] Mayweather, I cried from a lot of helplessness… and I didn’t have the experience,” Canelo said, reflecting on that fateful night. Canelo revealed that he could do nothing but “eat it”. However, he believes that the loss helped him grow.

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Alvarez was 23 at the time and already outgrowing his status in the light middleweight division as he continued to improve fight after fight. It was the perfect time for Mayweather to use Canelo’s growing popularity to make a big money fight. Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather was 36 and had four more years of boxing left in him, but his skills were still good enough to bring the Mexican boxer to his knees.

When the day finally arrived, Mayweather dominated his Mexican opponent so badly, that many considered the 111-117 score by Craig Metcalfe in favor of Mayweather as the most accurate representation of their fight. Regardless, this wasn’t the first time Canelo Alvarez has looked back on his loss.

Alvarez reveals the loss caused damage to his pride

Yes, Canelo Alvarez suffered another loss to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022, but the scars from the Mayweather loss were left on his pride. Ahead of his fight against Jaime Munguia earlier this year, ‘Cinnamon’ appeared in the fight build-up series from PBC, where he poured his heart out about the loss.

Canelo described his opponent as “a very intelligent fighter,” highlighting not only his skill but also the composed and relaxed manner in which he handled himself in the ring. Reflecting on the bout, he remarked, “I think I learned a lot from the experience,” while also acknowledging the emotional impact, adding, “Obviously, it hurt my pride a lot because I wanted to beat the best.”

Years have passed since that night, but the memories of the fight are still fresh in Canelo’s psyche, forcing him to improve his game and become unbreakable. His statement about the loss doesn’t just show his disappointment but also reminds everyone what he has managed to accomplish despite it. What would you have done if you were in Canelo Alvarez’s shoes back then?