AVNI YILDIRIM is so desperate to fight for Canelo Alvarez’s WBC’s title that he would face the Mexican on THE MOON.
Alvarez picked up the vacant strap after dominating Callum Smith, who also surrendered the WBA and Ring Magazine belts.
Canelo with the WBC and WBA belts he won against Callum Smith Credit: Handout – Getty
Now, Yildirim finds himself in pole position to be Canelo’s next challenger, as he has 90 days to defend his super-middleweight crown against the Turk.
Trainer Eddy Reynoso revealed Alvarez could use the occasion to mark his first fight back in Mexico since 2011.
But Yildirim is not phased by the potential homecoming – and would even take on the pound-for-pound king on the luna surface.
He told SunSport: “I don’t care if we fight in Mexico, the US, Turkey or on the moon as long as I get my shot at the world title.
“For me, it is not so much about fighting Canelo. It is about fighting for the WBC world championship belt, the world famous green and gold belt, the biggest prize in boxing.
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I am very proud that it will finally happen.
“I love Mexico, I have been there a couple of times, the people have always been very nice to me and treated me with respect.
“They are huge boxing fans and boxing experts so they appreciate a good fight. And that is what I will give them.”
Canelo dominated Britain’s SmithCredit: USA TODAY Sports
Canelo cemented himself as the No1 super-middleweight Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Canelo, 30, fought just once in 2020 as his momentum was halted by a legal battle with promoter Oscar De La Hoya.
So after splitting to become a free agent, the four-weight champion is wasting no time in 2021, and already plans for unifications at 168lb.
But first he will have to deal with Yildirim and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Canelo has his sights set on a quick turnaround as talks between the two camps progress.
Yildirim, 29, said: “My promoter Ahmet Oener told me that he is talking to the other team.
“I don’t think the deal is done but I guess they are on a good way. I am ready to go. We could do it tomorrow if he wants.
“But, he just fought last weekend. So realistically, I hope it will happen sometime within the next three to six months.”
Yildirim was considered as a potential opponent to welcome Canelo back to the ring this year.
But as Britain’s Smith was the division’s No1 and owner of the Ring Magazine belt, he was given the nod.
Canelo and Yildirim after a sparring session Credit: Instagram @avniyildirim
Yildirim was drafted in before Canelo beat Gennady Golovkin Credit: Instagram / @avniyildrim
The ex-sparring partners are set to fight next year
It was only in 2018 that Yildirim was drafted in as a sparring partner for Canelo, ahead of his rematch win against arch rival Gennady Golovkin.
But now he is ready to do it for real after staying tight-lipped about the sparring sessions – instead promising to do the ‘talking in the ring’.
Yildirim added: “I like sparring and I like sparring with good boxers because that is when you learn.
“But sparring is one thing, fighting is something completely different. I am looking forward to the real fight because that is when I am at my best.
“I respect Canelo. He is a great warrior and the best boxer in the world right now. I am not taking anything away from him.
“But I also know what I’m capable of. And I know that I will be very well prepared for this. I don’t like to talk too much before a fight.
“I do my talking in the ring. So let’s see what happens when we finally meet.”
Canelo Alvarez called out by Billy Joe Saunders as Brit claims ‘I’ve got every tool in the box to beat him’
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
