‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s connection with Mexican-American boxing fans

11:49 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — He is loved by many. And considered insignificant to others who think he hasn’t yet done enough.

But there is no question that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is currently the most recognized figure in Mexican boxing, including for his countrymen who were born or live on the U.S. side of the border.

“Of course I know who he is,” said Clara Ramirez, a Mexican-American from Arizona who was visiting Las Vegas. “I don’t really like boxing, but I know that Canelo Alvarez is the best boxer of them all.”

Like many people of Mexican origin, Ramirez has followed the career of Alvarez, the World Boxing Council middleweight champion (46-1-1, 32 KOs) who is set to face Britain’s Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on Saturday in the main event of the fights scheduled at Las Vegas’ new T-Mobile Arena.

Alvarez-Khan

TV lineup for the Golden Boy-promoted HBO PPV card on Saturday night (9 ET) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas:

•Middleweights: Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) vs. Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs), 12 rounds, for Alvarez’s world title •Middleweights: David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) vs. Glen Tapia (23-2, 15 KOs), 10 rounds •Welterweights: Mauricio Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs) vs. Frankie Gomez (20-0, 13 KOs), 10 rounds •Middleweight: Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) vs. Curtis Stevens (27-5, 20 KOs), 10 rounds

Canelo Alvarez, 29, said he is aware of his responsibility every time he steps into the ring, particularly around a special date for Mexicans born in the United States, Cinco de Mayo.

“I’m very honored to be celebrating Cinco de Mayo,” said Canelo. “I hope to put on a great show on Saturday night. I’m training hard for 12 rounds and I’m ready to go all of those rounds. The most important thing is to try to meet all the expectations that people have of me.”

Alvarez left his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, a few years ago, taking up …

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