SAUL ALVAREZ used Wednesday’s final press conference to make the surprising admission that his primary motivation against Jermell Charlo will be the opportunity to prove the smaller twin wrong about his own skills.
Undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo faces the world’s No.1 light-middleweight Charlo at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on Saturday night and the Mexican is a clear favourite.
But as the pair faced the media for the final time ahead of the clash, Canelo revealed a chip on his shoulder about how Charlo has never really rated him.
“Jermell is right when he says I have nothing to prove anymore,” the 33-year-old said. “But actually this time I have something to prove to him because he never believed in my skills.
“He always called me out and never believed in me. Now I have the chance to show him my skills and that motivates me. I always train 100 per cent but in this fight it has been more because I have this motivation, he never believed in my skills, always calling me out. I’m ready to show him in a couple of days.
“Things are different for people when they fight me. It’s hard to say what he will find out about me but he is going to feel it. It’s hard to explain but it’s something different and he is going to realise it’s something different. He’s never been in with a fighter like me.
“You haven’t experienced this level of fight,” he said turning his gaze to Charlo. “You will learn and you will see.”
Charlo, behind sunglasses and wearing a tracksuit adorned with pictures of all the various sanctioning body titles he has won, replied: “That’s just what it is. I’m coming to win this fight, no matter what I say [about him]. You believe in your skills or not. There’s a lot of people who don’t believe in you. If that’s his motivation, to prove to me about his skills, then so be it. But I’m coming to win.
“I appreciate him taking me, the little brother, the little Charlo. But little Charlo come to win. Don’t overlook my power, my experience and my skills.
“That’s what I’m here for and what I’m made for. I’m a warrior. I feel like Canelo has never seen a fighter of my calibre. He’s been in a fight with great fighters but there’s something I bring to the table that is a lot different.
“I’m ready for whatever, I’m a motherfucking lion.”
At this Canelo, who spoke entirely in English during the press conference, flashed a smile.
“Hmm,” He pondered aloud. “OK. I don’t know what animal I need to say I am to beat a lion. But whatever, just tune in to the fight.”