For the second time in his career, Canelo Alvarez will be looking to win another title in the light heavyweight division. On May 7, Canelo will face Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light heavyweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Even though Bivol is an underdog, Canelo thinks this fight is as big as it gets.
Speaking to the media before his fight, Canelo discussed fighting again at light heavyweight. In 2019, Canelo moved up from middleweight to light heavyweight to take on Sergey Kovalev. Against the taller and older Kovalev, Canelo beat him via eleventh-round knockout. He now faces another 31-year-old fighter at Bivol. Canelo thinks Bivol will be harder to beat.
“The difference? The fighter,” Canelo said comparing Kovalev to Bivol. “The fighter (Bivol) brings more challenges for me. With Kovalev, I feel different. He’s heavier, stronger. more difficult. He is strong, young and a very good fighter.”
PLUS: Join DAZN to watch Canelo vs. bivol
Bivol, a six-time gold medalist, won the 2013 World Combat Games in Saint Petersburg. The Russian made his pro debut in 2014. Bivol beat Felix Valera in 2016 to win the interim WBA light heavyweight title. After being promoted to Regular champion in 2017, he has defended the belt five times, three as Super champion. His last fight was a victory over Umar Salamov in December.
If Canelo were to beat Bivol, he would have a date with destiny against Gennadiy Golovkin. The two are expected to compete in a trilogy in September. However, there are other options for Canelo. Already an undisputed champion at super middleweight, he may have a desire to fight for all the gold at light heavyweight.
A showdown between Artur Beterviev and Joe Smith Jr. for the WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight titles will take place on June 18. Canelo wouldn’t mind fighting any of them. Discussing why he chose Bivol over the other two, Canelo praised the WBA champion.
MORE: Canelo Alvarez vs. Odds Dmitry Bivol, Betting Trends, Predictions, Expert Picks For Light Heavyweight Title Fight
“To me, he is (Bivol) the best in the division,” Canelo said. “Beterbiev is a strong fighter… he always goes forward. Strong. Bivol is a really good fighter. He has a good jab, he’s strong, he goes in and out. He has it all.
Bivol understands who Canelo is as a fighter and is more than ready for the challenge.
“He has good skills. He has good defense, good speed, good power and I have to beat him.”
Dmitry Bivol knows very well who his opponent is 💯#CaneloBivol pic.twitter.com/mjPngkg2S3
– Sports news fights (@sn_fights) May 5, 2022
When is Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol?
- Date: Saturday, May 7
- Principal card: 10 p.m. Eastern Time
- Main event: Midnight ET (approx.)
Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol will take place on Saturday, May 7. The main event is expected to kick off around midnight ET, depending on how long the fights on the undercard are.
How to watch Canelo Álvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol
The The main card of Canelo vs. Bivol will air on DAZNwhich will show the fight through a special pay-per-view format.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol PPV Price: How much does the card cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 in the US, $20 in Canada, £7.99 in the UK
- DAZN Annual Subscription: $99.99 in the US, $150 in Canada
Because it is a pay-per-view event, the fight will cost $59.99 for current subscribers and $79.99 for new subscribers.
Customers in the UK can sign up for DAZN for £7.99 per month.
Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol undercard
- Dmitry Bivol (c) vs. Canelo Alvarez for the WBA light heavyweight title
- TBA vs. Zhang Zhilei; heavy weights
- Montana Love vs. Gabriel Valenzuela; light welterweights
- Shakhram Giyasov vs. Christian Gomez for the IBF North American welterweight title
- Alexis Espino against Aarón Silva; middleweights
- Joselito Velázquez faces José Soto; flyweights
- Marc Castro against Pedro Vicente Scharbaai; lightweights
- Elnur Abduraimov faces Manuel Correa; super featherweights
- Fernando Angel Molina vs. Ricardo Valdovinos; super light
Reference-www.sportingnews.com