Alvarez headlines first boxing card at Dolphins home stadium

With a growing reputation as boxing’s most popular fighter, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is preparing to showcase his skills at home of Miami Dolphins.

Mexican fighter will defend his super middleweight championship against Turkey’s Avni Yildirim at Hard Rock Stadium. It's first boxing event at 34-year-old venue.

Floyd Maywear Jr.’s retirement and Manny Pacquiao’s 18-month inactivity helped Alvarez become one of boxing's top names. His ability to draw crowds to football stadiums demonstrates his appeal.

“It is an hor for me fighting in such an important stadium,” Alvarez said in Spanish while visiting venue on Monday. “Without question, it is great motivation.”

Without COVID-19 crowd restrictions, Alvarez would have likely attracted more than 20% limit allowed at 65,000-seat venue for Saturday’s bout. His fight against Liam Smith in 2016 drew 51,000 to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“Our last fight, 12,000 were allowed and it sounded as if stadium was full,” Alvarez said of his win over Callum Smith at Alamodome in San Antonio Dec. 19. “Hopefully, we can soon return to rmal times and fill out a stadium like this one. But wher it’s 15,000 fans or 100,000, I feel as if it will be at capacity. support from people is incredible and I am very appreciative.”

Alvarez previously fought in Miami area as a teenr 12 years ago. 30-year-old returns with two sanctioning body belts and a resume that includes title reigns in super welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight classes.

“I’m truly very fortunate of being again here and opening a new boxing venue,” Alvarez said. “Most of preparation is already done. This week is mainly about maintaining weight, light workouts and going over what we did in gym.”

While he covets becoming undisputed super middleweight titleholder, Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) said he's t overlooking Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs), who is fighting for first time in two years.

“Every fighter that comes to fight me brings additional incentive,” Alvarez said. “Yildirim is a strong fighter, always pressing and ready for battle.

“Obviously, we all kw I have better boxing skills but one never kws. One punch can change and ruin everything. But we are ready.”

Alvarez vacated light-heavyweight belt he won against Sergey Kovalev. His bout with Smith ended a 13-month absence and earned him World Boxing Association super middleweight belt. Mexico-based World Boxing Council also recognizes Alvarez as titleholder.

Im credits: AP