Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
‘Canelo’ ready to end ‘Rocky’ dream on September 15
Oscar De La Hoya described Josesito Lopez’s victory over
Victor Ortiz as the young fighters ‘Rocky’ moment and WBC 154lb title
holder Saul Alvarez will be out to avoid a case of ‘Rocky II’ on September 15
at the MGM Grand.
The Mexican superstar has come of age now at 22, but with
41-fights already behind him, is a seasoned campaigner despite his tender
years and participates in his sixth world title bout against the surprise opponent.
‘Canelo’ was visibly shocked when sitting ringside for Ortiz v Lopez last month as the fight was stopped in the ninth round and won’t be taking the challenger lightly, even though he could only scale 144lbs for a welterweight contest.
‘Canelo’ was visibly shocked when sitting ringside for Ortiz v Lopez last month as the fight was stopped in the ninth round and won’t be taking the challenger lightly, even though he could only scale 144lbs for a welterweight contest.
“I think everyone watching was surprised that Lopez was that
good.” Alvarez told World Boxing News.
“Ortiz hit him with lots of hard punches and he just kept
coming. It was a great fight to watch
and just the kind of fights I like my fans to see.”
Eyebrows were raised when Lopez was chosen as Alvarez’s
fifth defence of the green belt, even though the Californian defeated scheduled
opponent Ortiz and the champion admitted that he wasn’t sure what the Lopez win meant for his
fall bout at the time.
“I really didn't know,” said Alvarez. “We had already agreed
to fight Ortiz but it was obvious that Lopez would be in the mix. He earned the shot at my title that night.
“(Lopez making 144lbs is) Not a big deal. He was taller than Ortiz and a little taller
than me. He is a worthy challenger at any
weight and my job is to beat him no matter what.”
Saul Alvarez v Josesito Lopez is live on Showtime on September 15