Canelo Alvarez Explains Return To 168 Pounds, Likes To Feel ‘Challenged’

Canelo Alvarez is no stranger to taking the big fights and this weekend will be no different.

Alvarez returns to 168 pounds to challenge WBA super-middleweight champion Callum Smith on Saturday night with the WBC title on the line as well. Smith is regarded by many as the best 168-pounder in the world and is notably seven inches taller than Alvarez as well.

But despite that, the four-division champion opted to face him as opposed to returning to middleweight as he simply enjoys the thrill of being challenged competitively.

“I like to be under pressure,” Alvarez said on DAZN’s 40 Days. “I like to know there’s a challenge waiting for me, motivating me.

“Well, they’re tough fighters and I like challenges. That’s why I wanted to be in those fights. That’s what I like. Feeling challenged. Doing things that make me exert myself in training. And keep the mentality of making history. That’s what I like, and that’s why I keep taking the big challenges.”

Alvarez is regarded by some section of boxing fans and media as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. However, he does have his fair share of detractors as well.

Not that the Mexican minds, though, as his self-belief remains strong.

“I always believed I was the best in the world, ever since the beginning,” he added. “You have to believe it to become it. You know, thank God, I have a strong mindset, and I know how to handle all this. 

“There will always be someone with a different opinion who won’t like how you fight, or how you do things. It happens to every athlete, to everyone who is high up in any field.  As they say, you should worry when nobody’s talking about you.”

Winning another title against a top fighter in Smith will only further solidify Alvarez as the sport’s best fighter.

Do you think Alvarez is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport?