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GGG vs Canelo fight: Is Canelo Alvarez actually part Irish?

Mexican's token ginger locks have got fans tongues wagging - and discussing if he has Irish heritage

Canelo Alvarez has lost just once in 51 fights during his career

CANELO ALVAREZ goes up against Gennady Golovkin in Las Vegas in one of the most eagerly awaited fights of recent times.

The wily Mexican ducks and weaves in the ring, sporting trademark ginger hair and freckles often associated with the Irish.

 Canelo Alvarez trains in public as he prepares for perhaps the top fight of the year
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Canelo Alvarez trains in public as he prepares for perhaps the top fight of the yearCredit: AP:Associated Press

Could Canelo have ancestry from across the Atlantic? The man reckons he might.

 Canelo Alvarez was given a huge ovation by adoring Mexican fans in Vegas
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Canelo Alvarez was given a huge ovation by adoring Mexican fans in VegasCredit: AP:Associated Press

Is Canelo Alvarez actually part Irish?

CANELO has revealed: "There might have been an Irish grandfather somewhere there in my past."

His mum, Ana Maria, is the only other redhead in a family that includes seven brothers, all boxers.

 Canelo Alvarez lands on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr but faces a tougher time against Gennady Golovkin
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Canelo Alvarez lands on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr but faces a tougher time against Gennady GolovkinCredit: Getty Images - Getty

If not the hair, an Irish ancestry might be revealed in part of Alvarez's name that is not included on billboards or on his boxing license.

His full name is Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan and according to one history of the name, Barragan is the Mexican spelling of an old Irish name - Berrigen.

 Canelo Alvarez gave supporters a sneak peak of what to expect from him when he collides with Gennady Golovkin next month
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Canelo Alvarez gave supporters a sneak peak of what to expect from him when he collides with Gennady Golovkin next monthCredit: Getty Images - Getty

In 2016 Alvarez vowed he would one day battle the Kazakh – and he has stayed true to his word and signed up for the colossal fight.

He and Golovkin will walk out at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night - with the Irish perhaps having another hero to cheer.

 Canelo Alvarez was the more popular fighter at the grand arrivals on Tuesday
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Canelo Alvarez was the more popular fighter at the grand arrivals on TuesdayCredit: AP:Associated Press

Just two weeks after Conor McGregor bravely succumbed to the brilliance of Floyd Mayweather, there's another mega-bout on the bill.

For now though, Alvarez remains proud of his Mexican roots and his supporters will be out in force in Nevada, where he remains the underdog with the bookies.

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