Anthony Mundine has made it known that he will face off against Mexican Rigoberto Alvarez in Newcastle on September 21, competing for the interim WBA junior middleweight title.
Originally scheduled to fight Alvarez in February, Mundine’s plans were thwarted when he suffered a surprising fifth-round knockout at the hands of fellow Australian Garth Wood in December, which derailed the world title match.
Alvarez presents what could be Mundine’s toughest challenge in the junior middleweight class, as the 33-year-old Mexican holds an impressive record of 27 wins and only three losses.
Similar to Mundine, Alvarez has transitioned from being a super middleweight champion to competing in the junior middleweight category.
Last year, Alvarez took home the WBA (World Boxing Association) interim junior middleweight title but lost it to American Austin Trout in May.
If Mundine claims victory in their September encounter, he is projected to face Trout for the world title, assuming Trout is successful against Mexican David Lopez on June 11.
A match with Trout would give Mundine the chance to become the first boxer to secure world titles in three descending weight divisions.
‘I aim to make people talk and establish my name among the best in the world, as that’s where I truly believe I belong,’ Mundine expressed.
‘This is my opportunity to demonstrate my dominance and superiority in this weight class.
‘I truly believe that no one can compete with me at this point.’
by Buford Balony