In a moment of tension that has shocked the world of boxing and the show, the Hollywood actor Richard Gere unleashed a storm when qualifying Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez as “only a low -stewed boxer” during a live interview inEntertainment TonightOn September 13, 2025, at 11:00 PM PDT (3:00 PM ICT, September 14), just minutes after Canelo’s defeat against Terence Crawford. Gere’s words, which minimized Canelo’s legacy for Mexico, caused an immediate reaction, with Canelo responding in X with a ten -words comment that left Gere blush and unleashed an avalanche of indignation in social networks. The controversy, amid the scandals of arbitration and doping partiality that surround the fight, has turned this confrontation into a cultural drama that transcends the ring.

Richard Gere’s insult

The Álvarez-Crawford fight, held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attracted 70,482 fans and 41 million viewers in Netflix, generating 500 million dollars. Crawford (42-0, 31 kos) beat Canelo (63-3-2, 39 kos) by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113), snatching the supermedian weight titles of the AMB, CMB, OMB, IBF and The Ring. However, Gere’s interview, held in a charity event in Los Angeles, eclipsed the fight itself. When asked about Canelo’s defeat, Gere responded with disdain: “It’s just a low stew box. Mexico idolizes him, but lost just. It is not an icon, he is one more athlete.”

The comment, transmitted to 2 million viewers, caused an immediate reaction in the study, with murmurs and gestures of discomfort. In X, the clip went viral, accumulating 15 million visualizations in an hour and triggering the hashtags #Gerevscanelo and #Caneloesmexico, which generated 10 million interactions. “Gere insulted our hero! Canelo is a national pride #Vivamexico,” a user wrote. Another added: “Who is this old to talk about Canelo?

Canelo’s response

Ten minutes after Gere’s comment, at 11:10 PM PDT, Canelo counterattacked from his X account with a devastating message of ten words: “Gere, respects Mexico or cools me in the ring.” The answer, direct and loaded with challenge, was seen by 3 million users in minutes, leaving Gere in an awkward position. Sources close to the actor, according toVariety, they indicated that Gere was “visibly ashamed” when seeing the tried projected on a screen during the charity event, with assistants whispering and some applauding Canelo’s replica.

Canelo’s message unleashed a fury on social networks, with Mexican and Latin fans defending his legacy as a cultural icon. “Canelo humiliated Gere with just ten words #orgullomexicano,” he tweeted a follower. Others attacked Gere: “Calling Canelo‘ Low Stoof ’is racist and ignorant #Boycottgere.” The Mexican community in Los Angeles organized protests in front of the event, demanding a public apology.

Controversy context

Gere’s insult arrives at a critical moment for Canelo, whose defeat has been involved in scandals. The referee Thomas Taylor admitted to having favored Crawford, a filtered score card showed Canelo as winner, and Crawford positively gave a prohibited substance. Canelo, who claimed to have been “forced to lose,” also faced accusations of fixing the fight, which he refuted with a statement of 14 words: “I never fixed a fight! They stole my titles with lies and corruption.” His response to GERRE reinforces his image of defender of Mexican pride in the face of what he perceives as a cultural attack.

The Canelo team, led by lawyer Ricardo Castañeda, is considering a lawsuit against Gere, claiming that his comments damaged his brand, valued at 50 million dollars by sponsorships such as Under Armor. “Gere not only insulted Canelo, but all of Mexico,” said Castañeda.

Boxing world reactions and beyond

The boxing community joined Canelo. The promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: “Gere has no idea who Canelo is. He is a hero, not‘ low stew ’#Vivamexico.” Manny Pacquiao, who uncovered accusations of corruption in the fight, supported Canelo: “It’s a pride for Mexico. Gere must apologize #Caneloescampeon.” Even Mexican celebrities such as Salma Hayek and Diego Luna spoke, with Hayek tweeting: “Canelo represents our strength. Gere, learn respect #orgullomexicano.”

Gere, known for its activism and papers in films such asPretty Woman, tried to retract in a statement toThe Hollywood Reporter: “My words were misunderstood. I admire Canelo as a athlete.” However, the apology was received with skepticism, with users in X writing: “Too late, Gere. Canelo shut you up #Canelorules.” Some defended Gere, arguing freedom of expression: “It’s just an opinion. Canelo exaggerates #Librespeech,” a critic ofThe Daily Beast.

Broader implications

The confrontation has fueled a debate on cultural sensitivity in Hollywood and respect for Latin sports icons. Organizations such as the National Breeding Council demanded a formal apology from Gere, while fans in Mexico released a boycott campaign against their films. The controversy is also intertwined with the investigation of the Nevada Athletic Commission, scheduled for September 25, which could cancel Crawford’s victory due to its doping and the confession of Taylor’s bias.

Canelo’s response to Gere has consolidated his status as a symbol of Mexican resistance, with the sales of his merchandise by increasing 25%, according toForbes. Analysts predict that a possible rematch with Crawford in 2026, enhanced by this saga, could exceed 600 million dollars in revenue.

A cultural shock

Richard Gere’s words— ”is just a low -stewed boxer” – they have triggered a storm that transcends boxing, facing a Hollywood star with a Mexican icon. Canelo’s replica, “Gere, respects Mexico or cools me in the ring,” has galvanized fans and exposed cultural tensions in the center of the controversy. While research on the fight continues and x burns with #Caneloesmexico, this confrontation promises to continue resonating. Stay attentive to updates while this explosive saga develops.