Alvarez is proving this once again, as on Friday it was announced that Alvarez would make the trek up two weight classes to challenge Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light heavyweight championship on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, live and exclusively on DAZN. A win by Alvarez would be his fourth world title in four different weight classes.
“The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing,” Alvarez said in a press release. “That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years. Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face.”
Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) defeated Daniel Jacobs in May to add the IBF middleweight title to his WBA and WBC belts. Many thought he was then headed toward a trilogy bout against Golovkin, but a deal didn’t come together. Alvarez’s team had talks with IBF mandatory challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko, but ultimately, that fight didn’t happen, either, and Alvarez was stripped of his IBF belt.
Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) will be participating in his 17th consecutive world title bout. He most recently fought Anthony Yarde on Aug. 24 in Russia. He struggled early on with Yarde’s speed but was able to take control of the fight. However, in the eighth round, Yarde connected on a couple hard body shots to nearly put the 36-year-old away.
Between rounds, Kovalev’s head trainer, Buddy McGirt, told Kovalev that if he didn’t show him anything during the ninth round, he would stop the fight. “The Krusher” came out and dominated the rest of the bout, putting Yarde away with a stinging jab in the 11th round. Now, Kovalev has the opportunity to dethrone one of top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
“In order to be the best you have to beat the best,” Kovalev said. “I have always tried to fight the toughest opponents in my division, but many have ducked me throughout my career. Canelo wanted to fight me; to step up to higher weight and challenge for my belt. I will be ready on November 2.”
By Aragon Garcia: Saul Canelo Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions have announced the next fight for Saul against WBO 175-lb champion Sergey Kovalev for November 2. The Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) will be vying to become a four division world champion against the 36-year-old Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) on DAZN at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Canelo giving boxing fans the fight they want to see
With Canelo choosing to put his trilogy fight against Gennady Golovkin on hold, Kovalev was the ideal opponent for him to fight against. There was no one else with a big enough name for Canelo to fight at 160 and 168, so he opted to go to 175 to look for a big name. Kovalev is the ideal opponent for Canelo to fight, because he’s well known, and has an exciting fighting style. Although Kovalev isn’t the same guy he once was seven years ago, he’s still an excellent fighter with big power in both hands.
Saul Alvarez said this on social media announcing Kovalev fight:
“CaneloKovalev It’s official. I am happy to announce that I will climb 2 categories to face one of the most powerful rivals in this division. This November 2 will be one of the biggest challenges of my career. Let’s make history together. Let’s go for 4x World ChampionThis will give the fading Kovalev a good retirement payday before he bows out of the game. Kovalev appears to be on his last legs, and might not be around as world championship level fighter for too much longer.
@DAZN_USA.”
Middleweight king Canelo Alvarez is to make a two-division jump in weight classes to take on Russia’s WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev, it was confirmed on Friday.
Alvarez, 29, announced the November 2 (November 3 AEDT) date in Las Vegas in a short post on Twitter. Online streaming service DAZN also confirmed the bout.Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial >
Middleweight titleholder Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) has never fought at light heavyweight before.
Alvarez and Kovalev, 36, had been in negotiations earlier this year to fight in October, only for Kovalev to reject an offer from the Alvarez camp.
Alvarez meanwhile was stripped of his IBF belt after refusing to accept a fight against mandatory challenger Sergey Derevyanchenko.
“The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing,” Alvarez told ESPN.
“That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years.
“Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face.”
