WBC unveil new Mexican-inspired Mestizo belt which Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will fight over
THE WBC have unveiled the special Mexican-inspired belt that Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will battle for next month.
The pair’s eagerly-anticipated 168lb unification fight will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8.
We revealed earlier this month that the WBC have opted to create a special ‘Mestizo’ belt for the tussle.
Now images of the strap have been revealed – with the victor set to take it home as a trophy as well as super-middleweight bragging rights.
WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman said a fortnight ago: “Our great champion Saul Canelo Alvarez continues his plan to unify the super middleweight division by facing the WBO champion, British boxer Billy Joe Saunders, on May 8 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
“During this fight, it’s going to be where the World Boxing Council will give the world another piece of art, the beautiful Mestizo belt, made by the State of Mexico.
“As you may know, the WBC commemorates the two great Mexican dates (Cinco De Mayo in May and Mexican Independence Day in September), as the most important fights of the year are held on these dates and magnificent (title) pieces from various cultures have been created (for these fights).
“First it was the Huichol, then Chiapas, then the Mayan culture , and last year it was dedicated to the State of Mexico with the Mazahua and Otomi belts.
“As there were no fights in 2020 due to the pandemic, we agreed to dignify this entity in 2021, and very soon we will present the Mestizo (title).”
The undefeated Saunders goes into his clash with four-weight champ Canelo as a huge underdog.
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CANELO VS SAUNDERS: TV, live stream and start time info ahead of the big fight
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However, many believe the Brit will give his Mexican counterpart some serious trouble.
Canelo’s head coach, Eddy Reynoso, is one of those, saying: “He is a good boxer.
“He is a tough and left-handed fighter, but we will be ready for him. I am very motivated to get a great victory.”
Welwyn warrior Saunders, 31, is confident of shocking the world and handing the hard-hitting Canelo just his second professional loss.
