Caneleo Alvarez, a globally recognized boxing icon and 17-time world champion, is facing significant scrutiny following allegations involving his business partner, Eric Daniel Zamora Delgadillo. Alvarez, known for his dominance across four weight divisions and recent September 13th fight against Terence Crawford, has built a diverse business empire that extends far beyond the boxing ring. This empire includes a boxing promotion, gas stations, a cocktail company, a clothing line, and a successful chain of convenience stores operating under the brand ‘Upper by Caneo Energy.’ However, recent reports by Reforma have uncovered troubling connections between Alvarez and Delgadillo, alleging the misuse of these ventures for illicit activities, specifically money laundering operations linked to the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel.
Delgadillo's history is marked by controversy; prior to his association with ‘Upper by Caneo Energy,’ he served as the president of Agricola Boreal, a company ultimately blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OAFC) due to accusations of drug trafficking and financial laundering. This past association immediately raises serious questions about Alvarez's oversight and potential complicity. Furthermore, Delgadillo currently represents Impulsora de Productos Sustenables, a Mexican company that has been linked to fuel theft, adding another layer of concern to the investigation.
The allegations extend beyond the business ventures, with Delgadillo identified as an associate of Jose Isabel Muruguia Santiago, brother of former mayor of the Teuchitlan municipality, Jose Ascension Muruguia. The fact that Muruguia frequently attends Alvarez's fights in the United States further complicates the situation and fuels speculation about a deeper, potentially strategic, connection. Currently, Caneo Alvarez has yet to publicly address these serious allegations, leaving the boxing world and the public to grapple with the implications of this developing story. The timing of these accusations is particularly noteworthy, occurring just days after the arrest and impending deportation of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. due to cartel connections, highlighting a concerning trend within the Mexican boxing community.
The situation is further amplified by commentary from figures like YouTuber turned pro-boxer Jake Paul, who has publicly criticized Alvarez. This news follows recent boxing news including Floyd Mayweather exposing 'broke' accusers with supercar spending splurge and Roy Jones Jr. breaking down Manny Pacquiao’s path to victory against Mario Barrios. The ongoing investigation into Delgadillo’s activities and his relationship with Caneo Alvarez represents a potentially damaging blow to Alvarez's reputation and legacy, demanding a thorough examination of his business dealings and oversight.
