Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, one of the great stars of current boxing, and the Russian Dmitry Bivol passed the weigh-in on Friday before their fight at an outdoor event in Las Vegas, in front of hundreds of fans of the Mexican boxer.
Source: AFP
“I feel very proud to represent my country,” said Canelo on the stage in front of the T-Mobile Arena, where on Saturday he will try to snatch Bivol’s light heavyweight title (175 pounds – 79.4 kg) from the Association. World Boxing (WBA).
The Mexican, six centimeters shorter than Bivol, weighed 174.4 pounds on the scale to 174.6 for his rival.
“I like these challenges,” stressed the undisputed monarch of the super middleweight (168 pounds – 76.2 kg).
“Expect everything from me, as always. They make me feel very happy and motivated, “he thanked before saying goodbye with a shout of” Long live Mexico, bastards! that made the fans who celebrated under the strong sun of this desert area vibrate.
Sporting Mexican flags as well as jerseys and hats of their idol, Álvarez’s supporters booed Bivol while the Russian thanked the Mexican fans for their passion and congratulated them on the 5 de Mayo festivities.
– The “motivation” of the spectators –
“It is the first time I fight in front of fans. Happy May 5! ”, Bivol launched, without being able to stop the whistles. “People motivate me. I will try to make a great fight for you.”
At 31 years old, this fighter born in Kyrgyzstan has an immaculate record of 19 wins (11 knockouts) and no losses and has been successfully defending the WBA title since 2016.
Canelo, also 31 years old, has 57 wins (39 knockouts), two draws and a single loss, suffered against the American Floyd Mayweather Jr by points in 2013.
The Mexican is one of the boxers with the most capacity to attract fans, capable of gathering 73,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium of the Dallas Cowboys a year ago.
For Saturday’s fight, the organizers estimate that the T-Mobile Arena, with a capacity for 20,000 spectators, will be close to full.
