UFC champion targets boxing showdown with Canelo Alvarez and calls out Paddy Pimblett

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has admitted he'd love to compete in the boxing ring and named Canelo Alvarez as his dream opponent.

The Georgian-born Spaniard knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round at UFC 298, to claim the featherweight crown and end Volkanovski's reign over the division. 

However, Toupuria has wider ambitions beyond UFC and admitted during an interview on 'El Partidazo de Cope’ that he'd one day like to enter the boxing arena - and even named who he'd like to face. 

“I'm not going to leave sport without boxing, I won't do many fights, but one or two for sure,” Topuria said. 

“The one I would like the most is Canelo Alvarez.”

Alvarez is currently one of the most dominant fighters in the sport and is currently the undisputed champion at super middleweight level, holding the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring championship. 

Before he switches his attention to boxing, however, Topuria has immediate business with Paddy Pimblett. The pair nearly came to blows in the aftermath of UFC London in 2022, and when asked who he'd like to face, he continued his war with the British fighter. 

Adding; "A fight with him…no, because he is not at the level, but yes Paddy Pimblett.”

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