Canelo Alvarez found himself taken aback by Conor McGregor’s assertion that he was ready to step into the ring with him for a big crossover bout. According to Alvarez, the notion was nothing short of “crazy”. He firmly holds the belief that the possibility of this clash could only come to fruition once Alvarez bids farewell to his active combat sports career.
In a conversation with various media outlets, McGregor confidently declared that squaring off against Alvarez would be “no f***ing problem” for him. He went on to reveal that he had meticulously dissected Alvarez’s performance during his encounters with Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder.
Despite Alvarez handing both opponents significant defeats, McGregor seemed undeterred. This conviction is especially noteworthy considering McGregor’s 0-1 record as a professional boxer.
Presently, McGregor’s impending return to the octagon is eagerly anticipated. He is slated to lock horns with Michael Chandler towards the end of the year, following his stint as a coach on TUF.
But McGregor’s aspirations in boxing remain resolute, having previously faced Floyd Mayweather in a monumental 2017 crossover event that ranks as one of the most financially successful matches in history.
On the other hand, Alvarez appeared less enthusiastic when questioned about the prospect of sharing the ring with McGregor. During the New York launch press conference for his upcoming title defense against Jermell Charlo, Alvarez dismissed McGregor’s challenge.
“He’s crazy,” Alvarez told Mirror. He then went on to suggest that a bout might materialize “maybe when I retire”.
McGregor was steadfast in his belief that he poses a genuine threat to the boxing icon. McGregor stated: “I saw Ryder – I’m a southpaw, John Ryder’s a southpaw, Billy Joe Saunders is a southpaw. I’ve seen methods, I’ve seen things I do, and I know he’s waning. I’d fight Canelo no f***ing problem.”
Prior to defeating Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in 2020, McGregor told ESPN MMA that his goal is to capture a world title in the ring. He stated: “I want to box again. I will box again. I will get a boxing world title. I will box multiple times. I love boxing. I truly love boxing, and I’m damn good.”
Nevertheless, he must first beat Chandler in his octagon comeback.