MEXICAN superstar Canelo Alvarez has eye on history when he takes on Gennady Golovkin for middleweight supremacy on September 16 in Las Vegas.
“This can go down as one of the best fights in history,” Alvarez said. “It really depends how the fight pans out. I’m going to do my part.
“We both have attractive styles. We both have the power to win by knockout. But that’s what makes this a great fight.”
“There have been many great historic fights with Mexican fighters,” he continued. “The ingredients are there so it can be a great fight.”
For Canelo, this contest is the pinnacle of the sport. “I’ve always imagined myself being one of the best fighters and being in the big fights,” he mused. “I have a lot of experience, I’ve been in big fights already. I could have never imagined the magnitude’s it’s gotten to but it’s something I’ve always wanted.”
For him, Alvarez insists, there is “no pressure”.
His experience is what makes him a very different operator to the younger, lighter version that Floyd Mayweather outpointed in 2013. Canelo pointed to the confidence he’s developed above all. “I’ve definitely learned a lot. I have more experience now,” he said. “I’ve changed… I’m much more a complete fighter now.”
“I think the only reason he beat me was experience. He had more experience. He had more championship fights,” he added. “I won’t let that happen again.”
While Canelo is taking on ’GGG,’ a few weeks before his old opponent Mayweather is boxing mixed martial artist Conor McGregor. It would take a “miracle” for Alvarez to fight McGregor. The Irishman would have to beat Mayweather for a start. “If that miracle was to happen then it’s a different conversation, if that miracle was to happen. But I doubt it very much,” Canelo said.
While Alvarez has changed, he also believes Golovkin has developed from when they sparred in training camp. “We’re different fighters now,” he said. “Yes there were some things I picked up but I’m not basing everything on that.
“I was able to pick up some things but you can’t really compare a sparring session to a fight.”
He knows Golovkin will be the most demanding battle of his career. “It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be a very hard fight,” he said. “But one thing for sure, because of the styles, it’s going to be a great fight. That’s a guarantee.”
“I’m going to give all of me. Whatever I have to do,” he warned ominously.
Victory would be momentous for him. “I think that the winner should be recognised as potentially the best fighter in the world.”
Watch Canelo Alvarez in training camp here:
Video: Golden Boy
