He can’t beat Dmitry Bivol. Why is he scared to fight David Benavidez? There’s no way he’ll win another world title at 175 pounds. His best days are clearly behind him.
Canelo Alvarez can hear it all. He doesn’t get frustrated like he did in his younger years. He simply allows his naysayers to say whatever is on their minds.
There’s a calmness about Alvarez. That’s what happens when you accomplish as much as he has. World titles in four divisions, knockout wins over bigger men, generational wealth, and when it’s all said and done, a first-ballot ticket to the Hall of Fame, has Alvarez feeling content – despite the outside noise.
“I have nothing to prove to the people,” said Alvarez during a recent interview on Sports Center. “I did a lot of things in boxing.”
Bending over backward for the fans isn’t his number one goal anymore but Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) does have something to prove to at least one person.
On Saturday night, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alvarez will take on Jermell Charlo. For years, Charlo was heterodoxical when it came to Alvarez. While most in boxing circles viewed him as an all-time great fighter with immense talent, Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) was on the other side of the fence. He continually called out the Mexican star. In the process, he always believed that there was nothing Alvarez could do to beat him.
Charlo’s persistent need to utter his name is something Alvarez hasn’t forgotten. With just a few hours remaining before they finally meet in the center of the ring, the pound-for-pound luminary admits that he’s anxious to make his man eat his words.
“I have something to prove to him because he never believed in my skills. He was always calling me out. That’s my motivation. I’m able to show him why I’m one of the best.”