By James Blears

WBC Super Welterweight Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is aiming to surpass the achievements of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

At a press conference in the WBC’s offices, accompanied by his team, Canelo stunned the Mexico media with his audacity.

He told the assembled faithful: “I started younger than Chavez, I’ve achieved more things at my age and I’ve got a better grasp of boxing. He had great combinations, but I know more about boxing. I want to be better than Julio Cesar Chavez!”

Canelo who described himself as a clean living boxer, laughed when one reporter asked which Chavez he was talking about. He did concede that his longevity in boxing would obviously depend on his body, which he said would tell him when enough is enough. He also said time would be needed to achieve a multitude of aims. And: “It’s very important for me to enjoy what I’m doing.”

Canelo’s ambition is laudable but he’s set himself a formidable challenge. Chavez Sr. fought 116 times - achieving 107 wins, 89 KO’s, two draws and six losses - and he was a six time world champion in three weight divisions. He’d gone 90 fights undefeated in thirteen years, when he lost to Frankie Randall. He still holds the record for the most title fights with 37, of which 31 were KO’s. He also holds the world record for the most consecutive defenses of world titles with 27. 

Canelo’s next fight date is May 4th. He said he hopes to know his next opponent by the early part of this coming month. He said he wants Golden Boy to get him a fight with either Floyd Mayweather Jr or Miguel Cotto. 

He described Mayweather as the best pound for pound boxer in the world and when asked if Floyd is better than Manny Pacquiao he replied: “Clearly yes.” He described Cotto as being stronger than Mayweather, but Floyd as being the best at everything.

Canelo said in fighting Floyd youth is on his side, although Floyd is an exceptional and perpetual trainer who’s looked after his condition very well, plus he's very experienced.

He said: “It’s the greatest challenge, and will be the fight of my life!”

One reporter, who asked Canelo if he ever contemplated defeat against Floyd Mayweather, received a curt, withering and succinct reply: “We don’t think of losing to Mayweather. We work and prepare to win!"