For the second time in his career, Canelo Alvarez will look to win another title in the light-heavyweight division. On May 7, Canelo faces Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light-heavyweight title at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Despite the fact that Bivol is an underdog, Canelo believes this fight is as big as it gets.
Speaking with the media before his fight, Canelo talked about fighting at light-heavyweight again. In 2019, Canelo moved from middleweight to light-heavyweight to face Sergey Kovalev. Against the taller, older Kovalev, Canelo beat him via knockout in the 11th round. He now faces another 31-year-old fighter in Bivol. Canelo believes Bivol will be tougher to defeat.
“The difference? The fighter,” Canelo stated when comparing Kovalev to Bivol. “The fighter (Bivol) brings more of a challenge for me. With Kovalev, I feel different. He’s heavy, stronger. With Dimitry Bivol, it’s going to be more difficult. He’s strong, young, and a really good fighter. “
A six-time gold medalist, Bivol won the 2013 World Combat Games in Saint Petersburg. The Russian made his pro debut in 2014. Bivol beat Felix Valera in 2016 to win the interim WBA light heavyweight title. After being promoted to Regular champion in 2017, he has defended the belt five times, three as Super champion. His last fight was a win over Umar Salamov in December.
If Canelo was to beat Bivol, he will have a date with destiny against Gennadiy Golovkin. The two are expected to compete in a trilogy bout in September. There are other options for Canelo, however. Already an undisputed champion at super-middleweight, he may have a desire to fight for all the gold at light-heavyweight.
A matchup between Artur Beterviev and Joe Smith Jr. for the WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles will take place on June 18. Canelo wouldn’t mind fighting any one of them. Discussing why he chose Bivol over the other two, Canelo praised the WBA champion.
“For me, he’s (Bivol) the best in the division,” Canelo stated. “Beterbiev is a strong fighter… always goes forward. Strong. Bivol is a really good fighter. He has a good jab, he’s strong, goes in and out. He has everything.”
Bivol understands who Canelo is as a fighter and is more than ready for the challenge.
