Canelo Alvarez is aiming to be the undisputed Super Middleweight world champion by the end of 2021, with Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant on his hit list to achieve this feat.
Canelo, who won the WBA ‘Super’, WBC and Ring Magazine belts from Callum Smith in December has had a turnaround of just ten weeks for his first defence against mandatory challenger, Avni Yildirim at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami on Saturday night, live on DAZN.
A victory over Yildirim sets up a unification firstly with WBO champion, Saunders, who he reportedly has a deal agreed with for a showdown on Cinco De Mayo weekend in May, as part of a two-fight pact with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and a fight he wants to take place in Las Vegas.
Undefeated southpaw, Saunders is believed by many to have a style which could trouble the four-weight world champion and Alvarez insists although the Brit would be a tough challenge, he believes he has seen every style in a career spanning over 15 years.
“His style is very difficult,” Alvarez told the Ring Magazine.
“He is a lefty. So, that makes it even more difficult.
“But I am a fighter who has fought against all kinds of styles. I am ready for any style. I just have to work.
“I’m always looking at that. I’m always looking ahead, and that’s what motivates me to continue winning fights.
“I would love [to fight Saunders] in Las Vegas.
“I would really love to return to Las Vegas. Hopefully, everything goes back to normal due to the pandemic and we will be able to return to Las Vegas.”
Should a fight with Saunders materialise on Cinco De Mayo weekend in May, the 30-year-old is then likely to pursue a clash with the other belt holder at 168lbs, IBF titlist, Plant.
The 28-year-old, who is also unbeaten, made a third defence of his belt with victory over Caleb Truax and Alvarez rates ’Sweethands’ highly.
“He’s a great fighter,” Alvarez said when asked about the American.
“He’s a fighter that has a lot of ability and obviously if he’s a champion, he’s in my path and I’m going to go for him.”
When asked his opinion of his rival’s win over Truax, the Mexican replied: “I saw two, three rounds of it and I fell asleep.”
The pound-for-pound star went up to Light Heavyweight in November 2019, dethroning Sergey Kovalev to become WBO champion, before vacating the belt and returning to 168lbs to defeat Smith.
However, Canelo, who began his career at 154lbs has ruled out a future move back to 175lbs where Artur Beterbiev (IBF/WBC) and Dmitry Bivol (WBA) reign, but says a return to Middleweight is also an option, where a trilogy with IBF holder, Gennady Golovkin would lie.
“No, [trainer and manager] Eddy [Reynoso] doesn’t want me to fight at 175 anymore because that’s too much of an advantage [for the opponent],” Alvarez added.
“I really feel well at 168 but I might go down to 160. I don’t know.
“I’m open to anything. And as I said, I want the best fights for the people, for the fans.
“Right now, my goal is to unify. If that fight [with Golovkin comes up] then why not?”
