Michael B. Jordan highlights the influence of Mexican culture in ‘Creed III’

Michael B. Jordan, director and star of ‘Creed III’, has highlighted the importance of incorporating Mexican culture into the film in order to be more “honest for the sport of boxing.”

As anticipated by many, fans of the saga were able to see the Mexican boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez making an appearance with his wife in the first trailer for the film. The Mexican fighter is one of the biggest names in combat sport although it goes without saying that his predecessors like Julio Cesar Chavez definitely helped to elevate the sport’s notoriety.

Michael B. Jordan: "Mexican culture is a pillar within the sport of boxing"

During a press conference, the actor highlighted Mexican culture as one of the pillars of boxing. “We just have to look back, you know, into the history of boxing, and Mexican culture is a mainstay within the sport and we felt like there really wasn’t a lot of representation of that fact within movies in that way [...] So I wanted to incorporate Mexican culture into this movie,” he said, according to Slash Film.

Former boxer Tony Bellew appeared in the first installment of the ‘Creed’ saga, but now it is Canelo’s turn. Although the character that the Mexican boxer will play has not yet been revealed, in the trailer a fight against a boxer named Félix Chávez can be seen.

“I just felt there was a flaw there, that it didn’t seem truthful and honest to the sport of boxing. And I wanted to put that character in there,” Jordan added.

Michael B. Jordan recognizes 'Canelo' as "the legend himself"

It is not surprising that Canelo has been invited to participate in the film, as previously, Michael B. Jordan recognised him as a great athlete. In September, the actor confirmed that the Mexican boxer would appear in ‘Creed III’. “Directing the legend himself, Canelo, in Creed III. I can’t wait for the world to see it on March 3rd. A star both in and out of the ring… Welcome to the family,” Jordan wrote in an Instagram story alongside a series of photos with Álvarez on set.

“Canelo fights orthodox, he fights with his right hand, but he is southpaw, which means that his main hand is his dominant hand, and he is very dangerous,” Jordan also said last year in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.