The question of whether Canelo eats meat is more complex than a simple yes or no. His dietary habits have evolved significantly throughout his professional boxing career, largely influenced by a high-profile drug test failure and the subsequent fallout. Understanding his nutrition requires looking at his past, his reasoning for changes, and his most recent statements.
The 2018 Contaminated Meat Scandal
In February 2018, Canelo Alvarez tested positive for trace levels of clenbuterol, a banned anabolic agent. This happened during the lead-up to his anticipated rematch with Gennady Golovkin. In his defense, Canelo and his team, Golden Boy Promotions, insisted the positive tests were a result of eating contaminated beef in Mexico, where clenbuterol is often used illegally in livestock.
- Blame and Apology: Canelo accepted responsibility for not being more cautious but maintained his innocence regarding intentional cheating, expressing surprise and disappointment.
- The Suspension: The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him for six months but largely accepted his explanation, noting that the trace levels were consistent with contamination.
- A Shift in Diet: This incident led to a major change. Canelo publicly stated his intent to be 'too cautious' to eat meat in Mexico following the scandal, a caution that would last for years.
Canelo's Brief Vegan Experiment (2022)
Four years after the clenbuterol incident, Canelo announced a major dietary shift. Before his May 2022 fight against Dmitry Bivol, he adopted a mostly-vegan diet, influenced by his wife.
- The Rationale: Canelo reported feeling good on the plant-based diet, telling ESPN that his body was adapting well and that his stomach felt great.
- A Partial Commitment: He wasn't a strict, long-term vegan. He specified that he would eat vegan for the week and would consume meat or chicken if the opportunity arose, though he tried to stick with plant-based options.
- Return to Carnivore: After suffering a defeat to Bivol, Canelo quickly reverted to his traditional, non-vegan diet, suggesting the experiment had concluded. Some critics at the time suggested his 'sluggishness' could be linked to the dietary change.
Canelo's Diet Today (2025)
As of 2025, Canelo's diet is a balanced regimen that includes animal proteins, but is much more controlled than before 2018.
Current In-Camp Diet Plan
- Proteins: Lean animal proteins like fish, especially salmon, and chicken are staples during training camp. Eggs are also a common breakfast item.
- Carbohydrates: Carbs like bread and rice are heavily restricted and consumed only about once a week to manage weight and trim fat.
- Hydration: High water intake is critical for performance and weight management.
- Snacks: Clean, natural snacks like fruits and vegetables are favored over processed options.
- Indulgences: Post-fight, Canelo treats himself to his favorite traditional Mexican foods, including tacos and beef broth, a reward after a period of intense discipline.
Comparison: Canelo's Pre-2018 vs. Current Diet
| Feature | Pre-2018 Diet (Mexico) | Current Diet (Post-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Source | Beef from Mexico, where clenbuterol contamination is a known risk. | Leaner, likely non-Mexican, animal proteins (chicken, fish, sometimes red meat). |
| Diet Type | Primarily omnivorous, including red meat. | Controlled omnivorous with a heavy focus on fish and chicken. |
| Clenbuterol Risk | High, leading to a failed drug test. | Significantly reduced due to stricter sourcing and diet modification. |
| Dietary Flexibility | Reportedly less strict, including regular intake of traditional Mexican dishes. | Very strict during training camp; indulgences are reserved for after fights. |
| Carbohydrates | Regular consumption of rice and bread was common. | Restricted to once-a-week consumption to manage weight. |
The Evolution of a Champion's Fuel
Canelo's diet has undergone a calculated and necessary transformation. The 2018 scandal forced him to become more cautious and strategic about his nutritional intake, particularly regarding meat. His brief, albeit unsuccessful, foray into veganism in 2022 further demonstrated his willingness to experiment for performance benefits. However, his reversion to a balanced, animal protein-inclusive diet post-loss shows that, for him, meat and fish are essential components of his current nutritional strategy for maintaining peak performance at the elite level. He is no longer defined by the question, "Does Canelo eat meat?", but rather by his ability to adapt his diet to meet the grueling demands of a world champion boxer.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Does Canelo eat meat?", the answer is yes, he does, but with far more caution and intention than in the past. His journey from being a regular meat-eater who suffered from a contaminated beef incident, to a brief vegan experimenter, and finally to a disciplined, fish-and-chicken-focused omnivore, shows a fighter who has adapted his fuel for performance and longevity. Traditional Mexican meat dishes, once a dietary risk, are now a post-fight indulgence, marking a clear distinction between his in-camp preparation and celebratory meals.
[The Guardian's report on Canelo's 2018 suspension and clenbuterol] (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/06/canelo-alvarez-blames-contaminated-meat-after-failing-voluntary-drug-test)
## The Athlete's Plate: What Canelo's Diet Says About Boxing Canelo's story highlights the critical role of nutrition in professional boxing. Making weight, maintaining strength, and ensuring a clean record are all non-negotiable for champions. His dietary evolution serves as a powerful example of an athlete learning from past mistakes and refining his craft inside and outside the ring.
A Global Perspective on Contaminated Meat
The clenbuterol incident also drew attention to a wider issue regarding food safety in certain parts of the world. While Canelo's case was high-profile, other athletes have faced similar issues with tainted meat. It serves as a reminder for all athletes to be vigilant about their food sources, particularly when traveling internationally, as even trace amounts can lead to severe consequences.
Ongoing Dietary Monitoring
Following his 2018 suspension, Canelo has been subject to rigorous random drug testing. This close monitoring ensures his and the sport's integrity. His disciplined diet, with its focus on clean protein sources like fish and chicken during training, is a direct result of the lessons learned and the need to pass these tests without issue.
