Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and James Kirkland are set to collide on May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, and both fighters promised victory in their 12-round super welterweight showdown.
Alvarez, who holds a 44-1-1 record with 31 knockouts, wanted to face reigning World Boxing Council middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, but Canelo said that his upcoming fight against Kirkland will be as exciting.
Alvarez pointed out that Kirkland is no pushover because he is a dangerous fighter, but the former WBC super welterweight champion is confident that he will emerge victorious in their upcoming fight.
"It will be exciting, explosive and should not be missed," Alvarez said of his upcoming fight against Kirkland via BoxingScene. "Kirkland is a dangerous fighter who is coming prepared for a tough night and this fight, without a doubt, will be one to remember. I promise my fans I will be victorious."
Alvarez, who is coming off victories against Alfredo Angulo and Erislandy Lara last year, will be a heavy favorite heading into their bout, which will take place a week after the historic showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2 in Las Vegas.
Kirkland, who has a 32-1 record with 28 knockouts, knows most boxing fans and analysts are already counting him out. The 31-year-old said that he has waited long enough to get another big fight and he will not let the opportunity to rise in the rankings slip from his hands, promising an upset against Canelo on May 9.
"This is the fight I've been waiting for," Kirkland said. "Canelo is the opponent I get asked about more than any other fighter. I'm ready to show my skills to the world and shut down the people who doubt me. Come fight night you will see a great fight between two warriors and I know at the end of the night my hand will be raised in victory."
Kirkland has not fought since scoring a sixth-round knockout victory against Glen Tapia in December 2013 in New Jersey. While Kirkland will come off from long layoff, Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya also believes Alvarez has no room for complacency in the non-title fight.
