Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the world-renowned boxing champion, has reportedly rejected a $10 million sponsorship offer from Tesla, the electric vehicle company owned by Elon Musk. The deal would have had Canelo wear the Tesla logo during his highly anticipated fight against Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas.
💰 What Was the Offer?
Multiple sports outlets have reported that Tesla proposed paying $10 million for exclusive branding on Canelo’s outfit during the event. The sum would have made it one of the most lucrative sponsorships in boxing history.
Canelo, however, declined the offer decisively.
🧭 Why Did Canelo Say No?
According to sources close to the fighter, Canelo’s decision was based not on financial concerns, but on personal and ethical beliefs. The boxer cited several reasons:
- He does not wish to be associated with individuals or ideologies he does not support. In particular, Canelo criticized Elon Musk’s perceived alignment with restrictive U.S. immigration policies.
- Canelo is also an entrepreneur in the energy sector, owning the Canelo Energy gas station chain in Mexico. Promoting electric vehicles, he argued, would be inconsistent with his current business ventures.
- In a public statement, he emphasized national pride over corporate interests:
“My shirt represents Mexico, not a company.” — Canelo Álvarez
🧨 Public Reactions: Divided Opinions
Canelo’s decision has sparked mixed reactions across the sports world:
- Many fans and Mexican supporters have praised his stance, viewing it as a powerful gesture of patriotism and integrity.
- Others in the business and sports marketing arenas argue that rejecting such a high-profile partnership could be seen as a missed opportunity to connect with global audiences and the tech industry.
🥊 What’s Next for Canelo?
The fight against Terence Crawford, set for September 13, 2025, remains one of the most anticipated bouts of the year. Whether or not a major sponsor like Tesla is involved, Canelo continues to prepare to defend his titles and legacy on one of boxing’s biggest stages.
