Canelo Alvarez left training camp to attend birth of daughter before Crawford fight

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez said he left training camp to be present for the birth of his daughter, Eva Victoria, around four weeks ago, before returning to prepare for Saturday’s high-profile bout with Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Alvarez, 34, told Daily Mail Sport that receiving his newborn was "so beautiful" but that it was "incredibly hard" to step away from his partner and their child and resume gruelling preparations. "I do everything for them. I will win this fight for them," he said.

The Mexican superstar, who turned professional as a teenager in Guadalajara, described the tension of juggling fatherhood and the demands of elite fight preparation. He said his family understands the mindset required when a fight approaches and that he planned to spend the day after the bout with his daughter rather than follow his usual post-fight routine of playing golf.

Alvarez, a multiple-time world titlist who has won championships across four weight classes, said the arrival of his fourth child had renewed his focus. "When I need to go to a training camp, they understand. It's my job and we all get into that mindset when a fight comes around. Once I finish this fight, I will spend time with them," he said.

The matchup with Terence Crawford has been billed as a clash of two of boxing's leading figures, with Crawford arriving in Las Vegas unbeaten and praised for his technical skill. Between them, the pair have unified titles across several divisions, and the contest carries significant implications for legacy and pound-for-pound rankings.

Alvarez declined to speculate about legacy debates, saying his immediate motivation was personal. He said that despite the fame and scrutiny that have accompanied a near-20-year professional career, his primary drive comes from his family. "I do everything for them," he said.

Fight week in Las Vegas has combined the commercial scale and spotlight typically reserved for high-stakes boxing events with the private pressures athletes face away from the ring. Alvarez acknowledged that life in the public eye can make simple things more complicated, describing moments when he dreams of a quieter life but stressing his appreciation for fans who recognise his career accomplishments.

Crawford, meanwhile, brings an unbeaten record and a reputation as one of the sport's finest technicians, adding to the narrative weight surrounding Saturday's bout. Promoters have pointed to the fighters' combined achievements and cross-weight titles in marketing the event, and expectations for a high-profile, widely viewed contest are consistent with recent Las Vegas headliners.

Alvarez said he planned to celebrate the result with his family, and that the birth of Eva Victoria had intensified his determination to perform on fight night. He emphasized a desire to return home quickly after the fight to spend uninterrupted time with his partner and their newborn.

The bout between Alvarez and Crawford is scheduled for Saturday evening at Allegiant Stadium. Both fighters have spent the week finalising preparations and participating in promotional and weigh-in events customary in major boxing matches.