Oscar De La Hoya says Canelo Alvarez ought to go away Eddy Reynoso. He’s unsuitable. Canelo remembers who constructed him. When he was nobody, Reynoso was there. When he had every part, Reynoso stayed. Collectively they constructed a profession, a legacy, and a fortune. Canelo by no means lowballed him, by no means lower his share. He let him share the experience — within the ring and within the financial institution. That’s loyalty.
And loyalty issues. It issues as a result of boxing is stuffed with betrayal. Fighters lower trainers as quickly because the highlight hits. They overlook who carried them via the darkish gyms, the empty arenas, the lengthy roads. Canelo didn’t overlook.
Gennadiy Golovkin did. Abel Sanchez created his U.S. identification. The “Mexican Type” slogan was a advertising invention, however it labored. It offered him to the Mexican fan base, it gave him an aura, and it made him thousands and thousands. Sanchez was the one behind the scenes. As quickly because the DAZN deal got here, Golovkin supplied him a flat charge—a flat charge, after years of loyalty and share splits. When Sanchez refused, he was gone. No gratitude. No loyalty. Simply cash.
That is the distinction. Canelo retains his man and shares the wealth. Golovkin cuts his man when the checks get greater.
The game remembers. Manny Pacquiao by no means left Freddie Roach. Even when Pacquiao entered politics, even when he misplaced fights, Roach was nonetheless there. Floyd Mayweather by no means left his blood — his father and uncle stayed within the nook via each period. Joe Calzaghe by no means left his father. They went undefeated collectively, from begin to end. Loyalty constructed these legacies.
Betrayal breaks them. Golovkin fired Sanchez and misplaced greater than a coach. He misplaced his identification. The “Mexican Type” disappeared. The aura light. He turned one other fighter chasing checks.
Canelo doesn’t want to fireside Reynoso. He doesn’t have to betray him to evolve. If he desires new concepts, he can herald a second chair. Add, not exchange. Loyalty first, enchancment second. That’s the way you defend a bond and nonetheless sharpen your edge.
There are names. Derrick James may sharpen his stress. Buddy McGirt may carry old-school changes and mid-fight technique. Ronnie Shields may put together him for taller, rangier opponents. Ismael Salas may add the Cuban eye for spacing and counter setups. These voices may assist. However they don’t exchange Reynoso. They complement him.
Canelo has nothing to be ashamed of. He dared to combat the easiest. Floyd Mayweather — one of many best defensive fighters of all time. Dmitry Bivol — a much bigger, youthful, undefeated gentle heavyweight in his prime. Terence Crawford — the face of greatness. Three losses, all to legends. No disgrace in that. Solely respect.
He has collected titles throughout 4 divisions. He turned undisputed at 168. He carried the game on his again because the face of boxing for greater than a decade. Loyalty to Reynoso was a part of that journey. Gratitude made him stronger, not weaker.
Canelo doesn’t want to fireside anybody to avoid wasting his legacy. His legacy is already protected.
