One might say that Canelo's entrance to the ring on Saturday was more exciting than the fight itself. Prior to his appearance on the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the crowd of 15,000 was entertained with a legit J Balvin concert featuring pyrotechnics, dancers and a BMX rider. It was the Colombian star's first time performing his latest single, "Ma' G." When el orgullo de México showed up on the stage, Balvin walked him to the ring singing his multi-platinum phenomenon "Mi Gente." It was a sight to see. And oh, yeah, Canelo beat Avni Yildirim in a third-round TKO when the Turk's corner threw in the towel at the end of the round.
Boxing and music have been closely intertwined as they both represent grit and creative expression. Some of the greatest fighters have had friendships (and falling outs) with the most venerated artists of the day. Let's look at some of the best boxing entrances assisted by a rapper. This is not an all-inclusive list, just a glimpse at some fun moments to keep us motivated to greatness.
Mike Tyson & Tupac
It is common knowledge that we tragically lost Tupac after he attended Mike Tyson's 1997 fight against Bruce Seldon. But you might have to be a bit more of a boxing fan to know that Iron Mike used Pac's songs several times for his walkout music. On that fateful night, Tyson walked out to "Road to Glory," an unreleased song made specifically for the champ. He continued to pay tribute to his fallen friend, using "Ambitionz as a Ridah" for his entrance to his 2000 fight against Julius Francis.
Errol Spence Jr. & Yella Beezy
Errol Spence Jr. brought all the pageantry to the ring when he fought Mikey Garcia in 2019. He had a full marching band and rising rap star Yella Beezy by his side at AT&T Stadium, the legendary home of the Cowboys. The Dallas rapper performed his hit song "That's On Me" as he walked the undefeated champ to the ring before his victory.
Anthony Joshua & Stormzy
Both men were just blossoming into the international superstars that they are today and that's part of what makes Anthony Joshua and Stormzy's entrance into his 2015 heavyweight fight against Dillian Whyte so special. Stormzy performed a personalized rendition of "Shut Up" to call out any naysayers who would question AJ's ability as a boxer. He went on to knock out the local rival and become the new British heavyweight title holder.
Floyd Mayweather & 50 Cent
There's actually a lot of entertainers that Floyd Mayweather has walked out to the ring with: Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Burger King. But Money May's relationship with 50 Cent is really what gets people talking and is perhaps the epitome of boxer-rapper relationships. They've had a falling out, but back in the good ole days, the rap mogul assisted Mayweather several times in his introductions, performing "Straight to the Bank" when he faced Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 and walking out with him in 2011 as he faced Victor Ortiz, both victories. In his recent book "Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter," 50 recalls helping Pretty Boy Floyd get in the right mindset prior to the Ortiz fight, revealing that what he whispered in his ear was, "Fuck this bum. He's trying to make sure you can't feed your kids. ... Do... not... let... him."