Mariachis, cake, balloons, streamers and screaming fans were all on deck to greet Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs),former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, at his San Diego media workout today at House of Boxing Gym ahead of his Nov. 21 middleweight world championship showdown against WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs).
Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, surprised Canelo at the workout with a special presentation to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mexican superstar fighter’s first professional fight, a fourth-round technical knockout that took place Oct. 29, 2005 in his hometown of Jalisco, Mexico.
Below is what Canelo, Oscar De La Hoya and his team had to say:
CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:
“We are very prepared for this fight. It has been a great training camp we have been working on technique to make sure we are not surprised on fight night.
“I have had great sparring partners for this fight, focusing on Cotto’s style of fighting. We also know he is a southpaw and that has been something we always work on.
“I am not afraid of any fighter, but right now I am focused on Cotto. Once this fight is over we can move on to the next big fight.
“Every fight at this level has been difficult and the best that we can do is, be prepared. You can’t predict the outcome of a fight, but we make sure to leave not doubts in the ring.
“I want to fight the big fights and am not afraid to take risks. I believe my fighting style and opponents over the years have shown that. I am here to prove I am the best and the best way to do that is fighting the best.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:
“Canelo Álvarez is ready for November 21. I’ve visited his training camp many times and he is looking great, very strong, very powerful.
“Canelo has been fighting for 10 years now, but he’s still only 25-years-old. I think the best is yet to come with him. He has grown as a fighter every year, learning from victories and his losses. Legacy is important to him, and when all is said and done, I know he will be remembered as one of the best in the sport.
“November 21 will be a war in the ring. There will be fireworks, and Cotto vs. Canelo will be remembered as another great fight in the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”
CHEPO REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:
“I have great respect for Freddie personally, but it is a different kind of respect when you’re in the ring. I am sure Cotto has preparing for this fight, but Canelo has the power, speed and youth to be the best fighter on Nov. 21.
“I have seen Canelo grow as a fighter his whole career and I believe he is ready to become the future of boxing and beating Cotto will prove it.
“Every fighter has learned from their experiences and Canelo and continues to progress as a fighter. He is only getting better and is a different, stronger, fighter compared to few years ago.
“Every day we are pushing Canelo and he does everything without question. He is a dedicated and hungry fighter who takes his career seriously. On Nov. 21 we will raise our arm in victory for Mexico.”
EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:
“Canelo is a serious fighter who doesn’t take any opponent lightly. He is always ready and willing to fight the best fighters in the sport.
“This is one of the biggest fights in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. And we will prove on Nov. 21 that Mexico is the best.”
