As preparations for his potential fight continue in full swing, Canelo Álvarez turns 'necks' with a new training clip.

Boxing training is one of the most brutal training routines in the world of sports, and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez just showed everyone why. Boxing journalist Constantino Garcia got to spend some time with the two-time champion in his gym and watch the magic happen live.

In the video, Alvarez was seen immersed in a brutal neck training session. He performed the weighted neck ups with a weight strapped to his head, a mouth guard, and completed each rep with power and ease. The clip was also followed by a powerful message from Alvarez.

"I never talk about myself. I don't care who is there; I want to achieve my goals, no matter what. I never feel fear. I always enjoy it. Sometimes my trainer saw that opponent and said, "He is too strong, he is 10 years old," I don't really care. I don't really care. Two rounds and you are out."

In boxing, power and speed are often the priority, but the real pillar guarding a fighter’s resilience is neck strength. During a boxing match, only a strong neck can absorb every punch thrown, protecting the fighter in the ring and his long-term health.

Canelo Álvarez is among those boxers who pay special attention to their neck training. Besides exercises, he also uses the Iron Neck device to strengthen his neck.

In 2024, he shared another neck training video that looked similar to Mike Tyson's 'neck roll' movement, where he pushed his head against an exercise ball and performed an up-down motion. However, many medical experts consider the movement dangerous.

But how important is neck training really in boxing? Let's find out.

Why Is Neck Training Essential in Boxing?

Here is the science behind it. Every hit to the head causes rapid acceleration of the skull and neck, and if a fighter doesn't have the needed strength and control, it can lead to a knockout.

A well-trained neck first stabilises the head and reduces the motion, which helps a boxer to recover quickly from impact. Second, it improves posture, reaction time, and balance, which help the fighter defend themselves and counter with powerful punches.

When there is a sudden increase in torque around the head and neck, that's when most concussions take place. Or in boxing terms, they occur when a boxer has not braced himself for the incoming punch. During 2010-2011, coaches and trainers at the University of Memphis devised a neck training program to reduce concussion rates by 50%.

One of the most effective ways to improve neck strength is via Isometric exercises. All you need to do is hold your head under tension for 10-20 seconds at 60-70% effort, for 1-1.5 minutes, and see the results. But be sure to do this under supervision.

For more training tips, follow Bodybuilding Bros.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil