Many observers say that Canelo Alvarez is no longer the same. Even he said, “I’m not at my best.”
Maybe that’s why he’s facing the capable but limited John Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) instead of a more substantial threat in the homecoming bout on May 6. 5 at the 48,000-seat Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, Alvarez’s hometown. The undisputed 168-pound champion hasn’t fought there since 2011.
Alvarez’s 22 most recent matches were in the United States, including his first loss in nearly a decade, decisive against 175-pound owner Dmitry Bivol last May.
“I’m excited to show people that they’re wrong,” he said Thursday at a news conference in San Diego, referring to those who doubted him. “I feel very good. I have a lot of years in my career, 17 years as a professional player. I have also been injured. I am not at my best but I am very motivated and I am very happy. It’s fun to go to the gym, work out 100% and they’ll see what’s going to happen. I’m excited and motivated. Be careful with that.
“He (Ryder) has everything to win, nothing to lose, right? He’s always been there, fighting good fighters trying to grab that opportunity, and now he’s got it. It would be a danger for me, but I feel good.”
A return to his homeland is clearly important for the 32-year-old, who has built himself into a star north of the border but is proud of his roots.
It’s clear he enjoyed Tuesday’s press conference in Guadalajara to kick off the promotion as much or more than any other press conference in his career as there were all the familiar faces.
“The press conference in Guadalajara was an unbelievable moment for me because I saw my grandmother, my father, my mother, my brothers and my family there,” he said. “I met a lot of people in the media when I started boxing. For me, I feel very proud and happy to bring this fight to Guadalajara and give people some of the experiences I have had elsewhere as the best in the world. …
“I think it was the perfect timing. I have long wanted to fight in Guadalajara, but I think this is the perfect time, the perfect battle to bring to Guadalajara.”
Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) recovered from the Bivol loss by trailing Gennadiy Golovkin in their third match in September. He had to undergo surgery to repair a nagging injury. on the left wrist immediately afterwards.
His coach Eddy Reynoso said the wrist is fine now and his patron is looking forward to more legacy-building matches, including the possibility of a rematch with Bivol.
“We’re not going to be disappointed, we’re not going to retire,” Reynoso said. “…We’ll be back with all four belts he’s brought with us, and that’s something we’ll do with pride. We also just really wanted to give a good show to the fans.
“He’s had a great rehab for his hand and we’ve been working hard. He’s at 100% and it’s going to be a huge 2023. He’s going to face a lot of challenges this year in his career and we’re excited for what’s to come this year.”
