Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport of boxing.
The Mexican icon is a four-weight world champion who has lost just twice in his 66-fight career, which began way back in 2005 when he was just 15-years-old.
He currently holds the WBC, WBA and WBO titles at super middleweight, where he has also held the undisputed championship. The IBF made the decision to strip Canelo of his title last summer, after he opted to face Edgar Berlanga Jr rather than William Scull, who was mandatory challenger at the time.
The legacy of the 34-year-old speaks for itself, with victories against the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Miguel Cotto, Sergey Kovalev and Jermell Charlo to name a few.
Speaking in a media scrum following a press conference, Canelo was asked about remaining legacy fights and dismissed the David Benavidez clash .
“I always fought everybody. I fought legendary fights – Cotto, Golovkin – but they bring me something. They bring me legacy. I’m talking about that. I know you guys are always saying fight Benavidez, you’re gonna put other fights after that. Like I say, if the money is right then it’s a special fight, I’m in. Because he doesn’t bring me legacy, anything.
However, when a Dmitry Bivol rematch was suggested, he admitted a victory in that fight would add to his storied career.
Yes [the Bivol fight adds legacy]. Bivol is one of the guys I’d have my rematch with. Like I say, if he wins 175, undisputed, yes [I’ll want rematch].”
Bivol defeated Canelo in May 2022, outpointing the 34-year-old to successfully defend his WBA light heavyweight crown. The Russian superstar is preparing to face 175lb rival Artur Beterbiev for the second time on February 22, after falling short in their first clash last October.
