Undefeated UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria as soon as once more expressed his want to cross over to skilled boxing and face the winner of the upcoming struggle between Mexican celebrity Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford.
Topuria mentioned his objective is to face Álvarez, whom he has thought of a task mannequin and idol for years. The Spanish-Georgian fighter hopes the UFC will enable him to comply with within the footsteps of Conor McGregor, who fought and misplaced to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017 whereas underneath contract with the blended martial arts promoter.
Topuria mentioned he feels able to compete within the boxing ring and that that is the perfect alternative to take action.
“Why not me? I’d like to field towards the winner of Canelo and Crawford. But when I may select, I need Canelo. He was my idol for a few years and I really feel I can do it,” Topuria instructed reporters. “Let’s do it, now could be the very best time.”
Topuria, who knocked out Charles Oliveira in June to win his second UFC belt, is having fun with the very best second of his profession. He has knocked out figures reminiscent of Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, establishing himself as one of many greatest stars in blended martial arts. Nevertheless, he’s now turning his consideration to boxing and desires to show that he may excel within the ring.
His prediction for the struggle between Álvarez and Crawford, which is able to happen on Sept. 13 in Las Vegas, is that the Mexican will win.
“Canelo, clearly. He’s a task mannequin for me. I need my likelihood towards him,” Topuria mentioned. “I really feel like I can beat him. If I get the prospect to struggle him, why not? Come on, [Saudi Arabian promoter] Turki [Alalshikh], give me the prospect to win the title.”
For his half, Canelo responded respectfully when requested about Topuria however didn’t decide to a struggle.
“I haven’t seen him struggle a full struggle, however I like him loads, I respect him, and I like him. We’ll see. First issues first, proper now I’m targeted on what’s in entrance of me,”
This article first appeared in Spanish through L.A. Occasions en Español.
