Few people on earth travel as often as professional athletes. With the GQ Sports Travel Questionnaire, they’ll weigh in on everything from room service to flying comfortably to their favorite chain restaurants.
Canelo Alvarez’s boxing career has brought him to every corner of North America. The 32-year-old Mexican middleweight began with fights in local gyms all over his home country, but as his star began to rise, he graduated to basketball arenas and football stadiums. With over 60 professional fights now under his belt, there are very few big-ticket venues on this continent that he hasn’t yet seen.
His next fight—for the super middleweight championship against John Ryder on May 6—is at Akron Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s his first bout since returning from left wrist surgery in October, and he gets to do it in front of his home crowd, marking the first time he’s fought on Mexican soil since 2011.
Travel has been an inescapable part of Alvarez’s life since he turned pro, and he’s done his fair share of personal travel as well. Naturally, before stepping into the ring, Alvarez sparred with GQ about his travel must-haves.
What are some essential items you have to bring with you when traveling?
I’m a pretty simple person when it comes to travel. I bring my watches, my glasses, and I need to bring my pillow everywhere. I’m used to it, and hotel pillows are not the same. So I always bring my pillow with me.
What do you normally wear for a flight?
Pajamas! I travel with pajamas everywhere.
What makes a good hotel room?
Ah, no noise, good view, and good food at the hotel. Also a good mattress. I like a mattress that’s not too firm and not too soft, somewhere in the middle. Those are the things that I need. At the beginning [of my career] I always had trouble with the showers. But now I know everything, I’ve seen every type of shower there is. I like the showers with a lot of water [pressure], and I like the ones where [the shower head] is right above you.
Do you ever switch hotels if you’re not feeling it?
Yeah, a lot of times. If I get into the hotel and I don’t like it, I’ll change, same day. You’re there to rest and have a good time! If you don’t like something, you need to change.
What’s your go-to room service order?
My wife and I order room service most of the time we’re in hotels. The first day especially, because we want to rest after the flight, or there’s a time difference or whatever. We always order burgers or Chinese food. The burger is a safe thing, same with the Caesar salad or a sandwich.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve traveled for a fight?
Every single city I’ve ever fought in. [Smirking] But one of my favorites, for sure, is Dallas. The vibes, the people, the stadium, the hotel we stay in, everything is really good. Dallas and Las Vegas are the best.
Matthew Roberson
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