Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has picked out Marco Verde as Mexico's next boxing superstar. The 34-year-old champion, who's getting closer to hanging up his gloves, sees something special in the young fighter from Mazatlan, Sinaloa.
Canelo's still at the top of his game, holding the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles. But he's only fighting twice a year now, and he's starting to think about who'll take his place as Mexico's boxing hero.
That's where Marco Verde comes in. The young boxer just grabbed a silver medal in the 71-kilogram division at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Now, he's ready to jump into the pro ranks, and he's got Canelo in his corner.
Verde's joining "Canelo Team" and will make his pro debut on May 3 at the Riyah Arena in Saudi Arabia. He'll be fighting Michel 'El Aguila' Polina on the same card where Canelo defends his titles against William Scull.
In a chat with Fight Hype, Canelo couldn't stop praising Verde:
"There's a lot of young fighters out there, but the most likely right now is Marco Verde. This kid is going to be one of the best emerging fighters in Mexico. I have no doubt, I have worked with him, he has told me about his desire to succeed and I have seen a unique discipline. He has a lot of potential and that's what we're here for."
Canelo's impressed with Verde's height, reach, and powerful punches. The champ also likes what he sees in Verde's developing ring skills and his strong amateur background.
The May 3 event, put on by DAZN and Saudi promoters, is shaping up to be a big deal. Word is the prize money might even beat what fighters usually get in Las Vegas.
All eyes will be on Verde as he steps into the pro ring for the first time. With Canelo backing him, expectations are high. It's a big moment for the young fighter, and a chance to show he's got what it takes to be Mexico's next boxing idol.
