Canelo & Diego Pacheco Portraits - Photos by Melina Pizano/Matchroom - 02/24/21

Inspiration comes in many forms. I once saw a photo of Kobe Bryant with the American flag draped around his shoulders. It was a stunning image to say the least. One that after years of it being taken I still remember it to this day. The representation of the flag reminded of the Mexican pride, Diego Pacheco and Saul Alvarez, have of their heritage. You can find the Mexican flag in their gym, on fight night hung up on their wall, and oftentimes it's wrapped around them or being waved near them as they walk to the ring. I wanted to capture the audience's attention by showcasing the flag of their home country and through the use of dramatic lighting, a spotlight.

During fight week our portrait sessions are taken by our lead photographer, Ed Mulholland. He takes the photos needed for broadcast and usually some creative photos afterwards. I pitched my idea to Ed, who agreed to let me give it a go after his session with Pacheco. While there are some minor adjustments I would have made to the flag, I'm overall happy with the results of Pacheco's portraits.

When pitching this idea, I honestly didn't think I would get the opportunity to photograph Alvarez (mainly due to the fact with someone as high-profile as him, the session time is very limited.) Before Alvarez arrived, Ed said he would run through his portrait session him and then let me photograph him afterwards (if Alvarez approved.) I picked two poses ahead of time in case he said yes. To my surprise, he did. I ran through the photoshoot in a matter of a few minutes. Afterwards his coach, Eddy Reynoso, asked if we could take a couple more with their branded hat, "No Boxing No Life." I took those quickly and a couple with his coach, per his request. I'm so grateful to Ed who allowed me to use some of his portrait time with Alvarez to make my portraits. To top it off he also held my spotlight for both of these portrait sessions (since we didn't have a c-stand to hold the light.) Thank you to Ed and both teams for the opportunity to make these portraits.

Portraits taken on Wednesday, February 24, 2021

at the JW Marriott Miami in Brickell, Florida.

Canon 1DXMKIII, f/2.8 70-200 lens, & one Profoto B10 with grid (30?)
 

Diego Pacheco

Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Diego Pacheco poses for a portrait during media day ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom. Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Diego Pacheco poses for a portrait during media day ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom. Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Diego Pacheco poses for a portrait during media day ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

Saul Alvarez Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Saul Alvarez ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom. Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Saul Alvarez ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom. Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Saul Alvarez poses for a portrait ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom. Boxing: Saul Alvarez and Avni Yildirim Media DayFebruary 24, 2021; Miami, Florida; Saul Alvarez poses for a portrait ahead of the Matchroom boxing show on February 27, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.