We talked to Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, the Boxing Superstars Clashing in the Actual Biggest Fight of the Year
This megabout puts the Conor McGregor/Floyd Mayweather farce to shame.
Diehard fight fans across the globe have September 19 (not August 26 ) circled on their calendars. That’s when Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin will face off at T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas in what is unquestionably the biggest boxing match of 2017, and potentially the most electrifying bout in recent memory. It’s guaranteed to be way more competitive than August’s Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor mismatch.
Both men are non-stop action fighters. Both Mexican sensation Canelo (49-1-1, 34KO’s) and Kazakh knockout artist GGG (37-0, 33KO’s) are in their prime. And both are extremely dangerous. They met once before at the Summit Gym inn Big Bear, California, while both omen were training for fights. They sparred. They were cordial. Their next meeting in the ring will not be so friendly.
Maxim got some exclusive one-on-one time with each fighter during the megabout’s NYC press stop.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByP_hjII__A
Of all your fights, which is your favorite?
Can’t really say one. They’re all good. I take a little bit from each of them. The ones come to mind are last ones: Floyd Mayweather, Austin Trout, Miguel Cotto.
What is your favorite classic fight?
Not necessarily one specific fight, but fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard—I love watching his fights, and I studied him when he fought against Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns. Loves the way he fought. He could box and brawl.
If you could pick one boxer from any era, who would you want want to fight?
I love any of the best middleweights. Robert Duran, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns.
What’s the last fight you got into outside of the ring?
Ha—I can’t really remember. Maybe school. Or my brothers. They all boxed and I’m the little one. I wouldn’t win, but…
Who’s tougher: Mexicans or Kazakhs?
Both are very tough. Kazaks, Russians… all fighters from that region are very tough. Like stand toe to toe. Strong. But same with Mexicans. I like to stand there and use my boxing abilities and counterpunch. Makes for good fight. Mexican style makes for a good fight.
Who is your dream date and what would you do with her?
Ha, is this is a trap? If I had the dream of going out with one of them I’d probably be able to do it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-sudXBCIh
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve made with your earnings?
My house in Guadalajara.
What are your hobbies outside of boxing? What do you do for fun?
I love riding horses and driving cars—Porsche, Ferrari. All of them.
What’s your biggest vice?
Cookies, bread—anything with food. It’s always tough to keep weight off.
If you weren’t a boxer, what would you want to do for a living?
I’d be an F-1 driver. But I couldn’t have any more cookies because those drivers are small guys!
Any thoughts on the Mayweather/McGregor fight?
No comment whatsoever.
After this fight, what’s next?
Can’t really say right now. Keep making history. Keep fighting the best fighters. Will be hard to top this fight – but sooner or later there will be another guy around that people say I should fight. But most importantly I’m still having fun. I love boxing. I even love training camp. The day I don’t feel like that anymore is the day I retire.
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z-YUG9ziSs
Of all your fights, which is your favorite?
Wow! Every one different, and I learn every time. Matt Macklin was a good one. Marco Antonio Rubio. I like the last fight – the one I won. I watch them like a fan. Interesting question!
What is your favorite classic fight?
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. against Meldrick Taylor or Mickey Ward versus Arturo Gatti.
If you could pick one boxer from any era, who would you want want to fight?
That’s a very difficult question. Maybe Sugar Ray Robinson, Tommy Hearns, Pacquiao or Mayweather. Tyson might be too big for me (laughs). If I had to choose one, Sugar Ray Leonard. His style, speed, everything about him is great. I’d fight him.
What’s the last fight you got into outside of the ring?
Real fight or just a punch? I’m a very well-behaved guy! Maybe with my wife a couple of days ago? She won. (laughs). But seriously—growing up, I fought every day. I had a very hard life in Kazakhstan
Who’s tougher: Mexicans or Kazakhs?
It’s very close because we are similar types of people. Both are very good types of fighters. Tough.
Who is your dream date and what would you do with her?
You want to get me killed? I’m a very smart guy. I love my wife and my life. When I come home my wife is the boss. So whatever she wants to do.
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve made with your earnings?
If you have money and you help people, you don’t talk about it. Just do it. So I won’t talk about that part. As for me? I don’t need much. I have a very simple life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkTJBJh9KH
What are your hobbies outside of boxing? What do you do for fun?
Stay with my family. All the time. We watch movies, go to the park, and of course I watch a lot of sports. NBA, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf and even curling! Maybe I can do it for the next Olympics (laughs).
What’s your biggest vice?
Food! For a boxer that’s what we miss most, especially with training camp coming up.
If you weren’t a boxer, what would you want to do for a living?
I’ve only known boxing my whole life. But if I had to, I’d go to university and study technology.
Any thoughts on the Mayweather/McGregor event?
My fight with Canelo is a true boxing fight. Mayweather with McGregor is a show. Floyd is a boxer. McGregor isn’t. I like classic fights—old school. Not something like that.
After this fight, what’s next?
I can’t talk or think about that. I’m only focused 100 percent focused on this. Maybe curling. It’s my dream!
Read This Next
