Mexican Superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez says he is ready for a rematch against the man who soundly defeated him in September 2013, the money man himself, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The 24-year-old former junior middleweight titlist takes on James Kirkland on Saturday, although the Texas native has not fought in over 17 months. Kirkland’s last bout, a non-title bout against the previously undefeated Glen Tapia, ended in a sixth-round stoppage victory.
Mayweather’s retirement will pave the way for Alvarez to take over the helms of the American superstar’s PPV stronghold, so he hopes. He isn’t about to overlook the powerful Kirkland, who has 28 knockouts out of his 32 victories. Speaking with Boxing Scene, Alvarez plans to throw his name into the pile of fighters vying to be the lucky man in the Floyd Mayweather Jr. sweepstakes with a decisive victory on Saturday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
“I would love it [a rematch with Mayweather]. It would interest me. I’ve learned more things, there’s more experience, but right now, this fight is, what’s more, important to me, and that’s James Kirkland on Saturday,” Alvarez said.
Canelo acknowledges that he took this fight because he knew the public would be mesmerized by the two styles that will be exhibited inside the ring. As long as the fight is appealing to the fans, Canelo is willing to be the dance partner.
“I’ll fight any style. I’ll be clear – I’ll fight any style. I’m ready and willing to fight anybody, but the fans like this style because that’s what the fans want to go to see. They want to go and see action, and these are the kind of fights where the people will leave happy.
“Kirkland’s a very dangerous fighter because of his punch. His power is extreme. He can finish the fight with one punch, and then he also throws out of different angles, so it makes it even more complicated, more difficult, but more than anything, it’s that power that he can finish a fight with one punch.”
Kirkland believes his heart will be the determining factor on Saturday, in addition to his massive power.
“I can just tell people this when they ask about boxing and what can I bring to the sport or how I picture myself: I am a force of nature that overrides a lot of the people that I fight. When they come with heart, I believe my heart is bigger than that.
“When they come with determination, I don’t feel anyone has the will, power, and the drive that I possess. When it comes to speed, I don’t feel as if the opponent is going to be able to adapt, and if they do, I always got a step above my opponent.
“It’s going to be a fight that you don’t have to worry about if they’re going to run, if this person’s going to be dodging and ducking and looking for somewhere to run and hide.
“Canelo and I will meet in the middle of the ring and that’s where the fight will take place. We may stay there the whole entire fight. If he’s going to come to fight like I’m coming to fight, then that will be the particular fight that the fans want to see,” Kirkland said.
While Kirkland is known for packing an explosive punch, he is also known for not having a sturdy chin. He was knocked out in the first round by Nobuhiro Ishida in April 2011, a fight where Kirkland abandoned defense right from the bell and fought with his hands down. Ishida, a former Interim WBA junior middleweight champion, was knocked out by Canelo in sparring in November 2011 when the then WBC champion Alvarez was preparing to fight former IBF welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron.
