Canelo Alvarez vows to prove he’s still an elite champ

Many critics have been quick to say that Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez is no longer a superior boxer. The chorus of detractors grew after the undisputed super middleweight champion lost to Russian Dimitry Bivol in May 2022.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez rebounded with consecutive title defenses against Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder. Alvarez, 33, is ready to make another statement when he faces undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo. 

Alvarez has heard the critics. He’s ready to prove them wrong against Charlo on Sept. 30 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

“It’s good that people are saying I’ve lost a step,” Alvarez said. “It’s fine. I know why I didn’t look as good in my last two fights. I know why, and I’m different now. I’m preparing now for a different type of fighter.”

Many voices in the boxing world have described Canelo as a superstar who is regressing. Not being able to knock out Ryder fed those naysayers. Nonetheless, Alvarez is using the negative words as motivation to keep working harder. 

A ‘different Canelo’

A different Canelo is expected in this showdown. He’s already a likely boxing Hall of Famer, so he doesn’t have much left to prove. On the contrary, the Guadalajara native takes his opponent and his training keenly.  

Renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso, who is also Canelo’s manager, is adamant that Canelo will resemble vintage Alvarez. 

“We know it will be a tough fight,” Reynoso said, “but we are always ready. You will all see a great fight, and you will also see a very different Canelo compared to the one you saw during the last few fights.”

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If Canelo can mirror his strengths from previous fights against Sugar Shane Mosley, James Kirkland or Caleb Plant, it’ll be a long night for Charlo, who is moving up two weight classes. 

With fight night looming, Canelo says he is 100% focused. Determined to silence the doubters and prove he is still one the greatest of all time, Alvarez vows to do anything possible to win this fight. 

“I’m gonna put everything into the ring,” Alvarez said. “My experience, my power and my skills. It’s going to take everything to win this fight. It’s going to be a great night for the fans.”

Jermell Charlo steps in for twin

The pre-fight press conferences between the two undisputed champions kicked off Tuesday in New York. Canelo signed a three-fight deal in June with PBC. The first of three bouts was originally going to be against Jermall Charlo – Jermell’s twin brother. 

Instead he is fighting the other Charlo. Plenty is at stake in this fight. Canelo is defending his four super middleweight belts. Charlo has the opportunity to join Terence Crawford as the only two male boxers to be undisputed champs in two weight classes during the four-belt era. 

Alvarez is 59-2-2 with 39 knockouts. He has 17 title wins and 13 title defenses.  Canelo is relying on that experience and his skills to outclass Charlo.

“I have everything that he says he has as well,” Canelo said. “I have experience and I’ve been in this position a lot of times. That’s why we’re here. We’re going to find out if he’s got enough on Sept. 30.”

Charlo also wants to make a statement

Canelo’s last few fights have been the subject of debate. Alvarez moved up to light heavyweight to confront Bivol for the WBA world light heavyweight title. The Russian was unfazed as Canelo’s notorious power punches seemed no match for Bivol.

Alvarez has a long track record. He’s a likely boxing Hall of Famer, so he doesn’t have much left to prove. On the contrary, the Guadalajara, Jalisco, native takes his opponent and his training keenly.  

Charlo also sees the upcoming fight to silence his critics.

“I just want to quiet my haters and doubters and turn non-believers into believers,” Charlo said. “I’ve watched a lot of great people in the sport of boxing, and now I think this is the best moment for me to leave my mark.

“With two great fighters in there, you get nothing but fireworks. When this fight presented itself, it was a no-brainer to make this happen.”