Eleider Alvarez might be the best light heavyweight in the world after defeating pound-for-pound fighter Sergey Kovalev, last August to obtain the WBO light heavyweight world title in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

That being said, Kovalev has largely been the narrative heading into Saturday’s bout on ESPN+ taking place in Frisco, Texas. It is understandable as Kovalev is the more decorated fighter, the fighter with more baggage coming into this bout and beyond that just more of a larger than life personality.

Alvarez, who recently signed a promotional agreement with Top Rank Inc is hopeful that after this fight he will be mentioned amongst the best in the world, such as Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev and so forth and so on.

“Things have changed a lot for me. This is my first time being a main event {defending my world title}. What has changed is my popularity, but I’m still the same guy.” said Alvarez at the press conference for this event on Thursday.

Alvarez is a stoic quality fighter, but also the type of fighter a network executive might struggle with as his dexterity amongst the English language is not the best (fair being it is his second language) as well as he is not a brash trash talker. In fact, Alvarez has been somewhat a career undercard fighter until getting his chance against Kovalev.

Alvarez, who was the number one contender to at-the-time WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, sat in the co-main event spot of Adonis Stevenson cards taking step aside money each time as he put on rather neutral performances. Alvarez was always good, but nothing seemed to jump out, but for those who like to see the best compete I was always left with a wish that he’d get a chance against the best in the world, but had not too much excitement for such a bout.

Then he did, and he knocked out Kovalev on HBO, last year.

Alvarez calm demeanor appears to be something he believes will aid him as he gave this quote at the press conference which seems to be a veiled shot at Sergey Kovalev.

“Thanks to God, I’m a mentally strong person. I have come from the bottom, basically, and little by little, I’ve been getting my stuff. Now I have more, so that’s why I think I’ve been able to handle everything well. That’s why I am a mentally strong person.” said Alvarez.

Kovalev, who is currently facing charges outside of boxing for assaulting a women as well has battled alcohol indulgence in training camp and changed trainers now three times, appears to be the opposite of stable. In fact, Kovalev spent this camp with Buddy McGirt, the man who helped Arturo Gatti,

“I believe that’s a lot of excuses he’s making. When you lose, you have a lot of excuses. I had a great game plan with my team. If he says that was an accident, then he needs to get ready for another accident.” said Alvarez.

Alvarez defends his WBO light heavyweight world title on February 2nd at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, will be televised on ESPN+ at 9 PM PST with Oscar Valdez and Richard Commey’s world title bouts being aired on ESPN at 7 PM PST.