ANAHEIM, California ? Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez came in almost two pounds over the agreed weight limit Friday, but his world title clash with Britain’s Matthew Hatton was still on for Saturday.
Alvarez, whose red hair and freckles account for his nickname Canelo — “Cinnamon” in Spanish — will fight Hatton for the vacant World Boxing Council super welterweight title on Saturday at Anaheim’s Honda Center, just down the street from Disneyland.
Although the WBC last week designated the fight for its 154-pound title vacated by Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao, the camps had already agreed to a catch weight of 150 pounds.
Alvarez, 20, came in at 151.8 pounds. Given two hours to make the catch weight, he dropped less than half a pound.
Hatton, a naturally smaller fighter who weighed in under 150, agreed to stay in the fight, with Alvarez foreiting an financial penalty.
Even if that eats into any financial reward for the unbeaten Mexican, a world title would be payment enough.
“I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly, but I’ve been preparing for this for a long time,” said Alvarez, who turned professional at 15 and boasts a record 35-0 with one drawn and 26 knockouts. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I know I still have to earn it.”
Even before the weigh-in, Alvarez was considered a big favorite against the 29-year-old Hatton, younger brother of former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton.
The Briton is also getting his first shot at a world title, and wasn’t inclined to quibble over the weight issue even though there were concerns it could scupper the bout.
Hatton brings a record of 41-4-2 with 16 knockouts to the fight. The European welterweight champion insisted that despite his underdog status he is ready to seize his chance.
“He’s never fought anyone as good as me, anyone as fit and determined as me,” Hatton said. “I was highly motivated for the fight in the first place, but to get to fight for the world title motivates me even more.
“I’ll leave nothing in the locker room.”
