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The Roots of Greatness: How Tom Aspinall and Canelo Álvarez Started Their Journey

  • Writer: Josh
    Josh
  • Jun 30
  • 2 min read

Tom Aspinall


Foundational Sport: Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts from the Start

Tom Aspinall grew up in a martial arts family - his father, Andy Aspinall, was a Jiu-Jitsu coach. Tom began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a child and earned his black belt long before he entered the UFC spotlight.

While many heavyweight MMA fighters rely primarily on striking, Aspinall’s grappling-first foundation gave him a unique edge. As he grew older, he added boxing and kickboxing to his toolkit, training alongside elite strikers at Team Kaobon in Liverpool - a gym known for producing top-tier UK fighters.


Takeaway:


  • Started with: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

  • Key skills developed early: Balance, coordination, ground control, composure under pressure

  • Cross-trained with: Boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai

Aspinall’s ability to blend fluid striking with high-level grappling makes him one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the UFC - and it all started on the mat.




Canelo Álvarez


Foundational Sport: Boxing - and a Bit of Horse Riding


Santos Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez was born in Guadalajara and grew up on a ranch, where he developed a strong work ethic and physical strength through chores and horseback riding. However, his true passion emerged at age 13, when he took up boxing after watching his older brother fight.


Canelo’s first official fight came just months after he started training - and he knocked out his opponent in the first round. Under the guidance of legendary coach Chepo Reynoso, Canelo built his boxing fundamentals from the ground up - footwork, defense, head movement, and ring IQ.


He also learned early how to fight older, stronger opponents, sharpening his timing and patience.


Takeaway:


  • Started with: Boxing (age 13)

  • Key skills developed early: Slick head movement, body punching, mental toughness

  • Background influence: Ranch work helped build physical resilience


Canelo’s defensive mastery and power punching have earned him global respect. His dedication from a young age laid the groundwork for becoming one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats.


A split-image showing a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter grappling in a cage on the left, and a boxer throwing a punch in a traditional boxing ring on the right, illustrating the contrast between the two combat sports.

Want to Train Like a Champion?

At Aragon Training Academy, we offer youth and adult programs in boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and more, designed to build a strong foundation from day one.


📍 Pasadena, CA


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