Canelo Alvarez admits he ‘couldn’t train as usual’ ahead of loss to Dmitry Bivol but vows not to make excuses ahead of rematch with Gennady Golovkin
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has spoken for the first time about his loss to WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, hinting that he “couldn’t train like normal” for the fight.
The boxing superstar failed in his bid to become a two-time champion at 175 pounds with all three judges scoring the contest 115-113 after 12 rounds. Most observers, however, had Bivol winning by a wider margin.
Getty
Bivol picked up a shock win over boxing superstar Canelo
Canelo opted out of pursuing an immediate rematch with the Russian and will instead compete in a trilogy bout with Gennady Golovkin on Sept. 17 in Las Vegas.
The Mexican boxer suggested there was a problem with his training camp ahead of his fight with Bivol, but insisted he wouldn’t use that as an excuse for his first defeat since 2013.
“I lost because I lost, not for golf or anything. I was playing golf three years ago and won the undisputed award [super middleweight] championship, so that’s not the reason,” Canelo told Fight Hub.
“There is another reason, but I don’t want to say anything and apologize. I lost and that’s it. I’m tired and that’s it. I couldn’t train as usual, but that’s how it is. I lost but I will try my luck again.
The 31-year-old has revealed that when he fights Bivol again it will be at light heavyweight, ending talk of a rematch taking place at his preferred weight of 168lbs.
“It’s not eating a vegan diet or anything about it, it’s something else,” Cancelo said. It’s not that [overtraining], This is another thing. I do not want to say anything. I don’t want any excuses. I want to fight in his division,” Canelo said.
Getty Images – Getty
Canelo and Golovkin refused to break eye contact in intense confrontation ahead of their September trilogy fight
Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Buatsi could be next for Bivol
“It’s not that [overtraining], This is another thing. I do not want to say anything. I don’t want any excuses. I want to fight in his division.
In the meantime, Bivol will likely travel to the UK to face undefeated British Olympian Joshua Buatsi, who picked up a 12-round decision win over fellow countryman Craig Richards in May.
sports Gt
