Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim: Bout Preview

Arguably boxing's biggest attraction, Saul Canelo Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday to make a mandatory defense for his 168-pound WBA Super and WBC world titles against journeyman contender, Avni Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs). The bout will be taking place in the NFL home of the Miami Dolphins, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Concerning Canelo, this contest will mark his 2021 debut after a quick turnaround since his victory over Callum Smith on Dec. 19, 2020, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Not overlooking the task at hand, Canelo, the unified champion, is looking to handle his business come fight night against the opposition and his former sparring partner, Yildirim. At 30 years old, Alvarez is at the tip-top shape of his career and is aiming for a superb performance this coming Saturday.

In regard to Yildirim, it signifies the chance to obtain another world championship shot and against an elite fighter in Alvarez. Now 29 years of age, Yildirim is coming off an almost two-year layoff from his previous match with Anthony Dirrell on Feb. 23, 2019. Furthermore, he needs to prove the critics wrong and be the best possible version of himself as a professional boxer. It is rather to take a risk and make a statement as the heavy underdog. So come Saturday night, the main event might not be an eye-catching matchup on paper, but it will entail a story between two fighters with distinct upbringings as boxers. For Canelo, it is to continue to add to his renowned legacy and becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world. As for Yildirim, it is to establish an identity to showcase his prowess. Don't miss Canelo vs. Yildirim, live on Feb. 27 on DAZN.