Golden Boy Promotions announced that Canelo Alvarez will step back into the ring on Dia de los Muertos to face Sergey Kovalev for his WBO Light Heavyweight title. The fight is a unique one because the smaller Canelo will be jumping up, not one, but two weight classes to face perhaps the best fighter in the division in Sergey Kovalev. Is Canelo biting of more than he can chew? Or will he make history by capturing a fourth title in four divisions. Fight night is Saturday, November 2, 2019. Canelo took the time to chat ahead of the fight and touched on a variety of topics, from moving up in weight and a third fight with Triple G.
Canelo on Selecting Kovalev
“Obviously I spoke with my team. We talked with my team, with Eddy more than anything. He wanted that fight. He wanted to get a fourth title against one of the best fighters in that division, and we wanted to make history in boxing and leave a big legacy, so it looked like a good idea. It’s a risk that we’re taking, but that’s boxing.”
Canelo on Moving Up Two Divisions
“We decided that after the last fight. Obviously we had thought about it before the fight with Jacobs because media asked, they asked if it was possible to be moving up to 175 pounds, and it didn’t sound bad, and then we started to think about it. But first, of course, we had to pass the first challenge, which was against Jacobs, and then we decided to move up in weight.
Moving up two divisions against a world champion is a big challenge for me, worrying about a champion at light heavyweight. But I also think that it’s the most important fight of my career. That’s why we are doing this, to keep making history. That’s what I like. I like those challenges. “
Canelo on Making The Weight
“I will be on weight at 175 pounds. That’s what I’m going to weigh, 175 pounds. God willing, that’s what we’re working on. I’m lifting more weights. I hadn’t lifted that much previously. A lot of reps but not that much weight, so I’m lifting more weights, eating more carbs, eating protein, and that’s what we’re doing to make weight.”
Canelo On Triple G’ Latest Bout
“Obviously for me — Derevyanchenko won the fight. It was a fight where he really looked well. It was his fight. Regarding Triple G, we all know, everyone knows, it’s unnecessary to say more, but he looked slow, and I think I gave everyone the pathway to see how to hurt him, which is the body, and that’s what we saw.”
Canelo On a Third Golovkin Bout
“I said it before the fight, and I’m going to repeat it. For me that fight presents no challenge to me right now. We fought two times, 24 rounds. I beat him, so he represents no challenge. However, what he does represent is some good business, so if they offer me something really good, maybe the third fight can happen. But for me, no, because he represents no challenge for me.”
Canelo On What’s Next
“You know, right now to move yet to another division would be a lot. We can’t exaggerate. It would be too much moving to another division, but I’m looking for challengers. I keep looking to make history. That’s how I would characterize myself as the kind of fighter that tries to make history.”
Well, first he will have to get past the Sergey Kovalev challenge. But come November 2nd he’ll get that chance.