De La Hoya Urges Alvarez to Revitalize Career with Trainer Change After Crawford Loss

Following Saul "Canelo" Alvarez’s unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford, boxing legend and former promoter Oscar De La Hoya has publicly stated that a change in trainers could prolong Alvarez’s career at the elite level. The defeat, which saw Alvarez struggle to adapt to Crawford’s speed and tactical prowess, has reignited discussions about the future trajectory of the Mexican superstar and the effectiveness of his long-standing partnership with trainer Eddy Reynoso.

Alvarez, 35, has been under Reynoso’s tutelage since turning professional at the age of 15. The collaboration has yielded significant success, including world titles across multiple weight divisions and two undisputed super middleweight championships. Reynoso’s influence has been instrumental in shaping Alvarez’s aggressive, power-punching style, which has dominated much of his career.

However, the Crawford fight exposed vulnerabilities in Alvarez’s game, particularly his footwork and ability to make in-fight adjustments. Crawford’s superior speed, ring generalship, and ability to exploit angles left Alvarez visibly frustrated and unable to implement his usual strategy. The performance prompted criticism of Reynoso’s corner advice, with some observers suggesting that Alvarez lacked the necessary guidance to counter Crawford’s tactics effectively.

De La Hoya, who promoted Alvarez during the early stages of his career before a highly publicized split, believes that a fresh perspective from a new trainer could reinvigorate Alvarez’s career. "The only thing that I can tell him or give him advice is, ‘Get a new trainer,’" De La Hoya told media outlets in the aftermath of the fight. "I can’t advise him on retiring or staying in boxing; that’s a very personal decision. But I can say, get a new trainer, you’ll do better, a new trainer will teach you different tricks."

De La Hoya specifically suggested that Alvarez could benefit from working with a trainer who specializes in footwork and movement. He cited Ronnie Shields, a respected trainer known for his work with numerous world champions, as an example. "Imagine him getting one of the best trainers in the world like a Ronnie Shields, who’s going to teach you footwork, who’s going to teach you speed and movement, and not be so heavy on your feet," De La Hoya said. "So imagine, with his power and his reflexes, he still has a chance to fight several more fights with the elites, but he needs a new trainer."

The suggestion of a trainer change is not unprecedented in boxing. Many fighters have sought new guidance at various points in their careers, often to address specific weaknesses or to adapt to evolving styles. A new trainer can bring a fresh perspective, introduce new techniques, and challenge a fighter in ways that their long-term coach may not.

Alvarez’s reliance on power and aggression has been a hallmark of his success, but it has also left him vulnerable against opponents with superior technical skills and movement. In previous fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol, Alvarez struggled to impose his will, often resorting to frustration tactics as he failed to break down their defenses.

Against Mayweather in 2013, Alvarez, then just 23 years old, suffered his first professional defeat in a majority decision loss. Mayweather’s defensive mastery and counter-punching ability frustrated Alvarez, who struggled to land his power shots effectively. In May 2022, Alvarez moved up to light heavyweight to challenge Bivol for the WBA title. Bivol’s size, strength, and technical skills proved too much for Alvarez, who suffered a unanimous decision loss. Bivol’s jab and footwork kept Alvarez at bay, preventing him from landing his signature combinations.

De La Hoya alluded to these past struggles in his assessment of Alvarez’s performance against Crawford. "It’s called frustration," De La Hoya said. "When you’re facing a Floyd, he got frustrated. When he faced Bivol, he got frustrated, tried to lift him up and body slam him in the ring. When he got hit by Crawford, and he took that deep breath, he’s frustrated."

Despite the defeat, De La Hoya believes that Alvarez remains a formidable force in the sport, particularly against opponents who are willing to engage in a brawl. "Don’t get me wrong, Canelo facing the right opponent that is going to stay in front of him, that’s going to fight, that’s going to make it a brawl, Canelo knocks ’em out," De La Hoya said. "So I’m not saying Canelo’s shot or done, no. It’s far from it. It’s all on the matchmaking; it’s all who you put in front of him. It’s all about squeezing those last dollars from the fans, Canelo."

Alvarez’s future plans remain uncertain. A rematch with Crawford has been discussed, but no official announcement has been made. Alvarez could also choose to return to the super middleweight division, where he holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles. Potential opponents in that division include David Benavidez, a rising star known for his aggressive style and punching power.

As of the latest rankings, Benavidez is rated highly by all major sanctioning bodies, holding the interim WBC super middleweight title. His recent performances, including a dominant victory over Demetrius Andrade, have positioned him as a prime contender for Alvarez’s titles. However, a fight between Alvarez and Benavidez has been repeatedly delayed due to promotional and financial issues.

Alvarez’s decision on whether to change trainers will likely depend on his assessment of the Crawford fight and his overall career goals. Reynoso has been a constant presence in Alvarez’s corner, providing unwavering support and guidance. However, the Crawford defeat may prompt Alvarez to consider whether a fresh perspective is needed to revitalize his career and address his vulnerabilities.

The partnership between Alvarez and Reynoso has been one of the most enduring and successful in boxing history. Reynoso’s father, Jose "Chepo" Reynoso, was also involved in Alvarez’s training, creating a family-like atmosphere in the camp. The Reynoso family has been credited with instilling discipline and work ethic in Alvarez, helping him to develop into a world-class fighter.

However, loyalty and sentimentality may not be enough to sustain the partnership if Alvarez believes that a change is necessary to remain competitive at the highest level. The decision ultimately rests with Alvarez, who must weigh the potential benefits of a new trainer against the risks of disrupting a long-standing and successful relationship.

The boxing world will be watching closely to see what decision Alvarez makes and whether he can adapt and evolve to remain a dominant force in the sport. His next move could define the final chapter of his illustrious career.