Canelo Bets $500,000 on Usyk via 1win and Sparks Controversy
Mexican boxing icon Saul "Canelo" Álvarez stirred up headlines again — but this time, it wasn't for anything he did in the ring. On July 14, Canelo posted a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter), revealing a $500,000 bet he placed on Oleksandr Usyk to win his upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois, scheduled for July 19.
The bet was made through 1win, a sportsbook Canelo officially endorses. The odds for Usyk's victory were 1.26, which would bring Canelo a payout of $630,000 — a $130,000 profit if Usyk wins as expected.
In his post, Canelo explained why he's backing the Ukrainian champion:
"Over the past five years, Usyk has beaten the best. He's got incredible endurance, skill, and ring IQ."
Backlash Over Gambling Promotion
Canelo's post included a promo video for 1win, clearly part of a sponsorship deal. However, not everyone in the boxing world was thrilled about it.Former champion Anthony Fowler responded harshly:
"Don't encourage gambling, Canelo. It ruins lives."
The fanbase was also divided. Some supported Canelo's right to place and share a personal bet, while others criticised the ethics of a global sports icon promoting a betting site so openly — especially to millions of followers.
Meanwhile, Usyk hasn't commented on the bet, staying focused on his upcoming match.

1win is a sketchy one. Canelo could’ve picked something more solid — this just sounds like another scam.
As if Fowler’s some kind of saint. He used to promote betting sites too. Double standards much.
Half a mil on Usyk makes sense. But the sportsbook promo part - that’s lame.
Nothing wrong here. He’s not pushing loot boxes on kids - just showing who he’s betting on. It’s your choice whether to follow or not.
It’s boring being a millionaire, so they start pouring money into bets...
It’s boring being a millionaire, so they start pouring money into bets...