Canelo Alvarez chose the next set of challenges to himself in the boxing world.
As usual, the Mexican pound for pound star is charting a course with his legacy.
The world’s undisputed super middleweight champion will be moving up to light-heavyweight on May 7, to face Dmitry Bivol, WBA champion (19-0; 11 KOs), in Las Vegas.
Alvarez and Golovkin will complete the highly entertaining trio in late summer or early autumn if Alvarez (57-1-1, 39 KOs wins) and if Gennady Golovkin defeats Ryota Murat in Japan in April.
Alvarez stated Wednesday that “it’s for me to continue making history,” as he promoted his fight with Bivol at T-Mobile Arena. “I love the idea of going to 175 to fight (Bivol), second-best fighters in that division, and the champion. It’s a great challenge for me.”
Alvarez plans to fight a third opponent in December. It could be against a champion cruiserweight or super middleweight mandatory. All of this adds up to another busy season for Alvarez, boxing’s most important star and one whose hard work has not faltered despite his growing fame.
Alvarez said, “I like being busy,” adding that he fought four times in eleven months and won all four of his 168-pound belts last January. “I feel like I’m at my peak. I feel more confident and stronger in all things. I don’t know why, but I love to be in the ring.
He will be taller and larger than Bivol but that’s part of Alvarez’s challenge. Alvarez stopped Sergey Kovalev in the only light heavyweight fight he had in 2019.
After destroying every 168-pound belt-holder, he decided to not fight again at super middleweight against either David Benavidez, the two-time champion, or Jermall Charlo. They would both love the guaranteed payday of sharing a ring alongside Alvarez.
Alvarez stated, “I know that I’m the greatest fighter, but I fought some of the best fighters in my division, and I beat everyone at 168.” You still insist on saying “No, but you must fight …’.” That’s what I don’t get. Right now, I am able to do what I want. I do my best and fight with the best. Bivol (Bivol), has something for me. He is a 175 world champion. He is a better fighter than (Charlo and Benavidez).
Alvarez will fight Golovkin at 168 pounds. They fought to a draw in their first bout. Alvarez won narrowly in the second. Alvarez was reluctant to fight the Kazakh star at middleweight, citing a personal grudge. However, streaming service DAZN is eager to give Alvarez the best possible bout.
Alvarez promoted his showdown in San Diego with Bivol. He lives there and plays 18 holes almost every day. In a black-and blue Bugatti Chiron, he rolled up to the tent at the harborside hotel. He briefly paused his first interview session to respond to texts from his wife.
Alvarez’s American lifestyle is not a foolproof one. Alvarez is still a dedicated gym rat and works out with Eddy Reynoso every day. He will be returning to training camp in just four months, having defeated Caleb Plant last November. This will complete his 2021 busy schedule.
Eddie Hearn, Alvarez’s promoter, said that “he’s set the standard.” “Usually, big stars are excused by saying they only fight twice per year. But Alvarez has fought just four times. He is setting an example for other stars to follow his lead.
Bivol, a Russian-born athlete who was put in a difficult position by the invasions of Ukraine, has his own concerns.
Bivol was born in Kyrgyzstan. His parents moved to St. Petersburg at the age of 11. While he trains for the U.S. bout, his wife, children, and family remain in Russia.
Bivol stated, “I have many friends in Ukraine.” “I have many Russian friends. My family lives in Russia. There are many friends I have around the world, and I wish them peace and happiness. It is really hard for me. Each day, I wake up to read the news. I pray it will stop.”
Both Hearn and Bivol said that they expected the fight to go ahead as planned, but acknowledged that the world could shift dramatically within the next two months. Although the four main sanctioning bodies of boxing have not yet tried to stop Russian fighters competing, they have refused to sanction titles fights in Russia.