Avni Yildirim: Who is Canelo Alvarez's next rival?

Who is Avni Yildirim?

Yildirim is a 29-year-old Turkish boxer. His boxing experience is also essential as he has a record of 21 wins, two losses, and 12 knockouts.

However, for some time, he had been away from a ring. With his next fight to face Canelo, he restarts his sporting career after being inactive for two years.

The last match he had was with boxer Anthony Dirrell on February 23, 2019, where he lost by unanimous decision when the battle stopped in the 10th round. It was a difficult time for the Turk; he also pointed it out as unfair, as both fighters were in a position to get on with the fight.

It wasn't the only time Yildirim was in a complicated situation; later, the boxer allegedly used banned substances, but he clarified the situation. Again, he was accepted to get in the ring and have the right to fight the Mexican champion.

In this way, Avni Yildirim will restart his career after fighting with the multi-timer Saúl Canelo Alvarez.

Previously, both boxers had some encounters, as Yildirim was Canelo's sparring during his preparation for the fight he had with Gennady Golovkin, which occurred three years ago.

For his part, Canelo Alvarez has pointed out on different occasions that he prepares for day by day to face his next rival because he does not underestimate anyone, and a blow can change everything.

Saul Alvarez last fought in December 2020, when he faced Callum Smith and won by unanimous decision. It was also the only fight that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.