By Miguel Rivera

Undefeated Australian Bilal Akkawy (17-0, 14 KOs), who fights at super middleweight, will make his United States debut on September 13th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Two days later, at T-Mobile Arena, Canelo Alvarez will challenge Gennady Golovkin for the IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight titles.

To prepare for their fights, Akkawy and Canelo have been sparring and training side by side.

At 25 years of age, Akkawy has committed to joining the stable of fighters of coach Eddy Reynoso with the hope of finding better opportunities and further development as a professional boxer.

Reynoso trains Canelo, WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez and several others.

"Having the experience of sparring with Canelo has been an honor," Akkawy said to ESPN Deportes.

"He is a very intelligent boxer in the ring, with great strength and he has a lot of resources, but at the same time he allows you to learn, he doesn't like for you to receive punches, but in this sport it is the best and also the hardest form of learning.

"This is just a start. Eddy Reynoso is a great coach and I'm going with him to Guadalajara, you always learn and in this camp I've learned a lot, I'm sure we'll develop better and we'll make a mark in this sport."

Bilal has had to spar a Canelo who is more motivated than ever, as he prepares to fight with Golovkin for a second time.

"As a sparring partner, one tries to help Canelo arrive at his best, and I see him as being very focused, very solid, very intelligent and with very good physical condition. They will see the best Canelo and I do not doubt that he will win."

When they met the first time in September of 2017, the contest ended in a controversial twelve round split draw.