Canelo vs Bivol - Official Interactive Digital Programme by Hashtag Digital Media

MAKE HISTORY ONE ROUND AT A TIME.

UNDISPUTED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

A WELCOME FROM

EDDIE HEARN

ood evening everyone and welcome to T-Mobile Arena here in Las Vegas where pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez continues to push boxing’s boundaries as he goes for his second world title at Light-Heavyweight against long-reigning WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. ‘Legacy is Earned’ is a strapline for this event and I don’t think anything could be more fitting when you talk about Canelo Alvarez. It was an absolute honor to sign a multifight deal with Canelo and his team earlier this year, the great Eddy Reynoso and of course DAZN as well – working with this man is very special. Canelo transcends boxing and is the biggest star in the sport and we look forward to promoting some historic nights in 2022 live on DAZN PPV. First up, Saul takes on yet another champion, this time in the shape of fearsome undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol. Fans can expect a thrilling all-action match up. This is a true great of modern-day boxing and when you look at the resume off the back of the two fights with ‘GGG’, fights against Daniel Jacobs for the Middleweight championship, stepping up two divisions to fight Sergey Kovalev for the WBO Light-Heavyweight championship. Within one year becomes undisputed 168-pound champion by beating all three champions in Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant. If that wasn’t enough, now he moves up again another division to fight in my opinion the best Light-Heavyweight in the world in Dmitry Bivol. Dmitry has been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time, this is not a young man who’s reached the end of his career or is past his prime, this is an outstanding champion in his absolute prime ready for the opportunity of his life against the pound-for-pound king of boxing. Montana Love and Gabriel Valenzuela meet in a mouthwatering Super-Lightweight battle for the IBF North American title. Montana is ready for big fights now and in Gabriel Valenzuela, he’s got a huge test of his ambitions at the very top level – Gabriel will lay everything on the line and will have the Mexican fans roaring him on, so Montana will need to produce his best.

Undefeated Uzbekistan star Shakhram Giyasov aims to make an impact up at Welterweight as he clashes with Mexico’s Christian Gomez for the IBF North American title. Shakhram is looking to make noise at Welterweight, but with the Mexican fans behind him, Christian is going to be a huge threat to ‘Wonder Boy’s’ plans – don’t blink watching this one, as both men carry big power and can end this one in an instant. Former amateur star Marc Castro survived a secondround knockdown last time out against Julio Madera as he was taken the distance for the first time since joining the paid ranks in December 2020. The SuperFeatherweight standout from Fresno looks to go 7-0 this evening against Puerto Rico’s Pedro Vicente. China’s unbeaten Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang was set to face Filip Hrgovic in a final eliminator for the mandatory spot for the IBF crown before the Croatian pulled out of their contest on compassionate grounds. Zhang now faces late stand in opponent Scott Alexander, and we will look to rearrange the Hrgovic fight if he comes through tonight. We kick off the night with some excellent action on our ‘Before the Bell’ segment. Mexico’s Joselito Velaquez squares off with Colombia’s Joe Soto in an exciting match up at Flyweight. Undefeated Las Vegas SuperMiddleweight prospect Alex Espino looks to bounce back from a draw last time out in December as takes on Aaron Silva in his second fight at the incredible T-Mobile Arena. Undefeated Super-Featherweights ElnurAbduraimov and Manuel Correa square off over eight rounds and Mexico’s Fernando Angel Molina opens the card in a six-round Super-Lightweight contest with Ricardo Valdovinos. ■

Programme Editor: Anthony Leaver Contributors: Daniel Barnard, Scott Hammerton, Jamie Ward, Lewis Ward Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Cover: Adam Insam Photographs: Ed Mulholland Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante

RETURN OF

THE KING

ound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez continues his quest to leave behind one of the greatest legacies boxing has ever seen when he attempts to become a two-time LightHeavyweight world champion against undefeated WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol this evening at T-Mobile Arena here in Las Vegas. Canelo (57-1-2, 39 KOs) claimed the IBF SuperMiddleweight strap last time out against a tough Caleb Plant, becoming the first boxer ever to become undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight. Prior to that, the Mexican star picked up the WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders respectively, all within a year to make history and cement his spot as the number one pound-forpound fighter in the world, a memorable period that saw the 31-year-old bag numerous fighter of the year awards including ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Ring Magazine. The Mexican hero has chosen the toughest of paths once again for his next challenge as he attempts to become the first man to beat long-reigning WBA 175lbs belt-holder Bivol. The 31-year-old (19-0, 11 KOs) has been untouchable as a pro in 19 outings in the paid ranks and Canelo will be his 10th defense of his crown. Bivol has seen off the likes of Joe Smith Jr., Jean Pascal, Sullivan Barrera and Isaac Chilemba on his path to meeting Canelo. Tonight will be Canelo’s second title tilt up at LightHeavyweight. The 30-year-old four-weight world champion stopped Sergey Kovalev in eleven rounds to claim the WBO 175lbs world title at the MGM Grand here in Las Vegas back in November 2019. A second win at Light-Heavyweight would earn Canelo an incredible 17th world title since his professional journey began at the age of 15 in 2005. 17 years on from his professional debut the redhead from Guadalajara is continuing to cement his reputation as one of the most versatile world champions ever.

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

“CHALLENGES MAKE ME FEEL ALIVE” “He is a very consolidated fighter at 175 pounds,” said Canelo. “He has already been a world champion for a long time, he is a good fighter, with a lot of amateur experience, with a lot of professional experience as well. It’s going to be a complicated fight. He is ranked number 2 in his division, but for me he is number 1. It’s a very technical fight, the smartest there is in the 175 pounds division. It’s going to be a very complicated night for me, but also for him. “I’d like to thank Dmitry Bivol for giving me the opportunity to fight for his world championship. I’m glad to be back with Eddie Hearn and working with him and with DAZN. I don’t care who I fight. I like challenges, they make me feel alive – challenges for me in everything in my life. I like a good challenge and now I have a good fighter in front of me and I’m excited for this fight and the year ahead.

“ I BELIEVE IN MY SKILLS, AND I’M VERY CONFIDENT WITH HOW STRONG I AM” “Bivol is a really tough fighter and it’s going to be a really good fight for Cinco de Mayo weekend with my people in Las Vegas – Mexican weekend. He’s a really good champion, a really good fighter. We know that. He has a lot of skills, a lot of amateur experience. He’s a solid champion at 175. But I know, and I’m ready. I believe in my skills, and I’m very confident with how strong I am. “I like this kind of challenge because I just want to make history. This kind of challenge is going to put me at the top in the history of boxing. I feel alive when I have this kind of challenge. I respect the boxing skill of Dmitry Bivol, but it’s my time. I feel in my prime, and I enjoy this kind of moment. “I beat all the champions at 168, so for now, I’m ok at that weight. I need to take other challenges for myself, not just for my history, but I need to feel that kind of challenge. To go up to 175, have the opportunity to win another title, it’s amazing for me. I fight everybody. I don’t f---ing care.” ■

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

TOTAL

FOCUS

eigning and undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol says he is relishing his underdog tag as he heads into the biggest fight of his career against Canelo Alvarez tonight at T-Mobile Arena here in Las Vegas. Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) has been flawless in the paid ranks and now bags the blockbuster showdown he’s been craving in the form of boxing’s pound-for-pound king Canelo. The 31-year-old picked up the WBA Light-Heavyweight title in 2017 and has defended it an impressive eight times already to become one of the best active LightHeavyweight fighters in the world. The Russian is undefeated in 19 fights with 11 knockouts. But heading into the ninth defense of his WBA crown in what is his most challenging opponent in his title reign, he is the decisive underdog as he battles four-weight great Canelo. Bivol’s first shot at a world title came in November 2017 when he faced Trent Broadhurst for the WBA LightHeavyweight title. A first-round knockout saw Bivol claim the title and he has held onto the belt ever since, but now this reign as champion is under threat against the world’s number one fighter. “I’m really glad that I’ve got my opportunity,” said Bivol. “I’ve asked my team for many years, I want to fight the best guys, and now I’ve got this fight. I’m focused on the fight now. I hope we’ll make a great fight for boxing fans. I believe in myself. I’ve had a long journey to this moment, and now I have to do my job. “To be honest, every time I come to the ring, I believe in my victory. If you don’t believe in what you do, you’ll never win. I believe in my victory. Why not? I’ve been in boxing since I was five years old. When I was 16, I was a two-time amateur world champion. Now, I have a belt. I have 19 fights. I’m the champion. Why not? “I want to say thank you to all my team, my promoter, World of Boxing and to DAZN, Eddie Hearn and Canelo for the opportunity to make this fight. I believe in my skills and when I come to the ring I believe in my victory. I’m looking forward headlining in Las Vegas.

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

“I WANT TO FIGHT THE BEST GUYS” “Me and my team wanted this fight and I’m glad this fight will be in the United States and one of the Mecca of boxing. This is also very exciting, and it means a lot to me. This is very important for me especially because I’m fighting one of the best if not the best in the world right now, I want people to be able to see me and my skills, this is a big fight that can give me the ability to achieve my other goals and go on if I win this fight. “It’s much better for me (being the underdog). It’s something interesting. It’s something new. I was always the favorite. But now, it’s a good challenge. I like it. I don’t think about what will be after the fight or what will be on May 8 (the day after the fight) “I just think about the fight. I’m focused only on the fight and not spending my energy thinking about what will be if I win, or if I lose what people will think. I’m only focused on the fight. We will see what will happen.” ■

TOO PRETTY ON

THE CUSP

nbeaten Super-Lightweight southpaw sensation Montana Love believes he’s on the verge of fighting for World honours. The 140lbs division is sure to undergo a shakeup in the coming months with Undisputed Champion Josh Taylor potentially vacating belts with the prospect of moving up in weight a possibility mixed in with pressing mandatory challenges. “I should be one of the top guys to get a shot at the titles for sure. I trust my team to handle that side of the game, whoever I’m matched with I’ll knock them down.“ Love’s next assignment is tough Mexican Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela best known for securing an upset over Robbie Davies Jr last February. “This is another day in the office. He’s a comeforward Mexican who can counter punch. I’m expecting an explosive night, I’ll bring that swag when I step into the ring.” Gollaz is ranked a few spaces above Love in the IBF World rankings and the vacant North American belt is on the line with the same governing body. A three round demolition across the Vegas strip at the MGM Grand back in December against Carlos Diaz proved the perfect Matchroom debut for the classy Cleveland native. “I knew I had to hit the ground running and make a statement. It was a new audience, a new promoter, a new path. There’s a lot more to come, you’ve only seen a small dose of what’s to come. We move onwards and upwards.” Eddie Hearn moved swiftly to sign the 17-0-1 rising star after an impressive display against former World Champion Ivan Baranchyk last August on one of Jake Paul’s undercards. “I’m thankful to Jake for his exposure, we still talk now but I like how Eddie and Matchroom are moving.” The seventh round stoppage over Baranchyk proved to be Love’s springboard into some megafights. After leaked sparring footage surfaced online, a future clash with Gervonta Davis remains a hot topic, one Love would relish should the opportunity arise. “I’ve been calling for that fight for years. I don’t think

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

“I’M HERE TO DO MY JOB AND IT’S 100% GOING TO GET DONE IN STYLE, I BELIEVE I’LL STOP HIM!” they will take that fight though. He’s got a good thing going on at 135lbs but I’ll be pushing Eddie for that fight for sure. Having shared the ring before, I know I’ve got what it takes. There’s unfinished business there.” First things first, Love is fully focused on the task at hand. “We’ve had a long training camp, I’m ready for whatever he wants to do, box or have a shootout. I’m going to entertain the fans once again. I’m here to do my job and it’s 100% going to get done in style, I believe I’ll stop him!” ■

GOLLAZ G

abriel Valenzuela tonight looks to become the first man to hand rising 140lb star Montana Love his first professional defeat this evening when the pair collide over 12 rounds at the T Mobile Arena for the IBF North American Super-Lightweight Title. ‘Gollaz’ is remembered by boxing fans in the UK for coming across the pond to beat former European Champion Robbie Davies Jr, a win that has inspired and transformed his life and career. Since victory in the English capital, the 27-year-old has scored back to back KO victories on two of Matchroom’s Mexican shows in partnership with Eddie Reynoso and Canelo Promotions, events which Valenzuela believes are crucial in inspiring the next generation. “First and foremost I want to thank Eddy Reynoso for this opportunity,” Said Valenzuela. “This is going to be a massive test for me but I am ready to do whatever it takes and win this belt for Mexico. “It means a great deal to me, my team, my family and everyone in Mexico to be part of this card and obviously I’m very excited and I feel one hundred percent committed to my people to win. “The win against Robbie Davies Jr completely changed my career and I now have the motivation of having Eddy Reynoso behind me. It’s really important to me because it gives me that willingness to make a go of it in this career and to go on and become a World Champion. That’s the main aim and we’re ready for whatever is put in our way. “This fight is really important for us and we hope that God willing we will get our hand raised in victory and that you’ll see a Gabriel Gollaz that’s stronger and even more prepared for 2022. Standing in Valenzuela’s way is Montana ‘Too Pretty’ love who has big goals of his own. A challenge the Mexican certainly isn’t overlooking. “We know he’s a really tough opponent he’s a strong fighter with a lot of ability. He’s very skilful and a counterpuncher but throughout the whole camp we’ve done our work based on his style and we’re coming to win. “On various occasions I’ve gone in with everything against me, predictions, whole countries, a referee, the fans and my opponent. We’ve come mentally prepared. It’s nothing new for us to go and fight in somebody’s backyard so we’re coming ready for anything. “When I win this fight it will open doors to big stages, and big fights in the future. “We’ve come prepared for anything, for a long fight, but if that knockout opportunity comes along we’ll take full advantage of it and get it done. “I’m excited to win and then watch Canelo become a two-time lightheavyweight World Champion. He’s got a lot of ability, he’s big and strong and wants to prove he can achieve big things and obviously he’ll get the win. God willing all of the Mexicans on the card will get their hands raised too.” ■

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

WONDERBOY

AT 147

ising Uzbek superstar Shakhram Giyasov steps up to test the waters at Welterweight on Saturday night in Las Vegas, taking on Mexico’s Christian Gomez in a fight that he believes will see him put the division firmly on notice. Undefeated Giyasov (12-0, 9 KOs) makes the move up after establishing himself as a serious contender in the SuperLightweight division, with a string of impressive wins highlighted by a brutal first-round KO against former World Champion Darleys Perez in August 2019. Giyasov comes up against rugged opposition in the form of Gomez (22-2-1, 20 KOs), who heads into the bout off the back of six consecutive knockout victories, and looks to present a serious test to the up-and-coming star on one of the biggest cards of the year. “Gomez is a good opponent, he’s a good fighter.” Said Giyasov. “He’s very strong, has a great punch, but I’ve been working with my trainer to perform and neutralize his strengths.” Speaking in camp ahead of May 7, Giyasov says that despite moving closer to World honors at 140lbs, his focus is now firmly on a campaign at 147lbs and is keen to make an instant impact in front of a huge global audience. “I wanted to change and challenge myself. This camp has been great not having to focus on making weight. It’s really been about showing my good sides. This is a huge opportunity for me, just in the amount of fans that are going to see this fight. My goal is to perform and show my skills to as many people as possible, that gives me more motivation. I hope they enjoy my fight and say ‘this guy will be the next world champion.” Giyasov returns to fight in the US for the first time since August 2020 following two back-to-back shows at home in Uzbekistan, and hopes to make another big impact on US boxing fans. “It’s good to go home and have a fight there. I eat the food that I’m used to, my fans are all there, a full arena to support me. But at the same time, I feel good about fighting in America because my goal is to get to the top, I know this is the place to be for boxing. There are a lot of fans here that enjoy good boxing.” Under the watchful eye of coach Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, Giyasov trains alongside Dmitry Bivol and fellow Uzbek stars Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Israil Madrimov and Elnur Abduraimov, the latter featuring on Saturday night’s Before the Bell portion of the Canelo vs Bivol undercard. “It’s a great atmosphere in Indio.” Said Giyasov. “I enjoy the gym because it’s all about the work here. There are no distractions, nothing to take me away from my goal. We all have a great relationship here, we’re like family all on the same team. We all trade traditions, I lean a bit of Spanish, I learn some of their cultural traditions. They’re always feeding me

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

“AS A BOXER I’M JUST WORKING HARD AND I’M READY TO FIGHT ANYBODY” Mexican food - maybe that’s why I have to come up a weight class now!” Sharing the same roof as one half of Saturday night’s main event has given Giyasov extra motivation in camp, who says he believes only in Dmitry Bivol’s victory over P4P king Canelo Alvarez. “I was happy and excited to find out that the fight was made. I believe this is a big opportunity for both fighters, and it will be a very good, competitive fight. Of course I believe in Bivol and that he wins. I know how hard he works, and I believe his skills can get him the win.” Keen to join the likes of teammates Bivol and Akhmadaliev in holding a World title of his own, Giyasov believes a statement win on Saturday night will catapult him into contention for a shot at a strap, and that he is ready to take on all comers at 147lbs. “I know it will take some time and hard work, but I know I’m close to getting that shot, an opportunity to fight for a world title and be a champion. As a boxer I’m just working hard and I’m ready to fight anybody. It’s up to my manager and my promoters. I want to prove to everybody that I can beat anyone in the weight class.” ■

NINOTE H

eavy-handed Welterweight contender Christian Gomez believes he can be the man to inflict a first defeat on Rio 2016 Olympian Shakhram Giyasov when they collide for the vacant IBF North American title. Uzbek star Giyasov faces a real examination of his credentials at 147lbs in the shape of the dangerous Gomez (22-2-1 20 KOs), the big-hitting Mexican that will be aiming to use Canelo’s fans to roar him to victory. The 28-year-old from Guadalajara has been hunting a breakout fight and has landed it on Cinco De Mayo weekend in no small part thanks to an eye-catching KO streak stretching back six fights to August 2019, with two of those wins coming on Canelo cards in Texas. With 29 of their 34 shared victories in the ring coming inside the distance, fans can expect a thrilling battle between the pair, and there is extra spice with both men being connected to the blockbuster main event, with Gomez part of the Clase Y Talento team masterminded by Canelo’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso, and Giyasov training alongside Bivol in California.

“YOU’RE GOING TO SEE A DIFFERENT GOMEZ IN THIS FIGHT”

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank god for allowing me to be here,” Gomez said at Thursday’s final press conference. “We’ve prepared really well for this fight; I think you’re going to see a different Gomez in this fight. We’ve prepared really well and we’re hoping to secure the victory on Saturday. “I have a tough opponent in the opposite corner, but my team and I have prepared and trained very hard for this opportunity. We’re coming with everything. It’s an honour to fight on another Canelo Alvarez undercard and I know that the crowd will all be behind me and willing me onto a victory.” ■

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

BIG BANG

LOCKED IN C

hinese Heavyweight hope Zhilei Zhang knows he can’t afford to slip up this Saturday against late replacement Scott Alexander. A shot at the IBF World Heavyweight Title is within touching distance, but a final eliminator with Filip Hrgovic will have to wait following the unfortunate passing of the Croatian’s Father. “I send my condolences to Filip, I am always sympathetic to that situation and look forward to getting that fight rescheduled but first of all I have to focus on Scott. This is the only fight that’s on my mind at the moment.” The change makes it a fourth successive American opponent for Zhang, who admits he’s going in fairly blind for the new challenge. “I don’t know hardly anything about him but I back my skills to adapt. We didn’t have much time to get a new opponent so I am thankful to be fighting. Last minute substitutes can be quite dangerous, I’ll be switched on from the opening bell. He has never been knocked out so that is a test in itself.” ‘Big Bang’ landed Olympic Silver at the 2008 Beijing Games and is determined to go one better and land a World Title in the pro ranks. “That’s still the dream. I’m just a couple of wins away from a shot now. I know I can achieve a World Title. The division is competitive but I enjoy the challenge.”

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

“I’M LOOKING TO PERFORM AS WE HAVE DONE OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND I WILL PUT ON A SHOW” One blemish on Zhang’s record was the controversial draw with Jerry Forrest on the Canelo vs Yildirim undercard back in February 2021. Despite dropping Forrest three times, Zhang faded in the later rounds. A subsequent medical issue was later flagged and deemed the reason for Zhang’s performance. The 39 year old southpaw has fully recovered as seen with the two round demolition the fight after against Craig Lewis last November. “This is an important stage of my career, I’m ready. I’ve had a great training camp, I’m looking to perform as we have done over the last few months and I will put on a show. I’m treating Scott as Filip, I will not overlook him at all.” ■

STAY

READY T

he chance to gatecrash the World rankings is the prize at stake for Scott Alexander. Following the withdrawal from Filip Hrgovic earlier in the week, the call came through to the Los Angeles Heavyweight who was more than happy to accept a fight with Zhilei Zhang on short notice. “I’m always ready to fight, it’s in my blood. I’ve been training knowing the call will eventually come and here it is.”

“I’M EXCITED FOR THIS. IT’S A MASSIVE PLATFORM AND EVENT TO GET MY NAME OUT THERE. FIREWORKS WILL FLY”

Zhang believes he can be the first man to stop Alexander but the American believes otherwise. “I’ve been dropped but I got up. I’ve never stopped, I’ve got the heart and that will show this Saturday.” The 33 year old has warned Zhang not to overlook him on Saturday night. “I don’t mind him saying he’ll show me something new but my name is Scott Alexander, he’s never fought me before. It’s new to him as well.” It’s been over a year outside of the ring for Alexander, who has four wins from his last six outings, the time away has been spent wisely. “It’s not as if I’ve not been training. We’ve put in the work, trust me. This is a winnable fight, I’ve seen weaknesses in Zhang which I’m looking to exploit.” ‘The One’ is motivated by his first professional bout in Las Vegas and is planning to soak up the atmosphere for good effect. “I’m excited for this. It’s a massive platform and event to get my name out there. Fireworks will fly.” ■

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

MAKING HIS

MARC F

resno’s Marc Castro had to climb off the canvas to secure his sixth professional victory last time out but has arrived in Las Vegas eager to show how that tough moment in the ring has helped him to mature as a fighter. The 22-year-old is featuring for the fourth time on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez and says he’s become familiar with the energy the pound-for-pound king brings but is still very humbled by the opportunities. “I’m really happy to be back in Las Vegas to display my talents on Cinco de Mayo,” said Castro. “It is a familiar feeling for me now boxing on the Canelo undercard but I’m still very grateful for the opportunity to put on a show for my fans.

“IN MY LAST FIGHT I PROVED THAT MY INSTINCTS COULD KEEP ME ALIVE”

“Canelo brings a super energy to everyone who is coming to watch him fight and even myself, on these cards I feel like I need to elevate my performance. I feel like I’m learning all the time from him, I’ve had a chance to watch him spar and he’s a hard worker whether the gym is empty or full, he performs every day.” Castro, who enjoys doing things with his own unique twist, says he ticked mental boxes in his last bout. Proving to himself that when things don’t go to plan, he can use his skillset to get himself out of trouble. “Growing up I always tried to fit in, but I realized that I shouldn’t do that I should be trying to stand out,” said Castro. “I am embracing being myself now and that’s what my parents have taught me. I don’t feel stress or pressure now because of that change in mindset, you’ve got to be like water and just flow. “In my last fight I proved that my instincts could keep me alive. I can box off the back foot, box an aggressive fighter and I know now I can go six hard rounds and get up off the canvas. “I want to show improvements in this fight by being calm and setting up my shots. I want to show that I’ve matured since my last fight.” ■

HURACAN U

ndefeated Mexican Flyweight talent Joselito Velazquez from Oaxaca is out to impress when he steps up against Colombia’s Jose Soto on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol. Velazquez has been training alongside Canelo in San Diego under the guidance of The Ring’s 2021 Trainer of the Year Eddy Reynoso – an experience the 28-year-old says has brought him on leaps and bounds as a fighter. “Training with Eddie and alongside ‘Canelo’ has been a real blessing,” said Velazquez. “I’ve learned a lot and I’m inspired. It makes a huge difference and it makes me a better fighter overall. I’ve adapted well to their training and discipline. I’ve also incorporated some of their more defensive style into my own and it’s just made me a more complete fighter.”

“I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD TITLE”

‘El Huracan’, whose record is 14 and 0 with 9 KO’s was signed to Espinoza Boxing Club after a stellar amateur career. He was a pan-am games gold medalist in 2011 and 2015. He also represented Mexico in the 2016 Olympic games. “I’ve trained hard for this,” said Velasquez. “This a very important fight which puts me on a path to become a world champion. Soto is my biggest test yet and I plan to pass with flying colors. I’m going to prove that I have what it takes to fight for a world title. “It’s a big deal of course. The whole world will be watching and I plan to make the most of it. It’s historic. Canelo is my teammate and it’s great to be a part of this. It means a lot to me. This is the most important fight of my career and I’m going to make the best of it. I hope the fans are ready for a great performance. That’s what it’s going to take to get a title shot and being a world champion is all I think about.” ■

MAY 07 2022 | CANELO VS BIVOL

DRAWING

COMFORT

lexis Espino is targeting a return to winning ways this evening after suffering the first blemish on his before perfect 9-0 record when he was held to a majority draw by Rodolfo Gomez Jr back in December. The Las Vegas native is no stranger to the big occasion having boxed on two Canelo Alvarez cards previously and is relishing another opportunity on the grand stage.

“IF I CATCH HIM WITH SOMETHING I WILL JUMP ON HIM, THAT’S ONE IMPROVEMENT YOU WILL SEE” “I’m grateful and thankful to Eddie Hearn who keeps putting me on these amazing shows,” said Espino. “It’s just another fight, despite how big the event is, that’s how I’m looking at it. “Ever since the draw I came back to the gym, and I’ve been training harder than ever. The biggest thing I learnt is to not be over-confident, I think I went into the ring last time out a little over-confident. The way I’ve responded is just by getting back in the gym and working harder. I’d rather go through the learning at this stage of my career than later down the line.” Standing opposite the 22-year-old is Mexico’s Aaron Silva (9-0, 6 KO’s) who is coming off a career best win and promises to provide a stern challenge, something that Alexis Espino is excited to overcome. “I think Aaron Silva is a good fighter and that’s why I took this fight,” said Espino. “I want to challenge myself against these guys so when I win people will say I beat someone good and looked good doing it. It was important for me to come back against a live opponent. I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure I win this fight, coming after a draw I know I need this win. “If I catch him with something I will jump on him, that’s one improvement you will see. This is going to be fireworks and a hell of a scrap!” ■

The NPD Group, Inc. / Checkout Automotive Tracking, 12 months ending December 2021

12 X 3 MINS WBA WORLD LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

CANELO vs ALVAREZ (GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

DMITRY BIVOL

(TOKMAK, KYRGYZSTAN)

12 X 3 MINS IBF NORTH AMERICAN SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MONTANA LOVE

(CLEVELAND, OHIO)

GABRIEL GOLLAZ (GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

10 X 3 MINS IBF NORTH AMERICAN WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

SHAKHRAM GIYASOV

(BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN)

CHRISTIAN GOMEZ (GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

6 X 3 MINS LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

MARC CASTRO

(FRESNO, CALIFORNIA)

PEDRO VICENTE (MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO)

10 X 3 MINS HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

ZHILEI ZHANG

(ZHOUKOU, CHINA)

SCOTT ALEXANDER (LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA)

10 X 3 MINS FLYWEIGHT CONTEST

JOSELITO VELAZQUEZ

(OAXACA, MEXICO)

JOSE SOTO (CANALETE, COLOMBIA)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

ALEXIS ESPINO

(LAS VEGAS, NEVADA)

AARON SILVA (MONTERREY, MEXICO)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CONTEST

ELNUR ABDURAIMOV

(GAZALKENT, UZBEKISTAN)

MANUEL CORREA (MIAMI, FLORIDA)

6 X 3 MINS SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

FERNANDO MOLINA

(GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

RICARDO VALDOVINOS (SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA)