WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (54-1-2 36 KOs) will defend his titles this Saturday night against Avni Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) of Turkey at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida live worldwide on DAZN.
Canelo returns to the Sunshine State as he defeated Raul Pinzon back in 2008 in Miami. Since then Canelo has become one of boxing's biggest names becoming a four division world champion and is coming off an impressive decision over Callum Smith in his last fight. H
“I feel very motivated to be in Miami and have this fight,” said Canelo. “And to put on a great show for the people there because I don’t just represent Mexico, I represent all Latinos.
“I like everything about Miami and I am very happy to be here, it is an honor to fight at Hard Rock Stadium. I feel very excited, very happy, it’s even more motivation for me. To open another door in order to have another home for my fights. I really feel very happy.
“They only let us put 15,000 people in because of the pandemic, but with that we are fine. Last time in San Antonio it was around 12,000 and the stadium sounded like it was full. Let's hope that normalcy will arrive soon, and the stadium can be filled, but with 15,000 I feel very good, and if there were 1,000 it would be the same, the support of the people is incredible, and I feel very grateful.
“You do feel the vibe of the fans when they are yelling and that motivates you much more, but you have to get into your head that in the end you are the only one up in the ring. I always prepare 100 per cent.”
Also on the card Julio Cesar Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) defends his WBC World Flyweight title against mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) in the co-feature bout. Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) faces Jerry Forrest (26-4 20 KOs).
A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card in the form of Diego Pacheco. (10-0 8 KOs), Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs), Marc Castro (1-0 1 KO) and Aaron Aponte (1-0 1 KO)