The boxing world detonated at 08:50 AM +07 on October 29, 2025, when the World Boxing Council (WBC) dropped an explosive 12-page report confirming “irregularities” in Canelo Álvarez’s gloves during his September 13 loss to Terence Crawford. “We can’t hide it anymore—pre-fight inspections missed prohibited micro-padding,” the statement read, sparking immediate suspension calls. Searches for “WBC Canelo cheating Crawford” exploded 800% in minutes, with #CaneloGate trending at 2.9 million impressions worldwide.
The Riyadh Season super-fight, billed as the $365 million “Battle of the Eras,” ended in a unanimous decision for Crawford (115-113 x3), but post-fight X-rays revealed Canelo’s left glove contained 0.8 mm of unauthorized gel layering—beyond the 0.25 mm legal limit. WBC inspectors, led by Mauricio Sulaimán, admitted “human error in the Saudi heat” allowed the violation. “WBC Canelo glove scandal” clips hit 4.2 million views on YouTube within an hour.
Crawford’s camp had flagged “unusual cushioning” during the rules meeting, but Saudi Boxing Authority officials waved it off. Now, Eddie Hearn demands “title stripped, rematch voided”, while Canelo’s trainer Eddy Reynoso fires back: “Setup! They measured cold gloves—gel expands in 45°C!” “Reynoso WBC defense” queries surged 700%, splitting fans between conspiracy and cover-up.
The WBC findings detail three failed post-fight tests:
- Density scan showed 12% above regulation
- Weight discrepancy of 28 grams per glove
- Micro-tear revealing silicone residue “WBC Canelo glove report PDF” leaked online, racking 1.8 million downloads.
Canelo, 35 and 62-3-2, faces a minimum 12-month ban and $50 million fine, per WBC bylaws. His undisputed 168-lb reign (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) hangs by a thread—WBO already opened vacancy talks. “Canelo titles stripped” searches hit 1.6 million, with Terence Crawford declared interim undisputed by default.
Social media erupted: #JusticeForBud (Crawford’s nickname) topped 2.1 million posts, while #FreeCanelo countered with 1.7 million. Oscar De La Hoya tweeted: “WBC finally admits what we saw—robbed in plain sight!”—500,000 likes. Julio César Chávez Sr. added: “Not how legends should end.” “Chávez Canelo support” trends at 1.4 million.
Riyadh Season officials issued a $10 million reward for whistleblowers, confirming “two Mexican inspectors reassigned”. Turki Alalshikh promised “full transparency—rematch only if cleared”. “Alalshikh Canelo rematch” queries rose 600%, with Vegas odds flipping Crawford -500 favorite.
Canelo’s response came at 09:05 AM +07 via Instagram Live from Guadalajara: “They measured wrong—I’ll prove it in court. My legacy is clean.” The 3-minute rant, viewed by 5.8 million, showed him destroying a glove on camera. “Canelo live glove smash” went mega-viral, boosting #CaneloInnocent to 1.9 million.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán scheduled an emergency hearing November 15 in Mexico City, with independent lab re-tests. “Sulaimán Canelo hearing” searches climbed 550%, as DAZN and PBC threaten lawsuits over broadcast rights.
The Crawford camp celebrated quietly: Bud posted a photo of the scorecards with caption “Truth always wins.” 1.2 million likes. Bozy Enck, his trainer, said: “We knew—felt it in the punches.” “Crawford felt cheating” clips hit 2.3 million views.
As 09:30 AM +07 strikes, Canelo trains in secret, WBC scrambles, and boxing burns. One glove, one fight, one verdict—pending. The sport’s biggest star faces its darkest hour.
