When Brian Custer’s “Last Stand” series interviews the Undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, you know it’s time to sit up and listen.
Custer: Venturing into PBC: Why the Shift?
Canelo’s alliance with PBC raised eyebrows. Was this a strategy or mere coincidence?
Canelo: “Look, I’ve done a lot of things. I’ve fought with many fighters. And I think it’s the correct moment to come here and fight in PBC. We sat down with Al Haymon and talked about it. I’m happy to be working with him.”
A conscious choice, it seems. Canelo is not one to be swayed by mere impulse.
Jermell or Jermall: The Unexpected Showdown
When quizzed about his surprising decision to take on Jermell Charlo, Canelo was open yet enigmatic.
“Why Jermell? I don’t know either. But you know, I’m a fighter. I think, no matter what, I’m the smaller fighter for this weight class. But I think he’s better. He’s the better fighter than his brother because he has better fights, championship fights. He’s more confident. I think it’s a better fight for me right now.”
A hint of strategy, a dash of challenge. Classic Canelo.
The Talk after the John Ryder Bout: Canelo’s Candid Confession
Doubts have been swirling since the John Ryder fight. Is Canelo still in his prime?
“I was not able to train 100% for those fights because of my hand. But right now, I can. You see the videos. I can work with Eddie in the gym. When you don’t have those kind of training camps, you aren’t 100% confident. But now? I can hit the heavy bags hard, and that boosts my confidence.”
A Future with David Benavidez and Others
With a three-fight deal with PBC in play, the looming question: who’s next?
“He [Benavidez] is always there. I always try to do the best fights out there. If it’s good for boxing, it’s good for me.”
And on his standing as the best pound-for-pound?
“I think we all deserve being number one. You have Inoue, Crawford, Usyk. We all deserve that spot.”
The Bivol Chapter: What Went Wrong?
“He tried to make the negotiation hard. I did my best. But now, I’m focused 100% on my fight with Jermell Charlo.”
September 30th: Predictions and Promises
Facing Jermell Charlo is no walk in the park. But Canelo’s determination shines through.
“I’m going to try my best. I will. I always try, and I’m going to try every single round. Any fighter who says they don’t look for the knockout? That’s a lie.”
Full interview:
