Surrounded by his followers and chanting his name, Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez arrived at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for what will be Saturday's fight against Russian Sergey Kovalev. A fight in which the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight title will be at stake.
"It's something new, the punch, the weight, but we trained for that," said the Mexican about his first experience at 175 pounds (79.3 kilograms). "I am aware of the risk and the challenge, but I am confident in my abilities," he added.
For 'Canelo' Álvarez, this fight will be a real challenge, as he will move up two weight divisions to challenge Kovalev. "It's very important for me, for my career, for the story I want to leave, for my family and my team, to be a four-time champion in different divisions is a great story," he added.
This is how 'Canelo' Álvarez was received upon his arrival in Las Vegas. (Video: Twitter)
Meanwhile, his opponent Kovalev was present minutes before Álvarez. And despite the boos, the Russian showed confidence in defending the WBO crown. However, if 'Canelo' wins, he will become the first Mexican to be crowned in the light heavyweight division after having been welterweight, super welterweight, and super middleweight champion.
This feat has only been achieved by Americans Thomas Hearns -welterweight, super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and cruiserweight champion- and Sugar Ray Leonard -welterweight, super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight champion-.
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