‘Boxing probably would have died’: Roy Jones Jr makes bold Canelo Alvarez claim

Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) will be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of this generation. He has fought the best and recorded many memorable wins, with very few defeats. The Mexican legend is due back in action on September 12, challenging Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title. Ahead of his comeback, four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr spoke to Betting Lounge, where he was asked if Canelo should continue fighting and where he sits among the greats of the sport.

Canelo Alvarez faces Christian Mbilli on September 12

Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs) lost to Terence Crawford last time out, but is due to return against Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title. Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) is undefeated and a relentless pressure fighter, who will look to work the body of Canelo.

The Mexican has mixed at the highest level against several elite fighters, but Mbilli is a tough nut to crack. This fight will tell us what the Mexican has left, and how far Mbilli can really go.

Jones Jr discusses Canelo’s future

When asked about whether Canelo Alvarez should keep fighting, Roy Jones Jr said: 

“He has carried boxing for so long and been so good for the sport for so long that how can we tell him he should stop boxing? We didn’t tell him to start, so why would we tell him to stop? Look what he’s done. He has provided us with some of the most exciting fights we’ve had in a long time. 

“If it wasn’t for him taking some of the risks that he took, boxing probably would have died because he was really one of the only people for a while who was making a big enough noise to keep it alive. If he wants to fight, I don’t think anybody has the right to tell him he can’t fight. He has earned it already.”

Canelo Alvarez legacy: Roy Jones Jr gives his honest view

When asked where Canelo Alvarez sits among the greats, Jones Jr said:

“He is going to be remembered as a great fighter because of the attention he commanded. Skill-wise, not so much. But he’s one of my favourite guys to watch because he always comes to the table to fight. You know he’s going to fight. 

“Sometimes he figures it out, sometimes he doesn’t, but he’s still wonderful to watch. I always enjoy watching him. I’m a fan of his regardless, because he will fight. He isn’t scared to fight anybody. I have always liked that about Canelo.”

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