Canelo Álvarez Talks Turki Alalshikh, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico Rivalry, and Moving to 175lbs

Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) will return to the ring on September 14 to take on  Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) for Alvarez’s WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles. The entire card will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas while being promoted by Canelo Promotions – in association with Matchroom Boxing. Following on from Berlanga’s recent interview with Dan Rafael, Álvarez has now spoken to Rafael about Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, talks with Turki Alalshikh and moving to 175lbs.

Canelo Álvarez Talks to Dan Rafael About Turki Alalshikh, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

Canelo Focussed on Edgar Berlanga

Canelo was asked about how the Berlanga fight occurred: “There was two or three fighters on the table and Eddie (Reynoso) called me and said we want to make this fight because we think it’s more entertaining for the people. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.”

Addressing the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry, Canelo reminisced about fighting Miguel Cotto and spoke of his respect for the legendary Puerto Rican: “One of my favourite fighters (Cotto).” He added: “To beat him for me was special.” 

Read More: Canelo Dominant in All-Mexican Clash Against Jaime Munguía

Canelo was then asked about his back and forth with Turki Alalshikh, and the legendary Mexican revealed: “I never disrespect anybody. I always respect everybody. If I respect everybody, I like they respect me too. I have nothing with him (His Excellency). Maybe he’s a little desperate to make that fight (Canelo vs. Crawford).” 

“They call me the night before the press conference in Los Angeles and say ‘you know, he (Alalshikh) wants to meet you and is trying to make that fight with Terence Crawford.'”

Read More: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Mike Tyson Reveals His Thoughts on Potential Super Fight

The Mexican star made it clear he’s only thinking about Berlanga: “I said ‘Look, I don’t want to talk about any other fight. I’m focused 100% on September and the Berlanga fight. I don’t want to talk about any other fight right now.” 

Rafael asked Canelo if a conversation with His Excellency could happen in the future: “Look, the very next day he comes and says it’s done, and he can do whatever he wants. I’m gonna do my job like always. I’m not desperate to make a fight with them. I don’t need it. If they want to work with me, we can work but different.”

To hear the Canelo interview and more from the “Fight Freaks Unite Preview Podcast” with Dan Rafael and TJ Rives, click the play button below.

Canelo Discusses 175lbs

Towards the end of the interview, Rafael asked Canelo if he has any desire to go and fight at light heavyweight against an opponent like David Benavidez or David Morrell: “The only fight I can make at 175 is Bivol. I don’t see other than that,” revealed Canelo.

Rafael then asked if he would fight the winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev: “Like I said, I just want to go up to have the rematch with Bivol and if he wins (against Beterbiev), we can see after that.”