Kamaru Usman Opens Up to Canelo Alvarez: “No Hard Feelings” Over Past Callout
In a surprising twist of events, Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, has taken the opportunity to clear the air with boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. The resolution came not in the octagon or the ring, but on the podcast “Pound 4 Pound,” hosted by Usman and his friend Henry Cejudo. As the episode unfolded, Usman addressed his long-past challenge to Alvarez, aiming to set the record straight and mend fences.
The drama began two years ago when Usman, in a bold move, publicly called out Alvarez during an interview with TMZ Sports. His comment, “When you hear that that fight’s announced, everyone’s going to be watching that fight,” ignited a firestorm of speculation and online debate. At that time, Usman was riding high with a 15-fight winning streak, while Alvarez was cementing his dominance in the boxing world. However, the anticipated crossover bout never came to fruition, and Usman’s career took a downturn with consecutive losses that followed.
Usman boldly stated, “When you hear that that fight’s announced, everyone’s going to be watching that fight,”
Usman said, ” When I was champion in the UFC, I was the welterweight champion of the world. And you, dominating as champion in boxing, there were some talks about us potentially fighting. And you, dominating as champion in boxing, there were some talks about us potentially fighting.”
Usman and Alvarez: Clearing the Air
On the latest episode of “Pound 4 Pound,” Usman and Alvarez finally came face to face to address the past. Usman, reflecting on his callout, explained, “When I was champion in the UFC, I was the welterweight champion of the world. And you, dominating as champion in boxing, there were some talks about us potentially fighting. And you, dominating as champion in boxing, there were some talks about us potentially fighting.” He continued, “You 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.”
The conversation revealed Usman’s genuine intention behind his callout was to test himself against one of boxing’s best, rather than to incite a personal feud. Alvarez, known for his composure and strategic mind, acknowledged Usman’s remarks with grace. The meeting marked a moment of reconciliation, as both athletes expressed mutual respect despite the missed opportunity to clash in the ring.
Dana White said, “Canelo’s one of those guys that I respect, and hey, Haymon snatched that date right away from me. The guys at MGM have done nothing but f*** disrespect me and the UFC for 20 years. It is what it is. Here we go.”
“So we just need to make it big, I need everybody behind me,” the UFC CEO concluded.
Canelo Alvarez’s New Target: UFC
As Usman and Alvarez put their past behind them, Alvarez is eyeing a new target. The boxing star has scheduled his next fight against Edgar Berlanga on September 14 at the T-Mobile Arena. This date is significant, falling on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, and coinciding with UFC 306: Noche, a highly anticipated event spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White.
Dana White, known for his candid remarks, didn’t hold back when addressing Alvarez’s scheduling conflict. In an interview with ESPN, White expressed his frustration, saying, “Canelo’s one of those guys that I respect, and hey, Haymon snatched that date right away from me. The guys at MGM have done nothing but f*** disrespect me and the UFC for 20 years. It is what it is. Here we go.” White’s irritation was palpable, as the UFC had invested heavily in making UFC 306 a standout event.
The Future of Usman and Alvarez
While Usman has seemingly moved past his previous challenge to Alvarez, the question remains whether this newfound camaraderie might pave the way for a future showdown. Although Usman has buried the hatchet, the possibility of a future fight between him and Alvarez remains an intriguing topic. Both fighters have demonstrated their prowess in their respective sports, and their continued success could potentially set the stage for a long-awaited crossover bout.
As fans eagerly anticipate Alvarez’s next fight and UFC 306, the sports world is abuzz with speculation and excitement. Will the resolution between Usman and Alvarez lead to a renewed rivalry or simply remain a chapter of what could have been? Only time will tell.
