Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez says he wants to show everybody he is still the best when he faces Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Four-weight world champion Alvarez puts his WBO, WBA and WBC super-middleweight titles on the line.
The Mexican boasts a record of 61 wins, two draws and two losses.
“I always take my fights seriously and train 100% no matter who is in there. I always have the same mentality,” Alvarez said.
“I will show everybody I’m still the best.”
Berlanga, born in New York and of Puerto Rican heritage, is yet to lose in 22 professional fights.
The 27-year-old’s last trip to the ring in February ended in victory against Belfast fighter Padraig McCrory.
“There are a lot of doubters out there, people who don’t believe in me, but Saturday night I’m going to make them believers,” Berlanga said.
“There is fire in my blood and veins to go out there and perform.
“This is the top of the mountain, it doesn’t get any bigger, and now it’s about me becoming great and putting my last name in the history books forever.”
Alvarez is aiming for his fifth successive victory following defeat against WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.
Saturday’s bout takes place at the T-Mobile Arena on the weekend leading up to Mexican Independence Day.
“It is going to be very difficult for him,” Alvarez said.
“I never overlook any fighter. He is young, a good fighter and is strong, but I’ve been in there with everybody and have so much experience. I’m strong and have a lot of talent – I’m just the best.”
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who promotes Berlanga, believes his fighter has an “underrated IQ” and is the “most determined and most confident challenger”.
“Canelo wants a real fight at this stage of his career and he is going to get a real fight,” Hearn added.
“It’s a massive opportunity. This is like the lottery ticket of boxing. We’re in Las Vegas where you roll dice, but we’re not just looking to roll the dice – we want to collect the ticket as well.”
