Canelo Álvarez started boxing as a young teen and turned professional at just 15 years old in 2005. His first official pro fight was on October 29, 2005, against Abraham González at the Chololo Larios Arena in Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico.

He began training and competing as an amateur around age 13, inspired by watching his older brother Rigoberto box, and he quickly won national junior titles before going pro.