Pro boxer Michael Alvarez (3-0 with two TKOs) will face Lionel Young next month. Alvarez, an up-and-coming boxer, has grabbed my attention.
I sat down with Alvarez recently. Here’s what he had to say.
McElwain: You have a fight scheduled next month. Tell our readers about it.
Alvarez: I’ll fight in my 4th professional match on Saturday, November 11, at the Portland (ME) Expo Center. My opponent will be Lionel Young from Massachusetts. As long as I focus on improving my skills, strength, and conditioning, it shouldn’t matter who I get in the ring with. I’m there to perform to the best of my ability and showcase my talent.
McElwain: Describe boxing in one word.
Alvarez: Adaptability.
McElwain: What is your advice to anyone wanting to go into boxing?
Alvarez: Focus on you. Many people will tell you you can’t do this, you aren’t good enough to do that, and you’re weird for not doing what every average boxer does. Keep showing up, stay consistent, and work until they can’t deny you what you deserve.
McElwain: Jake Paul has been making a name for himself in boxing. What are your opinions on him?
Alvarez: I think Jake Paul has learned what buttons to press to become as marketable as possible. At the beginning of his boxing escapades, I and many others were doubtful it would amount to anything positive for the sport. But he’s bringing new attention and has brought an incredibly huge fan base to the sport. He’s also giving fighters who normally wouldn’t have the platform to display their abilities. Kudos to him for that!
McElwain: Another person making a name for himself is former MMA star Andrew Tate. What are your views on him?
Alvarez: Andrew Tate is another boxer who thrives on being able to market himself. Some love him, and others hate him. Either way, they are watching, and he’s getting paid. I don’t have a specific opinion on whether I like him or not because, to me, he’s an entertainer making content and generating income. He says some things I agree with and see as motivational, while other things he says I view as obnoxious or disrespectful. Either way, he pushes the boundaries and gets as many views as possible. You can’t be mad at the hustle.
McElwain: What are your goals for your boxing career?
Alvarez: As I get older and mature, my basic goal is to grow and earn a living to provide for myself and my future family. I lost a couple of years of my boxing career due to COVID-19, so I’m playing catch-up right now. My short-term goal is to get to 10-0 before the end of next year. My biggest goal is to contend for and win a world title.
McElwain: Who are your boxing influences?
Alvarez: My main boxing influences are Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard. Miguel Cotto, Hector Macho Camacho, and Felix Trinidad, I could add even more names to a long list. I’ve always watched old fights and fighters to see what I can learn and use myself in the ring. Personally, I believe studying boxing history is crucial for personal development in the sport of boxing. I’ve been blessed to meet many of my boxing heroes while living in Las Vegas, and I’ve taken full advantage of each encounter to pick their brains and get advice.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in thirty years?
Alvarez: In 30 years, I hope to be retired with a loving family, comfortable in my business endeavors, and with enough money put away to take care of my family and to pass down. A few world titles wouldn’t be out of the question, either. I’m striving to accomplish as much as I can in the sport.
Bout replay (from 4/21/23) courtesy of Boston Boxing and YouTube
