The former undisputed champion says he still wants success as badly as he did at 15 despite growing questions about age and wear from a long career
Canelo Alvarez says his desire to compete remains unchanged despite increasing questions about his future at the top level. Ahead of his September 12 title defense against Christian Mbilli, the Mexican star pushed back against suggestions that age and mileage are catching up with him.
Canelo countered that idea.
“I am so confident. I am always confident because I know where I am, how I train, how I feel, and how good I am,” said Canelo at the kickoff press conference. “I still want it like I was when I was 15 years old.”
The quote speaks to the biggest question surrounding Alvarez heading into the fight.
At nearly 36 years old, Canelo has spent more than two decades in the sport and has been involved in some of boxing’s toughest nights. His trilogy with Gennadiy Golovkin, battles with Miguel Cotto and Dmitry Bivol, and last year’s defeat to Crawford have fueled discussion about whether the wear and tear of a long career is beginning to show.
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently suggested that Mbilli would be a serious problem if Alvarez is no longer the fighter he once was.
Mbilli appears to share that belief.
“I have a good style to beat Canelo. I am an amazing fighter. I have good power and speed. I have all of the abilities to beat Canelo and win this fight,” said Mbilli. “I think it’s the perfect time for me.
“I’m not changing my style. I will put pressure, and we are going to see if he can deal with this. Be ready, you’re going to be surprised in September. You will regret being in that ring.”
Canelo and Mbilli will headline a Saudi Arabia card on September 12, with the champion looking to prove that reports of his decline have arrived too early.