‘I have to prove that I’m still on top’

Canelo Alvarez acknowledged the apparent at Wednesday’s last information convention earlier than he defends his 168-pound championship in opposition to Jermell Charlo on pay-per-view Saturday at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas.

“I’ve to show that I’m nonetheless on prime,” he mentioned, echoing the ideas of everybody who has adopted his profession.

Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) has struggled in his previous three fights, a unanimous determination loss to Dmitry Bivol at 175 kilos and uninspiring nods over pale rival Gennadiy Golovkin of their third battle and John Ryder.

The Mexican famous person has attributed his subpar performances to accidents, together with one to his left wrist that was surgically repaired late final yr. He insists he’s wholesome now and can show he’s not in decline, as many have prompt.

He actually understands the significance of this battle.

“I don’t know what animal I have to be, however I’m that animal,” he mentioned. “Tune in on September 30. It’s gonna be good, consider me. I by no means overlook any fighter. I do know what he’s gonna carry and I’m prepared.

“I’ve been in there with all forms of fighters. He hasn’t skilled this type of stage of battle. You will notice and you’ll study. I would like historical past for my profession. I wish to obtain lots of issues. That is one other one in every of them, and I can’t wait.

“Folks will all the time have one thing damaging to say. I’ve to show that I’m nonetheless on prime.”

In the meantime, Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) believes that is his time.

The 154-pound champion has overwhelmed everybody he has confronted – together with knockouts of Tony Harrison and Brian Castano in rematches following a loss and draw – to change into one of many prime fighters on the planet.

Nonetheless, he’s transferring up two weight lessons to face a future Corridor of Famer who remains to be solely 33, which is also Charlo’s age. That is new to him.

Nonetheless, he’s assured. He predicted that followers will see a second battle with Alvarez, who he prompt will train a rematch clause within the contract after the underdog has his hand raised in victory.

“You’re gonna see us again once more for a rematch, as a result of that is my second,” he mentioned. “I’m a warrior. I did what I needed to do, and now we’re at this second. I don’t suppose Canelo has confronted a fighter of my caliber.

“He’s been in there with nice fighters, however there’s one thing I carry to the desk that’s loads totally different than anybody he’s seen. … What I’ve been by in life, lots of people can’t evaluate to that. I should be in my place and now I get to show my worthiness.

“I’m coming to win this battle, it doesn’t matter what he says. We will see Saturday. … Making historical past means all the things to me. That’s what it’s all about.”