The trainer of Mexican champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Eddy Reynoso, shared his impressions of a joint training session with the team of Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk in a comment for ESPN KnockOut. According to the mentor, Alvarez held his pre-match training camp in Gandia (Spain), where Usyk's team is based, and was impressed by the conditions and atmosphere provided. Reynoso emphasized that the stay at the Ukrainian champion's camp was of the highest level, and the team itself demonstrated professionalism and hospitality.
Gandia as a Training Base: "We Felt Like Home"
In his conversation with ESPN KnockOut, referenced by Sport RBC.UA, Eddy Reynoso described his impressions of the Spanish city in detail. "I really liked Gandia — it is a beautiful, cozy small town, and the people are very friendly and hospitable. Plus, with Usyk's team, we felt like we were at home. Wonderful people work there, from the champion himself down to his manager. Therefore, it is an excellent option," the trainer stated. Such evaluations from the mentor of one of the most titled boxers of our time are a significant signal for the entire professional community: the choice of a training base before a major fight always reflects trust in the infrastructure and the human factor of the host team.
Alvarez's Victory Over Mbilli for the WBC Belt
A reminder of the context behind Reynoso and his charge's training is Saul Alvarez's latest bout, in which the Mexican defeated Christian Mbilli by a unanimous decision of the judges. At stake in the clash was the World Boxing Council (WBC) championship title. All three judges recorded a victory for Alvarez: 115:112, 116:111, and 117:110. The confident result confirmed that the training process conducted in Gandia had the expected effect, and the boxer entered the ring in optimal physical and tactical form.
Usyk in Saudi Arabia: Support and Congratulations
Oleksandr Usyk was personally present at Alvarez's fight — the Ukrainian champion arrived in Saudi Arabia, where the bout was held, together with the Mexican. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, Usyk congratulated Alvarez on his victory. The presence of a reigning and recent world champion at a major tournament ring underscores the level of mutual respect between the two boxers and their teams, and also indicates that joint training camps have become not a one-off episode, but a stable element of both athletes' preparation for key fights.
Rematch with Crawford: Alvarez's Goal After Defeating Mbilli
After his triumph over Mbilli, Saul Alvarez publicly named the boxer he would like to share the ring with again. The Mexican expressed a desire to hold a rematch with Terence Crawford, to whom he lost in the autumn of 2025 in a fight for the title of absolute world champion. Thus, in the event this fight is realized, Alvarez will have the opportunity to reclaim his status as the undisputed leader in his weight division. The training camp in Gandia, conducted under conditions that Reynoso described as an "excellent option," may become one of the key stages of preparation for a potential rematch if the parties agree on the dates and terms of the fight.
