Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol’s missions ahead of bout
Canelo Alvarez wants the fight vs Dmitry Bivol in the history books, while the Russian native believes he is the champion. What the two boxers say about each other ahead of the bout.
In their last press appearance ahead of their thrilling Saturday bout in Las Vegas, undisputed super middleweight champ Canelo Alvarez and native of Kyrgyzstan Dmitry Bivol had a lot to say about each other.
Canelo Alvarez: “It’s my time”
Canelo, who is proud to be representing his country, Mexico, in Cinco de Mayo weekend, says he likes challenges and is ready to make more stories against the Kyrgyzstan native who he expects to be “going all out. I like the idea, the only thing I want is to give a great fight and put the fight in the history books. He’s very confident and so am I, it’s going to be a good fight.”
The 31-year-old, who’s only ever been knocked down once by Floyd Mayweather, respects the Russian, but believes now is his time.
“(Bivol) is a really good fighter and a really good champion, we know that. We trained for him, he has a lot of skills and a lot of experience as an amateur. He is a solid champion at 175, but I know that and I am ready. I believe in my skills and I am very confident about how strong I am.”
I like challenges, I want to make stories, this is going to put me up in the boxing books, I feel alive when I have these challenges. It’s my time, I’m at the top of my game and I enjoy these moments.”
Bivol: “I respect him… but “I will keep my belt”
Bivol, on the other hand, has held the WBA light-heavyweight title since 2017, and he wants to continue keeping his belt and make sure he’s still got the skills.
When asked about how he feels that he will be the taller and possibly heavier fighter in the bout, Bivol said that he has to use all of his advantages.
“In a fight like this you have to use all of your advantages. Use all of the mistakes of your opponent. I want to keep my belt and I want to win. Of course I respect him, he is a great champion. This is the challenge for me, not only keep my belt but (also) check my skills against one of the best fighters,” said Bivol.
The 31-year-old is confident enough that if he’s had the belt 19 times, he can earn his twentieth one against the Mexican.