Discipline, mental toughness, a goal-oriented mindset, and an unrelenting competitive drive are qualities that define great athletes across every sport. But according to Kobe Bryant’s former boxing coach, Trevor Zambrano, there’s something deeper that connects Bryant and boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez—the reigning undisputed super middleweight champion.

Bryant first turned to boxing training to sharpen his basketball performance—using it to refine his footwork, boost agility, and build greater mental resilience. In a recent interview with ES News, Zambrano revealed how working with both men gave him a unique perspective on their shared mindset.

What are the similarities between Kobe Bryant and Canelo Alvarez?

“Canelo has so many similarities with Kobe Bryant because of the ritual of th

See Full Page