WBC former champ Canelo Alvarez’s native roots from Mexico’s, Michoacan - mother Ana Maria sold ice pops, and raised eight; business acumen in family key to Saul’s perseverance

Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan (35), nicknamed ‘Canelo’, meaning ‘cinnamon’ in Spanish, due to his red hair was born, and raised on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on July 18, 1990. From the humble villages of Michoacan, Mexico, selling ice pops, and making ends meet were priorities for one the all-time boxing greats of today, Canelo Alvarez.

Coming just off a loss from newly crowned WBC super middleweight champion, Terence Crawford (37) on Saturday night’s, September 13, super middleweight title match, here’s a look at the early start of Canelo’s life, and moral support.

Also read: How Terence Crawford outclassed Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed Super Middleweight Champion


Canelo’s pillar through life, mother: Ana Maria Barragan

Canelo’s mother, Ana Maria Barragan raised eight including him, struggled to make ends meet, and has been, and continues to be the backbone to the red-haired superstar of modern boxing.

Ana Maria Barragan, a Michoacan native, was born in Michoacan, Mexico, to a middle-class family. Her specific age remains undisclosed in public records. Barragan married Santos Alvarez and had eight children before divorcing when Canelo turned 15 years old.

In the early 1990s, Ana Maria Barragan and Santos Alvarez relocated their family from Michoacan to Juanacatlan, Jalisco, seeking better economic opportunities. The couple established a modest business selling ice pops and aguas frescas to support their eight children.

Canelo Alvarez family business operations

The Alvarez family operated their ice pop business from the San Juan de Dios Market and sold products on public transportation throughout Juanacatlan. Canelo Alvarez participated in the family business during his youth, selling ice pops on buses and earning approximately 700 pesos weekly.

Despite their middle-class background, the family faced financial challenges due to Santos Alvarez's agricultural work income. All eight children contributed to the family business operations.

Also read: Mike Tyson drops YouTuber MrBeast with power-packed punch at Canelo-Crawford showdown - WATCH

Ana Maria Barragan's support for Canelo's boxing career

Ana Maria Barragan has maintained a consistent presence at Canelo Alvarez's professional boxing matches throughout his career. Her divorce from Santos Alvarez when Canelo was 15 did not diminish the relationship between mother and son.

Barragan has provided support for Canelo Alvarez's boxing career from its early stages, attending fights and maintaining involvement in his professional development. The boxer has credited his family's unity and traditional values as contributing factors to his success.

Canelo Alvarez's family structure and influence

The Alvarez family includes eight children raised by Ana Maria Barragan and Santos Alvarez in Jalisco, Mexico. Canelo Alvarez has described his family as united and supportive throughout his boxing career trajectory.

Ana Maria Barragan's influence on Canelo Alvarez extends beyond his athletic achievements, with the boxer acknowledging her role in his personal and professional development. The family's business experience in Juanacatlan provided early lessons in work ethic and perseverance.