Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) is looking to make fireworks when he steps in the ring with Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs), as they collide for the Russian boxer's WBO light heavyweight title.
Canelo takes the big risk in moving up in weight, as he climbs up by two entire divisions to challenge Kovalev.
The contest takes place on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Canelo has never fought beyond the super middleweight division.
Last December, he moved up to 168-pounds and blew away Rocky Fielding in three rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York City. With the win, Canelo captured the WBA's "regular" title at the weight. Callum Smith is the "super" champion.
Canelo has captured world titles at junior middleweight and middleweight - and now he faces a much bigger and stronger man, at a weight division that is foreign.
Kovalev is closer to the end of his career, but still very much viewed as a dangerous puncher.
"I’m ready. I’m ready to make history. I’m ready for this great fight with Kovalev. We are ready to win,” Canelo said.
“[I selected Kovalev] because he’s the best in his division, he’s one of the best [in the sport], that’s why we chose him, to make history by fighting one of the best. I feel comfortable [at 175-pounds], I feel good, we’ll see on Saturday how it all goes but I feel good.”
