Boxing
Sergey Kovalev recalls Canelo Alvarez fight: 'Once I stepped in the ring, I was empty'
Check for Canelo vs. Bivol on DAZN in your country
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez continues to push boxing's boundaries when he steps up in weight to face Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light-heavyweight title on Saturday live on DAZN (except Mexico and Latin America).Â
However, this will not be the first time the Mexican has boxed at 175lbs. On November 2, 2019, Canelo faced WBO light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev in Las Vegas.Â
On that night it was Canelo who came out on top with a stoppage in round 11, and after Kovalev looked in good shape before the latter stages, criticims were then launched towards the former champion who some thought had 'thrown' the fight.Â
Speaking to The DAZN Boxing Show, Kovalev believes these jibes were down to the bets fans had placed on the fight.Â
"A lot of people wanted money through betting," Kovalev said.
"I said ‘who put the money on my victory, it’s a big risk’ because I was very uncomfortable with the terms before the fight."
Kovalev also revealed that his preparations during fight night were not ideal.
His fight with Canelo was delayed for an hour as fans awaited the end of a UFC event taking place on the same night and for Kovalev, this delay had a major effect psychologically.Â
"We had put the gloves on and waited an hour in the dressing room.
"It burnt all the energy in my mind and once I stepped in the ring, I was empty."
