Pair will collide on September 17th
Tuesday was another sweltering day in L.A. and the stage got a little hotter as international boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and “The Contender” star Alfonso Gomez addressed the large crowd at the press conference announcing their mega match on September 17 at the Staples Center in L.A. for Canelo’s WBC Super Welterweight title.
While we sat before them in the rows of media, the two warriors–both hailing from Jalisco–were also both dressed in black shirts with game faces intact. As the harsh glare of the sun bore down on all of us, the prizefighting duo stayed cool, calm and collected as the speeches got underway at the outdoor plaza of the Los Angeles Public Central Library.
As pro-Canelo fans lined the sides of the stage, a Mariachi band also kept the broiling audience entertained before the boxers and their camps stepped up to the mic. Lending even more sizzle to the “Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” card promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, this Canelo (37-0-1, 27 KOs) vs. Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KOs) clash will be part of a dual-site event. The Mayweather–Ortiz collision will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas; Canelo vs. Gomez will take place in Los Angeles. Both sites will be airing the fights live with state-of-the-art large screens for the fans.
At the podium, Richard Schaeffer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, explained to us how the split-feed will work. “This will be an exciting telecast–the first for HBO Pay-Per-View,” the business exec said. He went on to say that the Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales’ fights will air first, then go live to the Staples broadcast before cutting back to the big Mayweather–Ortiz showdown. The star-studded bouts will be available in 93 million homes Tony Walker from HBO Sports added. At the conclusion of the L.A. fights, there will be a live concert to tie in with Mexican Independence Day.
After the introductions and special announcements were made, the pair of pugilists were then brought forth.
“To make a great fight, it takes two…” Schaeffer began. He introduced Gomez as “one man who always comes to fight–not just as an opponent.”
Alfonso’s father and trainer Alfonso Gomez Sr. drew first blood at the microphone. “This is an opportunity we’ve been waiting for,” Gomez Sr. stated. “If Canelo’s gonna win, he’s gonna have to sweat blood for this fight.”
Then his son commanded the stage. For Gomez, 30, it quickly became apparent to me that this opportunity was one he’s waited a long, long time for. With a steady gaze, his demeanor was focused, determined and at times, defiant.
“From the very first second that they told me this fight was gonna happen I’ve been in the gym. I don’t want to leave anything behind; I don’t want to have any excuses,” Gomez told us. With emotion catching in his voice, he continued: “This road has been too long, too harsh for me to take anything for granted. So with this opportunity, I plan to go September 17 with full preparation–mentally, physically and everything in between in order for me to take that world title.”
He took his time to express his thoughts, taking full advantage of his golden opportunity to face Canelo.
“Unlike his previous opponents, I plan to go there and DIE in that ring in order for me to take that belt,” Gomez promised all assembled. “I’m not gonna go in there hoping to win some rounds; and then hoping to survive. I’m gonna go in there and go for the knockout because if the fight actually goes the distance, it’s very well probable they’ll give him the fight.”
The Top Rank boxer also expressed his desire to win for his wife and baby girl and wants to prove to others he can do it. “More than anything, I’m ready to become world champion. My time is due. My efforts are due. THIS IS MY TIME,” implored an impassioned Gomez. “I know other fighters deserve this more; I’ve never fought a light middleweight…They chose ME because they believe I pose the least amount of threat to their champion. But my threat does not come from my fists or my hard work…It comes from within, that hot white desire; it just burns inside, it’s becoming an obsession. And I’m gonna ‘unleash the beast’ that is within me to take that world title away!”
“I’m hungry; I’m ready to rock and roll!” the Buena Park boxer stressed. Then to further enjoy his time in the spotlight, the writer, musician and rapper with the band Hy3rid cued the rap beats and began to deliver a rhyme about his September 17 foe. Red-haired Canelo didn’t seem to let the rap get under his freckled skin.
As Gomez’s other persona “Diablo Luna,” took control, the boxer-turned-rapper riffed off some lyrics he wrote, ending with a threat of “You better fucken watch me!” And in case Canelo–or no one else in the courtyard–heard him, he uttered the phrase a second time, “Otra Vez! You better fucken watch me!”
With his fair skin and strawberry tresses, a poised Canelo showed no outside reaction to his challenger’s verbal taunts.
Then it was Canelo’s turn as the fans cheered for the redheaded gladiator with the rock-star following whom Schaeffer described as “an exciting, young, good-looking boxer who’s uniting Mexico.” First up was Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Alvarez’s manager. “It’s gonna be a valiant fight because they’re Mexican fighters!” Chepo exclaimed. “And I believe in Canelo. I feel that we’re gonna win this fight.”
While Alfonso Gomez wanted to make a statement at the mic, Canelo was understated in his brief time behind the podium.
With a calm demeanor, the 21-year-old boxing sensation kept it short and sweet.
“Thank you to all. I’m very happy to be here,” the Mexican dynamo nodded. And in reference to Gomez’s rap performance Canelo opined: “And I just wanna say one thing: I’m a man–not a clown. I do my talking with my fists and up in the ring. And I’m gonna show this kid who Canelo is.”
SOY HOMBRE, NO PAYASO.
A man, not a clown.
But come September 17, there will be two men stepping into the ring–with no clowning around.
While Canelo (who just turned 21 on July 18) is almost ten years younger than Gomez, Alvarez actually has nine more fights under his belt. Will his hot streak of victories continue?
Alfonso concedes that he knows Canelo is “young, strong and fast” but Team Gomez is discounting any notion that Alfonso is “just an opponent” in the fight. Hoping to 
“derail” the fast track of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, one might compare Gomez to the “Little Engine That Could.” Throughout his career, he’s found a way to win while in the role of the underdog.
Will the fight go as scripted with another victory for Canelo, who has invigorated the boxing world and beyond with his legion of supporters?
Or will there be an upset in the making? If Gomez beats Canelo, he will surely savor the sweet taste of victory.
And if Canelo defeats Gomez, “The Contender” star is in for a truly bitter taste of “cinnamon” spice.
Whatever scenario plays out, it’s boxing fans around the world that will enjoy all the fruits of their labor.
Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com