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By the time Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin fight on Sept. 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on DAZN pay-per-view, four years will have passed since their rematch.
Alvarez scored a majority decision in the Golovkin sequel after they fought to a split draw in 2017.
Their careers have gone on different paths ever since, with Alvarez defending titles at 160 pounds, moving up to 168 pounds and unifying the titles as its current undisputed champion, as well as winning a light heavyweight title and losing while trying for another.
Alvarez (57-2-2, 39 KOs) has beaten the likes of Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant and has lost to Dmitry Bivol since his last fight with Triple G.
The Mexican star says that he’s a much better fighter ever since he and Golovkin Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs) last met.
“I think he’s going to be surprised how much I’ve improved. My resistance, my strength. That will definitely surprise him,” told BoxingScene.com and other reporters.
“Coming off the Bivol loss I am much more motivated than before. I always train 100%. I love boxing. That will never go away. I feel different though. More motivated. More dangerous. I really want to be in the ring again. Especially with this guy Golovkin. He’s talking a lot of sh!t. It’s going to be a good fight.”
Alvarez said it was critical for him not to take time off and dwell on the Bivol loss. The bout against Golovkin will be Alvarez’s sixth fight since Dec. 2020.
“It’s very important for me to get back,” said Alvarez. “A lot of people lose and take a year, two years to come back. I have a strong mind. I want to keep pushing. I’m in boxing because I want to be one of the best fighters in boxing history. I’m on that line.”
Alvarez also admitted the immense level of recent activity has taken a toll on his body.
“[My body is holding up] with a little trouble, but it’s fine,” said Alvarez. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to take the time off. But also maybe bring it down a notch and instead of fighting three times a year fight just once.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com.