Photo: Box Azteca · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Born in Mexico · Nationality Mexican — Boxing / anti-doping / sporting governance / commercial contracts
Documented profile covering 6 controversies, including “2024: stripped of IBF title again, this time at 168 lb, for not facing William Scull” and “2021: physical altercation with Caleb Plant at press conference — Plant suffers cut beneath eye”.
Profile No. 1662 · Updated on 12 October 2026
§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology
July 2024
The IBF stripped Álvarez of his super-middleweight title after he chose to fight Edgar Berlanga rather than mandatory challenger William Scull. The decision temporarily ended his status as undisputed champion.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
21 September 2021
During a promotional face-off, Álvarez pushed Caleb Plant following a verbal exchange. Plant threw a hook, Álvarez dodged it and retaliated with punches that left Plant with a cut beneath his eye.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
September–November 2020
Protagonist not prosecuted — these proceedings are not counted in their formal charges or convictions.
Álvarez sued Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya and DAZN, alleging breaches of his eleven-fight contract valued at $365 million and seeking at least $280 million. Following negotiations, the parties resolved the dispute and Álvarez was released from his contracts to become a free agent.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
February–17 August 2018
Two VADA tests conducted in February 2018 detected clenbuterol. Nevada temporarily suspended Álvarez, the 5 May rematch against Golovkin was cancelled, and the commission subsequently imposed a six-month suspension backdated to the first test.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
May 2018
During his suspension, Álvarez was removed from the WBC rankings after failing to respond to requests to re-enrol in the mandatory Clean Boxing Program. He subsequently re-enrolled, removing that obstacle to a rematch with Golovkin.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
16 September 2017
The first fight between Canelo Álvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin ended in a split draw. Judge Adalaide Byrd's 118–110 scorecard in favour of Álvarez triggered major controversy and was widely considered inexplicable.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
Documented biographical or institutional milestones (elections, appointments, foundings, acquisitions…). These are not controversies and are not counted as such.
The IBF stripped Álvarez of his middleweight title after Golden Boy failed to reach an agreement with mandatory challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko within the required timeframe.
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