Canelo: “Topuria? I’m the one who makes the list”

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs), 35, is ready to shake up the boxing world once again. The Mexican superstar, drawn by the allure of Riyadh Season, will defend his undisputed super middleweight title on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, against undefeated American champion Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs).

It’s a blockbuster showdown between two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters - one that’s already being billed as a Fight of the Year contender. The bout is being promoted through a collaboration between Turki Al-Sheikh and UFC chief Dana White, blending the worlds of boxing and MMA to deliver elite matchups.

During the fight’s promotional tour, Canelo sat down with AS in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for an exclusive interview.

How do you approach a fight of this magnitude?

“With a sense of great responsibility, of course. This is a hugely important fight - for my career, for my country, for everything. I love being in these kinds of big fights. I’ve been here many times, but it always motivates me because this is what I love to do. I love boxing, and I love being in these kinds of matchups.”

(Canelo has headlined some of boxing’s biggest events, including his trilogy with Gennady Golovkin and bouts against Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto.)

Do you think your power and experience at super middleweight give you an edge over Crawford, who’s moving up in weight?

“I’ll take advantage of anything that benefits me, but I’ve been in that same position before. When you’re a great fighter, weight doesn’t matter as much - but when you’re facing another great fighter, it does. I’ll capitalize on every opportunity, train at 100%, and not get overconfident just because I’m bigger. I’ll train to be the best fighter I can be.”

(Álvarez started at welterweight and moved all the way up to light heavyweight, so he knows what it’s like to be at a size disadvantage.)

What would a win over Crawford mean to you?

“It would mean everything. I’m here to make history, and beating him would be one of the biggest wins of my career. It would mean a great deal to me.”

(Crawford is currently ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound by The Ring, while Canelo sits at No. 8.)

Prediction for the fight?

“I’m going to win, of course. Whether it’ll be by knockout or decision, I don’t know; but we’re going to win.”

(Despite being less well-known to casual fans, Crawford is a four-division world champion, having held titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.)

After this fight, what goals remain for a boxer who’s already accomplished so much?

“To keep winning, to keep succeeding - because I love what I do. I love boxing. Being in these kinds of fights keeps me motivated.”

(Canelo has only two losses in his professional career: one to Floyd Mayweather in 2013, and another to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.)

Do you plan to move up in weight again?

“If there’s a fight that really interests me and is worth it, why not?”

(Canelo previously held a title at light heavyweight but returned to super middleweight after losing to Bivol by unanimous decision.)

What do you make of the criticism you’ve received for your choice of opponents?

“There’s always criticism. When you’re at the top, when you’re successful, there’s always going to be criticism - just like there’s praise. It comes with the territory. At the end of the day, you can’t please everyone.”

(Some critics have accused Canelo of avoiding dangerous opponents like David Benavídez in favor of less threatening challengers such as Jermell Charlo or John Ryder.)

UFC double champion Ilia Topuria has expressed interest in boxing and named you as a potential opponent. What do you think?

“I respect everyone, but no one can just put me on their list like that. I’m the one who makes the list. Right now, he’s not in my plans. I’m 100% focused on Crawford. Every time I have a fight, the media starts talking about another one. But the only fight that matters right now is the one in front of us.”

What do you think about the rise of MMA? Is it overshadowing boxing?

“I think there’s room for everyone. Each sport has its fans. It’s not about dividing audiences - there are UFC fans, there are boxing fans, and I think there’s enough space for both.”

Let’s talk about your beginnings. How did Canelo Álvarez get started in boxing?

“I started training in the street, in my brother [Rigoberto]’s garage, when I was just 13. I saw him make his pro debut, and that’s when I fell in love with boxing. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. That’s how my first rounds began.”

How do you go from such humble beginnings to becoming the face of boxing?

“Little by little, with discipline. You win fights, and before you know it, you’re here. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened. I dreamed of being a world champion, but I’ve achieved so much more than that. I’m thankful and happy to be living my dream.”

Outside of boxing, if you hadn’t become a fighter, what would you have done?

“I’ve always said Formula 1 driver, because I love F1. But now I’d also say golfer.”

(Canelo is often seen playing golf and even hosts a tournament called “No Golf, No Life”.)

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