This week on May 7, 2022, 4-division world champion Saúl Canelo Álvarez will face defending WBA Superlight heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol in a bout billed as Legacy is Earned. In a prelude to another thrilling match we sat down with the Mexican boxing great – and Hennessy spokesperson – for an exclusive interview, as he continues to built on his legendary status.

Hennessy, the world’s best-selling Cognac, has long been a champion of those who push the limits of potential to achieve new levels of greatness. On May 7, longtime Hennessy ambassador Saul “Canelo” Álvarez will step into the ring again to make history and raise the bar of greatness.  Canelo’s evolution, one that began in his hometown of Guadalajara, has led him to become the undisputed champion — now he will move up in weight, proving there’s no limit to potential.

The 56-2-1 career boxer lives in constant pursuit of excellence; and his desire to keep learning, to keep training, and to keep winning exemplifies Hennessy’s “Never Stop. Never Settle.” spirit. The brand will stand by Canelo’s side at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as he seeks to further cement his legacy as the undisputed #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Saúl Canelo Álvarez

As a world-famous athlete, the global icon and Hennessy ambassador has become a source of lasting cultural pride by winning and being an example to others both in and outside the ring. Canelo, and the respected cognac brand, share the belief that history honors those who make their mark with unwavering passion, discipline, and commitment to perfecting their craft.

As Hennessy V.S.O.P celebrates the power of embracing different perspectives, it also celebrates the power of diversity and different voices in sport, because “More is Made by the Many.”

Last November Álvarez unified all four major world titles to become undisputed Super Middleweight champion with an eleventh-round technical knockout victory over Caleb Plant. After achieving that milestone the Hennessy spokesperson signed a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing; the first fight would see him returning to the Light Heavyweight division to challenge long-reigning undefeated WBA Super Lightweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
The bout will be televised as sports streaming service DAZN‘s first pay-per-view offering in the United States and Canada.

HOMBRE: We know you’re a big music fan, what is the music you listen to when training?
Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez: We vary it. We play Carin Leon, Grupo Firme, Bachata, Salsa, Reggaeton, Mariachi, we play everything.
Right now we’re playing more Salsa.

H: Continuing with the subject of music, last year when there were misunderstandings  between J Balvin and Residente you tried to mediate, what can you tell us about that?
CA: J Balvin is obviously my brother so you try to make sure they’re doing well. They’re both my friends and I tried to help, but there are times when people have to fix their own problems.

H: How much do you think about your legacy at this point in your career?
CA: That’s one of the things that is always on my mind. I want to be one of the best fighters in the history of boxing.
I need to extend my legacy to be there, and this fight is important for my legacy.

H: Is that why there are talks about fighting GGG (Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin) one more time? Do you feel there is something unfinished about that part of your legacy?
CA: I don’t think so. I’m one hundred percent focused on Bivol. I don’t really care about another fight with Golovkin. After the Bivol fight we’ll see. But people want to see that fight.

H: What will  beating Bivol mean for your career? Would that be it for you at 175Lbs? 
CA: This fight is very important for my legacy. Dmitry Bivol is a solid champion at 175Lbs. I have the idea in mind to be the undisputed champion at 175Lbs and this is the first step.

H: How important is it to give fans the fights they want?
CA: I always try to bring the fights that people want to see. That is very important. That’s why you’re here boxing. You fight for the people, you fight for yourself. When the people want to see one fight that is very  important.

H: What is a message that you want to give to the fans that have followed you for so long and see the success you’ve had up to this point?
CA: Above all to say thank you for the support they have always given me. Thank them for always backing me. That is what motivates me to keep making history. Just very grateful to all my fans.

H: Finally, we know family means so much to you, your kids are young, but what message do you want to give them?
CA: I obviously want to be an example for them. I want them to know that discipline, putting on the effort, having the desire to be someone in life, all that is based on sacrifice. You have to take on that responsibility and risk everything to be someone in life.
I want  them to see their father as someone disciplined that took a road with lots of sacrifices but was ready to face them to accomplish something in life.

Saúl Canelo Álvarez