Canelo Alvarez has shown off a new bulky physique as he prepares to return to 175lbs to face Dmitry Bivol next month.
The Mexican star is training for his first fight since recording a historic victory over Caleb Plant last September to become the first ever undisputed champion at 168lbs. He will now make a switch back to light-heavyweight to face world champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7.
Alvarez last fought at 175lbs when he defeated Russian star Sergey Kovalev in November 2019 to become WBO champion. He is now eyeing another belt to add to his growing collection before a potential high-profile trilogy bout with Gennady Golovkin later this year.
Despite the prospect of a bumper encounter if he is able to progress beyond his upcoming test, Alvarez has admitted he is excited at returning to 175lbs and is focused on the current task at hand. “I like the idea of going back to 175, facing the second-best fighter in that division," Alvarez told reporters.
"He’s a champion. For me, it’s the beginning of making history. He’s a good champion too. That’s why I picked him, he’s a good fighter. He has something to offer. He’s bigger than me and he’s a good fighter. I like that. He’s a better fighter than these guys."
Alvarez was initially exploring the opportunity of making an even bigger weight jump by fighting in a cruiserweight bow against WBC champion Ilunga Makabu. The organisation sanctioned the bout to take place and the pair faced-off during an annual convention in Mexico and Makabu remains a possible opponent for Alvarez's third and final fight of 2022 in December.
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His current promoter Eddie Hearn has previously suggested that the 31-year-old would back himself to make a heavyweight switch and fight the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury despite being highly unlikely. The Mexican star has also been challenged to a crossover bout by UFC's pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman.
Hearn has revealed he is open to discuss the possibility of a bout, but believes it is unlikely the Nigerian can score any kind of victory. "He's under contract with UFC, but if Dana White wants to do it, we'd love to discuss it," Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show.
"I don't see how Usman would have any shot at all against Canelo Alvarez, but therefore why not. The thing I say about Canelo is, even when you mention Jake Paul to him, he doesn't belittle these fights. Never say never."
