Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently extended an olive branch to boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. The two combat sports icons had a tense history stemming from Usman’s bold callout in 2022. Now, the Nigerian-American fighter aims to bury the hatchet and explain his motivations.
Appearing on the ‘Pound 4 Pound‘ show, Usman sat down with co-host Henry Cejudo and special guest Canelo Alvarez. The atmosphere was surprisingly cordial, with Usman taking the initiative to clear the air between the two.
“You [Canelo] were in a spot where you were dominating everybody, and the question was being asked: who else can challenge this guy? Is there anyone who has anything for him? So, at that moment, I threw my hat in the ring. I thought, ‘Let me at least give him a different look. I hope there’s no hard feelings,” said Usman.
Usman’s challenge to Alvarez two years ago sent shockwaves through the fighting community. Both men were at the peak of their respective sports at the time. Usman confidently declared that a bout between them would capture global attention. However, the proposed super-fight never materialized.
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Usman lost his UFC title and suffered two subsequent defeats. Meanwhile, Alvarez continues to dominate the boxing world and is ready to fight on September 14. Despite their diverging paths, the two finally crossed paths – not in the ring but on a podcast.
Canelo Alvarez Predicts How The Fight Against Kamaru Usman Would Have Went
Boxing sensation Alvarez recently shared his thoughts on a hypothetical bout with former UFC champion Kamaru Usman. The Mexican superstar’s candid remarks have caused fans to buzz about what could have been.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Alvarez, known for his devastating power and precision in the ring, opened up during an appearance on Usman’s ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast. The conversation took an interesting turn when the topic of their once-rumored matchup came up.
“If I go in there with you in an MMA fight it’s gonna be different. If you come to my sport it’s gonna be different. I know the mentality of ‘Oh, I can do it.’ When you go into the ring it’s very different. If I go into the Octagon, I say I can do it but it’s way different. But it’s a good mentality because you’re looking for a challenge,” said Alvarez.
The boxing champ then made a startling admission. He confessed that stepping into Usman’s world would have been a formidable challenge. Canelo Alvarez’s words also highlight the ongoing debate between boxing and MMA. Both sports, while combat-based, require vastly different skill sets.
Also Read: Kamaru Usman Blasts Belal Muhammad’s ‘Inflated Ego’ Since Winning Belt
