For Alvarez, the three-time 175-pound champion presents a different type of challenge that he's never experienced before in his storied career because Kovalev will have a sizeable weight advantage and expected to be the more powerful puncher. Despite those disadvantages, Alvarez wanted to take on Kovalev. The 29-year-old has been adamant that he wants the toughest tests and biggest names in boxing, regardless of the division they fight in. 

But win, lose or draw against Kovalev, Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) will leave the ring the unified middleweight champion and the reigning WBA (regular) super middleweight champion. That notion is the reason the Russian feels Alvarez can put it all on the line with no repercussions.

"I respect Canelo because he goes right now up two divisions, and this is a huge goal for him and also for myself," Kovalev said on Tuesday media conference call. "Canelo wants to try get (the) title in light heavyweight division, and if he will not get the title nobody will say, 'Eh you lose.' He has nothing to lose. He is just trying."

For Kovalev, it is up to him to turn back the challenge of the biggest name in boxing. Although he is a betting underdog, the Russian believes that it is his throne to defend and he has far more to lose than Canelo on November 2.

"I should defend my title," Kovalev said. "I will defend my title. If I lose, I lose more than Canelo loses. Canelo, he is trying to make his history. But I'm here. I'm in my position."