With a growing reputation as the most popular boxing fighter, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez prepares to showcase his skills at the home of the Miami Dolphins.
The Mexican fighter defends his true midfielder against Turkish Avni Yildirim at Hard Rock Stadium. This is the 34-year-old’s first boxing event.
The retirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. helped. and 18-month-old Manny Pacquiao inactivity Alvarez to become one of the top boxing names. His ability to draw crowds to football pitches shows his appeal.
“I am honored to be fighting in such an important stadium,” Alvarez said in Spanish during a visit to the venue on Monday. “Without question, it’s a great incentive.”
Without the COVID-19 population restrictions, it would seem that Alvarez would have allowed more than the 20% limit at the 65,000-seat center for Saturday’s bout. His 2016 fight against Liam Smith drew 51,000 to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“Our last fight, 12,000 was allowed and it looked like the stadium was full,” Alvarez said of his victory over Callum Smith at the Alamodome in San Antonio December 19. “We hope that for us to soon return to normal times and fill. a stadium like this one. But whether it’s 15,000 or 100,000 fans, I feel like it’s at full capacity. The support from the people is amazing and I am very grateful. ”
Alvarez previously fought in the Miami area as a teenager 12 years ago. The 30-year-old returns with two sanctioned and resumed body belts that incorporate title management in the super welterweight, middle weight and light heavyweight classes.
“I am very fortunate to be here again and to open a new boxing center,” said Alvarez. “Most of the preparation has already been done. This week is all about keeping weight off, light work and going over what we did in the gym. ”
While undoubtedly aspiring to become a top title holder, Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) said he is not looking beyond Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs), who fighting for the first time in two years.
“Every fighter who comes to fight with me is an extra boost,” said Alvarez. “Yildirim is a strong warrior, always pushing and ready to fight.
“Of course, we all know I have better boxing skills but nobody ever knows. One punch can alter and damage everything. But we are ready. ”
Alvarez left the lightweight belt he won against Sergey Kovalev. His stroke with Smith lasted 13 months and earned him a World Boxing Association middleweight belt. The Mexico-based World Box Council also recognizes Alvarez as a title tracker.
Image credits: AP
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