By Jhonny Gonzalez
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is ready to to face the most important challenge of his career, a bout for the vacant WBC 154-pound title against Matthew Hatton (44-4-2, 16KOs) on March 5 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Alvarez (35-0, 26KOs) is planning to allow Hatton to come forward, while he plays the role of the counter-puncher.
"I am confident of my abilities and my training I'm doing and most importantly I feel confident that I will return as the champion of the world," said Alvarez. "We are going to use counter-attacks. Sometimes you get in the ring and you have to choose a plan of attack, but you can always opt for a plan B and do what best for us to win that title and also to convince the people."
During a recent televised program in Mexico, Alvarez and WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez were trading words before a live audience. Marquez was critical of the WBC's decision to give Alvarez a shot at the vacant title. He doesn't feel the young Mexican has done anything to earn the shot. Alvarez says there is no ongoing problem with Marquez. He respects him a lot, but if Marquez has a problem, then the two of them can settle things in the ring.
"I respect Juan Manuel a lot. I know he's a great fighter. If he believes that I'm not good enough to fight for the title, then I can fight him next to see if my abilities are good enough, if everything goes as planned in my next fight against Hatton," Alvarez said. "Marquez has to understand that everything boxer has their path, and I have my path."
