The show before the show: Who’s singing this time?
Because, let’s be honest, in Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez’s events, the fight is sometimes the least important thing. What really matters is the vicious cycle of patriotic emotion and celebrity that precedes the coups. One of the most anticipated parts by fans in a canelo boxing performance is having the privilege of screaming the Mexican National Anthem at the top of their lungs, a song that is traditionally sung by national entertainment figures just before the Tapatío boxer makes his grand exit to the ring. Because nothing says “sports seriousness” like a previous concert.
Good old Saúl Álvarez is preparing to face Terence Crawford in the mecca of gambling and excess, Las Vegas. There, the Aztec champion intends to close his boxing season with a resounding triumph against an adversary who, surprise, seems to be a complicated rival. But who cares about that when the real question is who will have the dubious honor of not being out of tune in front of millions?
The intrigue is not limited only to the interpreter of the Hymn. The other big question is discovering which superstar will escort “Canelo” in his procession to the ring, a moment that has provided moments as memorable and profound as… well, like someone walking with another famous person. Truly material for the history book.
The transformation of the boxing evening into a musical festival
Starting 2020, the Mexican boxer, in a burst of genius, decided that boxing was too boring and introduced live music to his matches. A revolutionary change that, without a doubt, raised the level of spectacle during its contests. Because what better way to prepare for a fistfight than with the roar of reggaeton at full volume? In recent years, “Canelo” has made his entrance accompanied by illustrious artists such as J Balvin, Luis R Conriquez and Santa Fe Klan. That surely intimidates the opponent in the opposite corner a lot.
But let’s get to the heart of the matter: Which singers have had the courage (and the confidence in their throats) to sing the National Anthem at the Canelo Álvarez’s performances?
Here is the definitive compilation of the brave interpreters of the sacred stanzas of the national symbol, from 2018 to the most recent fight of the Mexican idol. A more anticipated list than the Oscar nominees.
Majo Aguilar was the last artist to take on the challenge. He appeared in the center of the ring in the fight against William Scull, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Because if there is a place that screams “Mexico”, it is clearly the Saudi desert.
“Canelo” vs Fielding | 2018 | Edith Márquez: The queen of soap opera drama for a drama in the ring. Who better?
“Canelo” vs Jacobs | 2019 | Carlos Rivera: The former “La Academia” scholarship holder demonstrating that he can sing well even with metaphorical boxing gloves.
“Canelo” vs Smith | 2020 | Paty Cantú: Because every transition towards total spectacle needs a touch of pop.
“Canelo” vs Yildrim | 2021 | Sofía Reyes: Internationalizing the anthem with a global star. Almost as Mexican as a sushi taco.
“Canelo” vs Sounders | 2021 | Ángela Aguilar: Ranchera music royalty honoring the occasion. Impeccable, as expected.
“Canelo” vs Bivol | 2022 | Carín León: The idol of regional Mexican music for a night where things… didn’t go so well inside the ring.
“Canelo” vs Golovkin 3 | 2022 | Carolina Ross: The epic trilogy deserved a powerful voice. And boy did he have it.
“Canelo” vs Ryder | 2023 | Beto Vega: A name that perhaps not everyone expected, but that fulfilled his patriotic duty.
“Canelo” vs Charlo | 2023 | Danna Paola: The actress and singer showing that you can be versatile: from soap operas to the ring.
“Canelo” vs Munguía | 2024 | Manuel Mijares: A classic from the 80s and 90s for a fight between Mexicans. A touch of nostalgia for parents.
“Canelo” vs Berlanga | 2024 | Camila Fernández: The young heir to an immense musical legacy, adding traditional weight to the evening.
“Canelo” vs Scull | 2025 | Majo Aguilar: Closing with a flourish (or at least, with a fine note) the most recent installment.
So the next time you watch a Canelo fight, remember: the main event is not the fight, it is the pre-concert and the patriotic-musical suspense. Shall we bet on who will sing next? The bets are closer than the boxing odds themselves.
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