Canelo Álvarez taking pay reduction to fight John Ryder in Mexico

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. JOHN RYDER LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE

Speaking to the press in San Diego on Thursday, current super middleweight champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez announced his decision to fight in his home country of Mexico to face John “The Gorilla” Ryder on May 6. Along with the move, he will have to take a significant pay cut.

Álvarez explained during the press conference that the decision to fight in his home country was not about financial gain but personal pride.

“Sometimes it’s about pride, and it’s that time. I don’t need to say how much I lose, because I don’t care. I feel good to fight in my hometown, and I’m proud,” the 32-year-old said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on the same day that when Álvarez competes in Guadalajara on May 6, he will earn approximately half of what he would have made if the fight took place in Las Vegas.

A pay cut that might exceed $10 million doesn’t bother Álvarez to challenge his British counterpart in a high-stakes bout for all four super middleweight world title belts.

Their upcoming match will take place at the Akron Stadium, where Álvarez will be cheered on by over 50,000 hometown supporters, including his grandmother.

Hearn said he was surprised by Álvarez’s willingness to accept a significant pay cut, as it is not common in boxing. He voiced his respect and admiration for his opponent’s decision.

Álvarez started his professional career in Guadalajara when he was just 15 years old. However, he has not fought in his home country since November 2011 due to financial considerations.

In the 22 fights since then, Álvarez has primarily fought in the United States, with matches in cities like Vegas and Miami and large venues like the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium.

Álvarez and Hearn have been planning for a fight in Mexico since they began working together six fights ago. Although the Mexican superstar was recovering from surgery on his left hand during the holidays, he and trainer Eddy Reynoso decided that it was time for a mandatory title defense in front of his home fans.