Canelo Alvarez has received the backing of former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter in his efforts to avenge his loss against Dmitry Bivol.
Alvarez suffered his first defeat in over eight years when he was outpointed by light-heavyweight champion Bivol in May. The undisputed super-middleweight champion was outclassed by Bivol in his mission to move up in weight and capture another belt at 175lb. Alvarez will move back down to 168lb for his next fight as he meets bitter rival Gennady Golovkin in a trilogy fight on September 17.
Porter, who retired from boxing after being stopped by Terence Crawford last July, told Fight Hub TV of Alvarez's rematch with Bivol: “He can win the rematch. I just feel [Canelo] was a one-trick pony in the first fight. There was no plan-A, plan-B or plan-C. There was nothing more than just that seek & destroy mentality that he’s been able to fight with for an extended period of time.
“I think that fight gave him the experience for him to understand that’s not how you beat Bivol. I think Canelo has got enough experience and is smart enough to figure it out. I think the up and down with the weight was too much for Canelo. If Canelo is going to fight at 175, he needs to give his body time to adapt to being at 175 pounds."
Bivol is expected to defend his WBA title in October against undefeated Brit Joshua Buatsi, but the Russian could also face mandatory challenger Gilberto Ramirez. Alvarez is hoping to put his rivalry with Golovkin to rest four years after their rematch and move back up to light-heavyweight to try and avenge his loss against Bivol.
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Alvarez admitted that he couldn't train like he usually does for the fight, but refused to make excuses for his defeat The Mexican also refuted claims that frequently playing golf throughout his preparations was a reason for his shock loss.
"I don’t want to say anything and make any excuses," Alvarez said. "I lost and that’s it. I got tired and that’s it.
"I couldn’t train like usually, but it is what it is. “I lost, but I’m going to get my chance again. I’m not eating a vegan diet or anything like that. It’s other things. It’s not that I [overtrained], it’s other things. I don’t want to say anything. I don’t want any excuses. I want to fight in his division."
