Canelo v Chavez: Why is Saul Alvarez called Canelo and what does the nickname mean?
SAUL ALVAREZ is one of the world’s finest boxers but tonight he will take on fellow Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr with thousands screaming ‘Canelo’ in encouragement - but why?
Saul Alvarez is better known by his nickname Canelo
What does ‘canelo’ mean?
Canelo has been shortened from the word ‘canelito’.
In Alvarez’s native spanish, ‘canelito’ means little cinnamon.
Saul Canelo Alvarez will face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr tonight
Why does Saul Alvarez get called Canelo?
Alvarez was given the nickname because of his ginger hair and freckles, which made it look like he had been sprinkled with cinnamon.
Who gave Saul Alvarez the nickname Canelo?
Alvarez is supposed to have initially been given the moniker by trainer Jose Reynoso.
The 26-year-old trained at Reynoso’s Gym as a child when he was first learning the art that now makes him one of Mexico’s most famous sportsmen.
Canelo Alvarez on Chavez Jr. clash: It's a very important fight
And Reynoso himself is supposed to have called him ‘canelito’ before shortening the name down to its current form as he got older with the diminutive ‘-ito’ ending becoming unnecessary.
The boxer’s team also realised that it would be an easy way to brand him on the US scene so stuck with the nickname, so much so it appears on the fight poster for his clash with Chavez.