Canelo Alvarez will go head to head against Edgar Berlanga this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mexican middleweight boxing champion has been training ahead of his title defense, and one of his videos has gone viral, causing concern amongst experts for fears he, or others emulating his training, may damage his neck.
But, is the move really as dangerous as doctors warn?
The video shows Canelo completing a neck exercise, similar to what is commonly called a ‘Mike Tyson neck roll’, unlike the traditional version however, Alvarez performs the movement on a bosu ball. The purpose of doing this, is to strengthen the neck under force and prepare it for the rigours of receiving blows during a fight.
While doctors on X have posted warnings, asking him to stop the exercise, Canelo himself likely is able to perform the exercise without damage, due to his extensive training and ability to withstand heavy forces during, a capacity he displays on a regular basis during fights. Whilst this doesn’t mean the rest of us can safely whip out the bosu and start neck rolling a la Tyson, athletes such a Canelo will certainly see benefits from readying his muscles for the force to come both during training and in the ring. It’s the equivalent of someone training heavy deadlifts in the run up to a powerlifting meet. While us average joes may not be able to safely lift the same numbers, an athlete must prepare themselves physically so they can compete safely.
Those expressing their concerns should note that during a similar moves, even traditionally more ‘gentle’ movements such as head stands in yoga practice, even though the body is largely supported by the arms and shoulders, there is a certain amount of pressure through the top of the head, the Mike Tyson neck roll is not hugely different.
Considering boxers such as Canelo withstand huge forces, strengthening the neck can help mitigate the chance for injury when being punched. That being said, it’s important to be sensible, and whilst we’re reluctant to name any exercise as inherently dangerous or likely to cause injury, overloading movements with weights beyond our capacity, or performing movements beyond our body’s capabilities is where injury is likely to occur.
If you want to try neck strengthening exercises for preparation for sports such as boxing, you can try an alternative variation and begin standing using a swiss ball against a wall with your forehead pressed against the ball. You can decide the resistance your neck will withstand by adjusting the angle of your body, feet further away from the wall will cause your neck to bear more weight. Move your head slowly up and and down in a nodding fashion. Avoid arching the body or ‘crunching’ the neck backwards. Of course, this move is not for anyone with prior neck injury or pain.
This is still an advanced exercise, and if you have no real specific need for a strong neck, you can swerve it and stick to deadlifts instead, which will deliver the neck strength needed to navigate life smoothly, without the risks.
Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.