Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol came face-to-face yesterday at the launch press conference for their May 7 fight in Las Vegas.
The undisputed super-middleweight champion will move up in weight to 175lbs for the second time in his career to challenge the talented Russian for his WBA light-heavyweight title.
“I like challenges, it makes me feel alive,” said Canelo who has teamed up with promoter Eddie Hearn and DAZN once again.
“I like a good challenge and now I have a very good fighter in front of me and I’m excited for this fight.
“Bivol is a really tough fighter and it’s going to be a really good fight for Cinco De Mayo weekend with my people in Las Vegas – Mexican weekend. I’m really excited and I’m going to prepare really well because this fight is going to be really hard.”
The fight will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. A venue which has already staged five of Canelo’s thirteen bouts in Sin City.
Unbeaten in 19 starts Bivol has fought in America several times, but this will represent his first in the fight capital of the world.
“Me and my team wanted this fight and I’m glad this fight will be in the United States and one of the Mecca of boxing. This is also very exciting, and it means a lot to me,” said Bivol.“This is very important for me especially because I’m fighting one of the best if not the best in the world right now, I want people to be able to see me and my skills, this is a big fight that can give me the ability to achieve my other goals and go on if I win this fight.”