Canelo vs Saunders Official Interactive Digital Programme

A WELCOME FROM

EDDIE HEARN

T

his is a big one – this is just massive. Tonight is one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved in and I am so thrilled that we are setting a new record for the biggest indoor crowd in American boxing history.

We will have 70,000 people here tonight - I am absolutely buzzing for this, I think this could be the best atmosphere we’ve ever seen.

The numbers for this fight are tracking great, and I think that this is just great for everyone - the biggest live event since the pandemic struck, and boxing has done that. It just shows that when you get it right, we have a

monstrous sport on our hands.

Boxing is being showcased tonight.

We can be as proud as peacocks on the night as everyone around the world will be watching, they will see the atmosphere and say ‘wow, this is boxing!’

People have to tune in to watch this atmosphere and product and say, ‘this is the place to be’. And everyone watching will be in awe of it - the event, the fight, the ring walks, everything.

I’m excited for Billy Joe to be able to go out there and show what he’s said he’s always been able to do, and I am excited for Saul because the atmosphere for him is going to be incredible - so may the best man win. ■

Programme Editor: Anthony Leaver Fighter Interviews: Daniel Barnard & Jamie Ward Cover: Adam Insam Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Photographs: Ed Mulholland Master of Ceremonies: David Diamate

3

VIVA

MEXICO

C

anelo Alvarez takes center stage on Cinco de Mayo weekend once again, and after a tense fight week in Arlington, TX, he’s ready to punish Billy Joe Saunders in style in front of a record crowd at AT&T Stadium.

Alvarez (55-1-2 37 KOs) was robbed of his regular May date by the pandemic in 2020, but the fans are back in their droves tonight, with 70,000 in attendance for this Super-Middleweight unification blockbuster, a new record high crowd for an indoor boxing event.

There has been plenty of edge in the build-up, with intense face-offs and arguments over the ring size seeing tensions rise between the two teams, but the Mexican star has remained calm and is focused on his main goal – adding one more belt to his collection on his way to becoming undisputed at 168lbs.

“He thinks he’ll give me a boxing lesson?,” said Alvarez. “We’ll see. I am not the same guy I was five or six years ago. I have experience, I am a more mature fighter.

So, he can say whatever he wants, tonight, he is in a different level of fight. I hope that I don’t need the judges on the night.

“I feel really thankful with the response of the people and that boxing is a sport that brings everything back to normal. I’m ready for this fight.

“He’s a great fighter, he has a lot of ability and he’s a southpaw. I’m not the same fighter I was six or seven years ago, this Saturday I will show that.

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

“I HOPE I DON’T NEED THE JUDGES TONIGHT” “I’ve been involved in a lot of big fights and this is just another day at the office. I come to win, like I said boxing is my life and I come here to win.

“We have always been open about what are short and long term plans have been. I want to unify the 168lb division, and Caleb Plant would be next in line to secure that short term goal if successful against Billy Joe Saunders “The goal is to be undisputed at 168lbs and then we’ll see. I think I could stay at Super-Middleweight until the end of my career. I think I have about seven years left until I retire, but I’m listening to my body and when it tells me to quit, I’ll quit “Nothing frustrates me, I am just focused on winning.

He has to fight me on Saturday, that has to happen, it’s not a problem.

“I don’t care about anything; I am just going to go in there and do my job. Saunders has come up with other excuses, he’s had plenty of excuses, but I am just going to go in there and do what I have to do.” ■

5

MAKE HISTORY ONE ROUND AT A TIME.

CANELO ÁLVAREZ FOUR-DIVISION BOXING WORLD CHAMPION

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Imported Cognac Hennessy®, 40%, 43% Alc./Vol. (80˚, 86˚). ©2020 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY. HENNESSY is a registered trademark.

FITTING THE

B

BILL

illy Joe Saunders says he has the boxing brain to dethrone pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in their blockbuster SuperMiddleweight unification battle.

Unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 18 KOs) puts his WBO strap on the line for the third time against the Mexican star and is aiming to add the WBC and WBA Super belts held by the Mexican sensation.

Saunders has been widely regarded as having the ring smarts to be the man to hand Canelo a first defeat in eight years and be the man to take the next step to being undisputed at 168lbs – and the 31 year old says fighting Canelo on Cinco de Mayo weekend holds no fear.

“This fight is all about the brain,” said Saunders. “Not about power, muscle or skill, it’s the brain and the game plan, and being able to execute that game plan.

“I brush opinions off because I know what goes through my head and my mind, and what I have done in my career is through the will and want to win, and the day I lose that, I won’t put a pair of gloves on again.

“I can only control what I am in control of and that myself, not what is outside the ring. It’s going to be a great fight it’s one I’ve wanted for years and it’s finally landed. There’s a lot at stake for both of us. Would I like my fans there? Yes. Would I like UK media there? Yes. If the fight was moved to the Mexican border I wouldn’t care.

“I have my own way of approaching the fight and Canelo will have too, he’s done this 60 times.

I’ll get in there as the best that I can be and that’s all I can control.

7

“THIS FIGHT IS ALL ABOUT BOXING BRAINS” “I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the away fighter before, it’s not a new position, but I’m just in with a better opponent this time.

“If I go in there and I win, I’m not going to run and say never again, I’ll fight him again, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t bother me. It’s good for boxing sometimes when the underdogs come through, and I don’t just mean me here, because it puts the sport on a higher platform to be watched.

“I’m at the top of the tree where I’ve done it all as an amateur, I’ve had 30 fights, I’m unbeaten, won every title coming through, two-weight World champion - I can sit back at night and say I’m top of the pile fighting the pound-for-pound king.” ■

8

MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

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LA

PULGA

E

dwin Soto defends his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Japan’s Katsunari as the chief-support bout to the blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders.

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time this evening having penned a deal with Eddie Hearn last month. The Mexican makes the third defense of the crown he ripped from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has seen off the challenges of Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

The 24-year-old from Baja California has unification hopes of his own in the 108-pound division, and looks to kickstart his charge to LightFlyweight dominance with a standout performance against five-time Minimumweight champion Katsunari in Texas.

“The truth is, I feel very excited,” said Soto. “This is a great opportunity that has been given to me and we need to bring that championship back to Mexico.

I’m going to be fighting in front of a lot of people and I have to do my best.

“I feel happy that the Mexican fans will be there to support me. It’s very exciting to be fighting in front of so many people. For me, it’s an honor to fight in front of so many people. I feel very happy because this is such a big card.

“We are going to give a good fight and show that the smaller fighters can do it, too. My team and I have analyzed him. He’s a fighter with a lot of

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

“MY GOAL IS TO UNIFY”

experience but we have studied him, we are ready to face him and do our job.

“Right now, the 108llbs division has a lot of great fighters. Hopefully in the future we can prove who is the best, but everyone is very good. I think I will stay at this weight, 108 pounds, for some time. I feel strong at this weight and I’m going to try to win the titles.

“My family, my mom is very happy because I’ve always been a hard worker and when I got into sports, she knew I could do something big. That would be a unification, I don’t know with who right now, but that’s my goal. To unify.

“This title defense is dedicated to my family. To my team that is behind me.

I feel happy that I was able to do something big and my family is happy. Along with my team. I’m motivated to remain a World Champion. My girlfriend, my family, my team, that’s who motivates me.” ■

11

TAKAYAMA K

atsunari Takayama attempts to become a two-weight World Champion when he takes on Mexico’s Elwin Soto for the WBO LightFlyweight World Title.

The five-time Minimumweight champion made his return to professional action in December in Osaka, Japan having left the paid ranks as a World ruler in 2017 to aim for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and now the 37-year-old is ready for a “new adventure” in the professional ranks.

“I’m so excited to be boxing in front of over 70,000 fans here in Texas!” said Takayama. “I can’t wait to get in the ring.

This is the biggest crowd I have boxed in front of in my career and to fight in front of so many fans is amazing.

“Elwin Soto is a young and high-spirited fighter; I have to pay attention to him. I have trained so hard for this fight and this opportunity to win these World Titles.

I want to fight like the great Muhammad Ali, to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. I’m here to take the belts away from him!

“The fans will love this fight and will certainly be satisfied with what they see this evening. I did everything I could at Minimumweight, so I’ve moved up to Light-Flyweight for the new challenges and bigger fights. My ambition in this division is to win a belt!

If I win this fight, I want to make a huge unification fight with Hiroto Kyoguchi, that would be huge!

“This is the start of a new adventure for me in this weight class.” ■

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

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TOO CLASS

CONWAY

K

ieron Conway believes that a win over Anthony Joshua-backed Souleymane Cissokho will push his name beyond the domestic level.

Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) fights on the biggest stage of his career just under two years since the Northampton man boxed in front of a tiny crowd in his hometown over four rounds.

Since that night, the 24-year-old has gone to a whole new level; a war with Ted Cheeseman for the British Super-Welterweight title in London in June 2019 ending in a split draw, but also a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.

‘Too Class’ was originally slated to face Cissokho on the Joshua vs. Pulev card last December, but instead locked horns with late replacement Macaulay Magowan. That frustration for Conway has been replaced by excitement now that he gets to defend the WBA Intercontinental title on the biggest platform possible.

“I’ve watched as many of his fights as I can, but you can’t take much from them as he’s fought old, overweight guys that aren’t coming to win, they are looking for a payday, a last ever payday or just got off the sofa,” said Conway.

“His last opponent was 12lbs overweight, he probably didn’t even train. Now he has a live, ready, young, fresh and motivated opponent against him for the very first time and I am going to show him what it’s like to be in the pro game.

“He’s untested. I’ve had some tough fights, 5050s, and I think I have the edge in experience.

Even though he’s had a long amateur career,

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

“I’M GOING TO PUT IT ON HIM”

it’s different to the pro game. We’ve got small gloves and a big crowd, I’m going to show him what it’s like being in a real pro fight. I think he thinks that this is another easy win against someone that looks good on paper, but that’s not the case. I’m motivated and hungry, I need this win and I will take it by any means necessary.

“I am a lot tougher than he thinks I am, and I am a lot tougher than him.

I’ve taken the punishment over the years since a youngster, he’s had it easier because he’s got a bit of talent. I’m going to put it on him.

I’ll be stronger than he expects, I’m heavy, I’m big, I’ll hit him with punches he won’t expect, and he’ll change his gameplay straight away. I’m not the light puncher he thinks I am, and when he’s hitting my arms and realizes the weight and size is different. He’ll come out sharp and fast, but he can’t do that all day with me, because I’ll make him think, pressure him, and take over.

“He’s an ex-Olympian, he’s signed with AJ and he’s being built up to be a big, big star in boxing. A win against him puts me past domestic level and into the world rankings. I won’t be looking for Ted or anyone, they can come looking for me, I’ll be at a different level.” ■

15

ALLEZ

SOULEY R

io 2016 Bronze medallist, Souleymane Cissokho says British 154lb rival Kieron Conway is ‘just a step to another level’ and will be ‘no problem’ for him when the pair collide in their rescheduled clash.

They were due to meet on the Anthony Joshua undercard in December last year before Cissokho was forced out but the Frenchman has vowed to make Northampton’s Conway pay for his words spoken on social media in the fight fallout and propel his own name into the mix within a thriving Super-Welterweight division.

“Conway is no problem, on social media he was talking bulls**t about me! We will see each other in the ring and I can’t wait for that,” said Cissokho.

“This fight was meant to happen in December but there was a lot of things going on so it didn’t happen. I have worked very hard to get here and

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

“CONWAY IS NO PROBLEM, HE’S A STEP TO ANOTHER LEVEL!” win my Olympic medal. This is a very important fight for my career, to win my first professional title.

“Having 18 months out was very long but I did a good job! I’m so excited to be back on a huge card. 70,000 fans I can’t wait to be there.

“Every opponent is dangerous.

Conway is a good fighter who is a complete boxer. I am very confident and this is just a step to another level, I hope he’s ready! It’s one thing talking on social media and fighting in the ring. As I say, I hope he’s more than ready, because I am!” ■

17

THE CUBAN

F

FLASH

rank Sanchez says winning the WBC Continental Americas Heavy Title will take him a step closer to a dream World Title shot.

Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) let his hands go for a seventh round KO win over Julian Fernandez on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s win over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December, and the big Cuban Heavyweight will be looking to repeat that feat against Nagy Aguilera (2110 14 KOs).

“I’m very happy and excited to be participating on this another Canelo Alvarez undercard,” said Sanchez. “I’m just ecstatic. I’m very happy that there’s going to be a lot of people watching my fight and I’m ready to go.

“I was very patient that everything was going to come in time against Julian Fernandez. I was very happy and excited after I got him through the ropes.

“I’ve seen a lot of footage of Nagy Aguilera and we’re prepared. I’m just ready to fight. I’ve learnt a lot from sparring with Canelo. When we would spar, he would tell me what I was doing wrong.

He would help me, and I would help him.

“We’re closer than ever to a World Title fight and I’m just anxious to get there. If you look at me closely, you’re looking at a future World Champion willing to fight anyone.

“Truth is, I’ve come to do my job. I want to show everything but I’m going to do my fight and if the knockout comes, it comes. I feel really happy with the preparation, everything come out okay and I’m happy with the work we’ve done.

“I feel ready to face them whenever that happens, whenever it is, when it happens, I’ll come out, do my job – I feel ready for anything right now.” ■

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

FRESNO’S

FINEST

A

mateur star turned 2-0 professional prospect Marc Castro fights for the third consecutive time on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez in what is his toughest test to date when he meets Irving Castillo (9-1) in Texas.

Castro has impressed all those who have watched him so far, clinically dispatching of his first two opponents inside the distance capturing the eyes of boxing fans and promoter Eddie Hearn.

The 21 year old who featured on the undercard of both Canelo vs Smith and Canelo vs Yildirim is unfazed by the big arena and promises to thrive in the 70,000 strong Cinco de Mayo party atmosphere by producing an A grade performance.

“I’m so excited to be back in another big arena”, said Castro. “I’ve had setbacks but to have boxed on three Canelo undercards is insane.

“Boxing in front of 70,000 fans is amazing and I’m just so thankful to be here on this stage once again. Seeing Canelo everyday and showing up like he has nothing is inspiring. He made me think it’s not hard to reach what he has with hard work.

“My Dad gets me ready for the opponent. He tell me what to look out for and prepares me, I just listen to him! The first fight I would give myself a solid C the second fight a B, hopefully I can get an A this time! I’ve got to keep improving each time.

“I’ve learnt you have to have power and good defence in the pro’s or you won’t be here for long!

I want to fight the best. I hope to box four or five more times this year, 126 or 130lbs is where I’m most comfortable. My job is to work hard and expect the unexpected.

“This will be a great night for me and for Canelo when he knocks Billy Joe Saunders out!” ■

21

BROTHERS

IN ARMS

L

ightweight prospect Keyshawn Davis is out to impress again this evening when he takes on Jose Antonio Meza over six rounds in his third professional outing.

Davis (2-0 2 KOs) made his pro debut at the Hard Rock Stadium on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildrim bill in February, knocking out Lester Brown in two rounds.

The Virginia starlet followed that win by forcing Richman Ashelley to retire after four rounds of their battle in Dubai last month.

Davis shares tonight’s bill his brother Kelvin, and the 22-year-old former amateur standout says the both of them will make major statements in Texas.

“This is my third fight, and everything feels like it is falling into place for me,” said Davis. “So far it has been great, I don’t have any complaints!

“Fighting on a huge stage like that at the Miami Dolphins Stadium for my debut was amazing. I was excited and savoured every moment of it.

“I’m glad I’m back here, with DAZN, it makes me feel like I’m at home for some reason. I appreciate the love they’ve been showing me and my brother – life is great right now.

“I feel like my major statement is coming tonight. I want to show my ability in the ring, I want to show that I’m progressing each fight. I’m pretty sure I’m going to show that tonight.

“I want to start looking like a real professional fighter in there only going six rounds. I want to show these top guys right now that Keyshawn Davis is here, he’s coming and he’s on your heels.

“Kelvin’s a great fighter, he’s 1-0 fighting a fighter who’s 8-2. I feel like that speaks a lot about him, I feel like Kelvin is going to shock a lot of people.

“He’s six foot, 140lbs, southpaw, lengthy, power, strength, he really has everything I have except from the big opportunities that I had. Now he’s got one tonight, and I feel like he’s going to show everything he can come to the table with.” ■

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MAY 08 2021

CANELO VS SAUNDERS

S

uper-Lightweight starlet Kelvin Davis will be aiming to kick off tonight’s blockbuster bill with a knockout when he takes on Jan Maslaek in a scheduled four-round contest.

Davis made a dream start to life in the paid ranks, taking out Michael Honesto in two rounds in Los Angeles last December, and the 24-year-old says fans can expect to see more fireworks from him against Maslaek, live on Matchroom’s Before the Bell “This is a really big for me,” said Davis. “I’ve been fighting all my life for an opportunity like this, so I’m really blessed for the opportunity. This is my time to showcase my talent and what I can really do.

“We competed in any sport we played before we got into boxing. When we got into boxing and

“EXPECT TO SEE A LOT OF FIREWORKS” fighting, we pushed each other, competed at home, just got each other better – mentally stronger and physically stronger to be able to fight on a stage like this.

“I’m feeling good and I’m ready to go. There’s going to be a lot of fans in there so I’m ready to put on a show and perform to the best of my ability.

“There weren’t any fans allowed to attend my pro debut, so to now be fighting on a Canelo undercard in front of 70,000 fans, it’s a big opportunity for me to display my skillset and show the world that I’m a fighter and I’m here to stay.

“I’m excited. When the time comes, I’ll be a little nervous, but I like the rush before you get into the ring. Once you’re in that ring you just lock in. I don’t hear anything. I just hear the instructions from my corner and see my opponent in front of me – full focus.

“I want to give a great performance; I’m going for the knockout! I’m going to be 2-0 with 2 knockouts.

Expect to see a lot of fireworks.” ■

23

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NINOTE

M

exico’s Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran fights for the second time on a Canelo Alvarez undercard in a matter of months having impressively dispatched of the durable Angel Hernandez at the Alamodome in San Antonio last time out.

Ninote took out his countryman in three rounds on the blockbuster Canelo vs.

Smith undercard in December last year and despite taking a step up in class from that night this evening, is eager to leave his mark in equally as emphatic fashion.

Boxing for only the second time outside of his native country, the 27-year-old carries concussive knockout power, with 17 of his 19 victories coming inside the scheduled distances. Inspired by the recent victories of Mauricio Lara and Jovanni Straffon, Duran is in the sport to reach the pinnacle and become Mexico’s next World Champion.

“Truth is, it’s a great opportunity and I want to thank you for allowing me to be on this card”, said Duran. “I’m going to give it my all on Saturday, show all the preparation that’s gone in and hopefully have a good result.

“The plan for me is to do as much as I can in boxing and if there’s something more than being the champion of the world, we’re going to work towards achieving that as well.” ■

25

12 X 3 MINS WBC, WBA SUPER, WBO AND RING MAGAZINE WORLD SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT UNIFICATION

CANELO BILLY JOE vs ALVAREZ

SAUNDERS

(GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

(HATFIELD, UK)

12 X 3 MINS WBO WORLD LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT TITLE

ELWIN SOTO

vs

(BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO)

KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA (OSAKA, JAPAN)

10 X 3 MINS WBA INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT TITLE

KIERON CONWAY

vs

(NORTHAMPTON, UK)

SOULEYMANE CISSOKHO (BAGNOLET, FRANCE)

10 X 3 MINS HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

FRANK SANCHEZ

vs

(GUANTANAMO, CUBA)

NAGY AGUILERA (HOUSTON, TX)

6 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

MARC CASTRO

vs

(FRESNO, CA)

IRVING MACIAS CASTILLO (MONTERREY, MEXICO)

6 X 3 MINS LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

KEYSHAWN DAVIS

vs

(NORFOLK, VA)

JOSE ANTONIO MEZA (GOMEZ PALACIO, MEXICO)

8 X 3 MINS WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST

CHRISTIAN ALAN XAVIER vs WILSON GOMEZ DURAN (GUADALAJARA, MEXICO)

(SAN ANTONIO, TX)

4 X 3 MINS SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

KELVIN DAVIS

vs

(NORFOLK, VA)

JAN MARSALEK (PARDUBICE, CZECH REPUBLIC)

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