Advertisement
Boxing
'I still want it!' - Canelo hungry for title return at M'billi launch conference
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Only on DAZN PPV - TONIGHT
Canelo Alvarez still has the hunger to be world champion again, with the star stating he feels like a teenager ahead of his return.
The Mexican launched his latest bid for the summit at a press conference on Saturday ahead of his bout with Christian M'billi.
The veteran will bid to take the WBC super-middleweight crown from his rival when they meet this September in Riyadh.
Questions have been asked over whether Canelo still has the drive to succeed after his major loss to Terence Crawford last year.
DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Watch dramatic clash here
But amid a lively back-and-forth with his opponent, the star doubled down on his belief that he can be world champion once more.
"I'm very confident," he said. "I still want it. I feel like I'm fifteen years old. I'm always confident because I know where I am.
"He's a champion, and he's a dangerous fighter. I like that kind of fight, I love it. He's a good fighter, but he's zero percent [to win]."
M'billi, meanwhile, paid respect to his opponent, but insisted his age and experience would not count for anything when they meet.
"The facts are my ability to box, and his ability," he added. "I'll keep my style, and we'll see if he can deal with it. I'm an amazing fighter.
"My goal was to be a world champion and fight Canelo, so the last six months have been incredible. I've the power and speed to win."
Canelo eyes swift return against M'billi
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Was it ever in doubt that Canelo Alvarez would get back into the ring again? Plenty did wonder if it would be the case, however, though.
Now, with a return to Riyadh booked, the Mexican superstar will hope to reclaim at least part of his fractured super-middleweight crown.
He faces a tough task. Christian M'billi is arguably one of the most live threats the star has faced in recent years, Terence Crawford aside.
But the star would not come back if he did not feel he could still operate at the peak of his powers and contest for those major belts.
It promises to be a fascinating night for him and his legacy once more. Win in the desert again, and he'll be back on top of the world.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
