Canelo Alvarez should retire, says former opponent Matthew Hatton
Matthew Hatton, who fought Alvarez in 2011, believes the Mexican still has enough to beat Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Saturday but says a defeat would slightly tarnish his legacy.
Post by @DAZNBoxing on X
Canelo Alvarez should call time on his career, according to British former European champion Matthew Hatton, who faced him in the first world title fight of Alvarez's career in 2011.
Alvarez returns from his defeat to Terence Crawford to face Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on Saturday. Hatton, the brother of Ricky Hatton, said on a podcast that he expects Alvarez to win: “I do think he's still got enough left to beat Mbilli. I think it's an interesting fight.” He added that, although some argue a late-career defeat does not damage a fighter's standing, he believes a loss to Mbilli would tarnish Alvarez's legacy a little. Hatton said: “Personally I would like to see Canelo stop now, he's had such a good career, he's had a fantastic legacy and I think it's a shame when they go on too long.” Hatton also admitted he may have underestimated Alvarez because of his age when they met, praising the then young fighter's shot selection, variety and boxing IQ. Looking at the career that followed, he said: “When you look at his record, the amount of fights he's had at the very top level, it's absolutely incredible really. He's a modern-day great.” The fight is going ahead in Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict in the region. Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi airports, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, and security concerns have led to other sporting events in the kingdom being postponed or cancelled.
Alvarez has made clear he intends to carry on, saying he still wants to achieve more in the sport. He said: “You know, fighting in Saudi for me is special and whatever it takes I'm going to be a world champion again.”
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