Canelo Alvarez: ‘I know how to use this anger’

by John Dennen

BOTH Canelo Alvarez and Saturday’s opponent, unified WBA and WBC middleweightGennady Golovkin, arrived in traditional style at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Alvarez remains animated. “I’m bothered by all the stupid things they’ve been saying. I don’t know which one to laugh about or get angry about at this point. But their statements are all excuses for the loss they will take this Saturday. I have been using all of these statements as motivation for my fight on Saturday. I know that it can be dangerous to go in the ring with a hot head, but I have experience. I know how to use this anger in the ring intelligently. I’m happy for all the support the fans give me, and I will give them a great fight this Saturday,” Canelo said.

Golovkin commented, “Mexican Independence Day is a huge day for boxing and boxing fans. I am a professional. I am not nervous but I am very excited to be able to defend my titles on a major Mexican national holiday for the third consecutive time. My Mexican fans like true fighters and true heroes. This may be a rematch but it is a different story, a better story, a bigger story. This fight is the biggest level for me, 100%.  I am healthy and strong. I had my best training camp. I have the fight I want against the fighter I want and on the biggest stage.  Why shouldn’t I be happy?  If Canelo gives me a chance and fights like he claims he will, I will knock him out.  It is time for the Big Drama Show.”

Another Mexican will feature on the undercard. Jaime Munguia defends the WBO super-welterweight title against Brandon Cook. “I’m very happy for the support that I’m getting from the fans. I feel they are drawn to me because of my style of fighting and because they know I like to give a great show to the fans. Right now, it’s just about maintaining weight and preparing for the weigh-in. I know Cook is tough and difficult fighter, but you’re going to see a more relaxed and concentrated Jaime Munguia this Saturday,” Munguia said.

David Lemieux hopes to get back into contention at middleweight when he boxes Gary O’Sullivan on the September 15 show at the T Mobile arena. “I’m excited for Saturday night. I promise you some fireworks. I hope everyone enjoys the show. He has a big mouth. He likes to talk garbage on social media. He’s not the best kind of guy. I’m going to knock him out and make a lot of people happy. I’m at 100% right now. You’re going to see David Lemieux who is at his best this Saturday,” he said.

Former world champion Roman Gonzalez is also making his comeback against Moises Fuentes on the bill. “I thank God for this opportunity. This is exactly what I have been praying for. I’m ready to make my comeback against this tough opponent. I will show the world I can still be a world champion,” Gonzalez said.