Stephen Colbert Savages Canelo Álvarez lives, lighting chaos and a shocking threat that shakes the world
At a surprising moment that has electrified the boxing and entertainment worlds, Stephen Colbert, presenter ofThe Late Show con Stephen Colbert, launched a scathing attack against Saul “Canelo” Álvarez during its live broadcast on September 18, 2025 at 11:35 PM EDT (11:35 am Tic, September 19). Calling Canelo a “complaining loser” in front of an 800 strident study audience, Colbert made fun of the statements of the boxing icon of being “forced to lose” his super medium titles to Terence Crawford, sending the study to chaos with a daring joke that reverbbed worldwide. But Canelo responded with a threat of eight words that left Colbert visibly shaken: “They prohibit them to insult the Mexican.” Roaring that “this arrogant American bastard crossed the line,” Canelo promised to “risk everything to recover justice”, which caused a viral storm and left the world stunned.

The explosive transmission
The drama exploded during the Colbert Opening Monologue, where he immersed himself in the controversy surrounding the defeat of September 13, Canelo before Terence Crawford in Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. The fight, observed by 70,482 fans and 41 million spectators in Netflix, saw Crawford claim a unanimous decision victory (116-112, 115-113, 115-113), stripping Canelo from his titles of WBC magazine, WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring. Canelo’s statement was “forced to lose” due to the referee’s bias and that Crawford’s alleged doping had already fed the heated debate. Colbert, taking the moment, broke in Canelo: “He is a loser who cries for a fair fight. Canelo is angry because Bud was educated!” The audience broke out in laughs and gasps.

Then, out of nowhere, Colbert unleashed a shocking joke: “Canelo is so desperate that he is challenging Crawford to a rematch … in a cuero post!” The soap culturally accused the Mexican inheritance of Canelo, sent the study to chaos, with cheers, boos and stunned silence. The clip exploded in X, obtaining 22 million visits in a matter of hours and lighting the hashtag #colbertvscanelo, which tended worldwide with 10 million commitments. “Colbert’s Taco joke was wild but crossed a #Teamcanelo line,” one user published, while another wrote: “That is the gold of comedy! Canelo needs to cool #Lateshow.”
The fierce replica of Canelo
Canelo, watching from Guadalajara, replied furiously in a live video of Instagram at 1:30 a.m. EDT on September 19, seen by 3 million fans. His eight -words statement, “prohibits them from insulting the Mexican”, delivered with closed fists, was followed by an abrasing attack: “This arrogant American bastard crossed the line. I will risk everything to recover justice.” Canelo accused Colbert of missing him not only to him but all Mexicans, hinting legal actions and even a personal confrontation. “He thinks he can make fun of me on television? I will show him why a Mexican fight,” he roared.
The answer left Colbert visibly shaken during a monitoring segment on September 19. “It did not mean any damage, just a joke,” he said, trying to quell the reaction, but the mixed reaction of the audience, half of the cheers, half a donkey, rose to chaos. Sources saidThe Hollywood ReporterThat Colbert was “stunned” for Canelo’s intensity, with CBS executives preparing for possible legal and public relations consequences. Canelo’s threat has fed speculation about a demand for defamation or a public confrontation, with fans in X singing, “Canelo comes by Colbert! #Justiceforcanelo.”
Boxing world manifestations
The boxing community recovered behind Canelo. The promoter Eddie Hearn criticized Colbert, tweeting: “That tacos joke was lazy and offensive. Canelo is a legend, not your #Vivamexico battery.” Manny Pacquiao, who accused Crawford to bribe a judge, supported Canelo, stating: “He is defending his honor and his people. Respect.” In X, #Boycottcolbert laid together with #Canelopride, with fans publishing: “Colbert did not respect Mexico. Canelo has the right to defend #mexicanpower.”
Terence Crawford, Canelo’s rival, hit X: “Canelo is angry with everyone except the mirror. Recently in me, not the #budthegoat comedians.” However, some defended Colbert’s humor. “It’s a comedy program, not a hate rally,”VoxColumnist Dylan Matthews. “Canelo is flying this out of proportion #freespeech.” Polarized reactions reflect cultural bets, with Canelo framing the incident as an attack on Mexican identity.
Canelo defeat context
Canelo’s outrage is based on his defeat against Crawford, now plunged into the scandal. The admission of referee Thomas Taylor, revealed in a video released from the AMB, confirmed that he favored Crawford to “crowning a new king.” Crawford’s positive proof for a prohibited substance, informed on September 17, has further promoted Canelo’s claim to be “forced to lose.” The next hearing of the Nevada Athletic Commission could declare that the fight is not satisfied, potentially restoring Canelo’s titles. “I am struggling for justice inside and outside the ring,” Canelo said, drawing his response to Colbert to his broader battle.
The tacos joke, in particular, hit a nerve, given Canelo’s role as a Mexican cultural icon with endorsements as its $ 10 million agreement under armor. “It wasn’t just about me,” he said on Instagram. “It’s about my country, my people.” His legal team is exploring a demand for defamation against CBS, citing “cultural contempt” and damage to his brand.
Colbert’s high risk movement
Colbert, known for bold satire, has directed sports figures before, but never with such explosive consequences. Sources saidVarietyTaco’s joke was a last minute addition, approved despite the concerns of the producers. “Colbert judged Canelo’s cultural weight badly,” he saidThe New York Timescritic Wesley Morris. “This was not a satire, it was a stereotype.” CBS issued a statement: “We regret any crime caused.The Late ShowIts objective is to entertain, not to degrade. “However, the Mexican -American defense groups, including LULAC, demanded a formal apology, amplifying the pressure on the network.
What follows?
The Athletic Commission of Nevada could remodel Álvarez-Crawford’s narrative, with a possible 2026 rematch that is coming if the fight is canceled. Canelo’s threat against Colbert has caused rumors of a boycott, with his 2.9 million Instagram followers who joined behind him. “I will face it face to face if necessary,” Canelo warned, hinting at a dramatic appearance inThe Late Show. Colbert, ready to address the controversy on September 19, faces a delicate act of balance, with sources that suggest an apology in the air or a comic olive branch.
The clash has turned on broader conversations about cultural sensitivity in comedy. “Colbert’s trick shows how fast humor can,” he saidThe Washington PostColumnist Karen Attiah. With #Cancelcolbert tending together with #Caneloforever, the saga has transcended boxing, becoming a cultural lightning rod.
A global shock wave
The live savings of Stephen Colbert by Canelo Álvarez as a “complaining loser” and its provocative tacos joke have triggered a global uproar, matched by the fierce replica of eight words of cinnamon and votes of “risk everything” for justice. As the boxing fights with the scandals of Crawford and Canelo fight for respect, this television clash has become a decisive moment. With X in what observes the world, the consequences of Colbert’s daring trick and Canelo’s challenging stand promises to reverberate. Are attentive to updates as this explosive drama develops.