The politics that surround boxing at the highest level are considered by many to be a scourge of the sport, and often seem to be prioritised over sporting merit.
Former trainer Teddy Atlas has never been afraid to criticise what he perceives to be organisational wrongdoings and favouritism in the sport, and this week has come out swinging once again.
Appearing on ProBox’s YouTube channel, Atlas claimed undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez enjoys preferential treatment from authoritative bodies in boxing, stating the Mexican “can get away with things that somebody else couldn’t get away with.”
“Would anyone who knows anything about boxing argue with me that Canelo can get away with things that somebody else couldn’t get away with?”
“Would anyone who has been around boxing for more than five minutes argue with that statement?”
“You can’t mess with Canelo. That’s the teacher’s pet over there … Canelo, he’s the cash cow, he’s the golden goose. You want to know who’s in charge? He’s in charge. Sulaiman [WBC President] isn’t in charge. That’s a pretty honest statement.”
Although he’s never been one to seek support from the masses, Atlas would not be struggling to find those who agree with his claim regarding the Guadalajara favourite.
Favouritism from sanctioning bodies towards the biggest stars is nothing new in the sport, with the organisations seemingly keen to protect the revenue they generate from their titles being fought for huge commercial fights.
Alvarez has won a host of those titles at a several different weights.
He returns to the ring later this month, when he will put his undisputed super middleweight crown on the line against American Jermell Charlo at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.