UFC champion Ilia Topuria calls out Canelo | College News
Undefeated UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria once again expressed his want to cross over to skilled boxing and face the winner of the upcoming battle between Mexican celebrity Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford.
Topuria said his purpose is to face Álvarez, whom he has thought of a function model and idol for years. The Spanish-Georgian fighter hopes the UFC will enable him to observe in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, who fought and misplaced to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017 while under contract with the blended martial arts promoter.
Topuria said he feels prepared to compete in the boxing ring and that this is the perfect alternative to do so.
“Why not me? I would love to box against the winner of Canelo and Crawford. But if I could choose, I want Canelo. He was my idol for many years and I feel I can do it,” Topuria told reporters. “Let’s do it, now is the best time.”
Topuria, who knocked out Charles Oliveira in June to win his second UFC belt, is having fun with the best second of his profession. He has knocked out figures such as Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, establishing himself as one of the largest stars in blended martial arts. However, he’s now turning his consideration to boxing and needs to show that he can also excel in the ring.
His prediction for the battle between Álvarez and Crawford, which is able to happen on Sept. 13 in Las Vegas, is that the Mexican will win.
“Canelo, obviously. He’s a role model for me. I want my chance against him,” Topuria said. “I feel like I can beat him. If I get the chance to fight him, why not? Come on, [Saudi Arabian promoter] Turki [Alalshikh], give me the chance to win the title.”
For his half, Canelo responded respectfully when requested about Topuria but didn’t commit to a battle.
“I haven’t seen him fight a full fight, but I like him a lot, I respect him, and I admire him. We’ll see. First things first, right now I’m focused on what’s in front of me,”
This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.
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