Both WBA and The Ring super-middleweight champion Callum Smith and current pound-for-pound king Saul "Canelo" Alvarez could easily have taken on "safer" fights in order to get back into the ring before 2020 concluded. But that simply isn't either's style.
After several months of no boxing at all, followed by a series of cards behind closed doors or in front of a very small number of fans, Smith's 168 lbs title fight against Alvarez will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, with over 12,000 fans allowed in, per the latest local COVID-19 guidelines.
Alvarez has spent his lengthy absence from the ring since his dramatic late stoppage of Sergey Kovalev 13 months ago telling the world he only wants the toughest fights and the biggest challenges. And in undefeated Brit and Muhammad Ali Trophy winner Smith, he will get exactly that.
"We’re always ready for great challenges," said Canelo at the final press conference before their Dec. 19 clash. "Thank God we were able to make this fight before the end of the year. We’re ready to end 2020 with a bang."
On the challenging choice of opponent for his return, Alvarez added: "I like taking risks. This fight is a risk. We’re taking on the number one at 168, but I like these challenges in order to continue making history.
"We know he is tall and has great boxing qualities. That makes him dangerous, but with my level of boxing we’re willing to take the risks and that is what we are in this for.
"This will be a very good fight and an explosive fight. If an opportunity arises to win by knockout, I will take it. The fans love a knockout in boxing and if I can create an opportunity, I will go for it."
Smith, who admitted recently he went to bed shortly before the fight was due to be confirmed on social media, is one of the most laid-back fighters to ever compete at a high level in boxing.
He told his promoter and press conference mediator Eddie Hearn that this is the fight he has worked towards since turning pro.
"I’m a relaxed person, but this is where I always wanted to be," said Smith. "Ever since I was a kid I wanted the biggest fights possible and there is no bigger fight than this one. Canelo is a superstar and the pound-for-pound best but I am going to prove I belong at the elite level.
"I’m not just a big lump with limited ability. I’ve got the skills to go with it. I’ve not got to perform and do exactly what I need to do. I’ve always believed I can beat him, and I’ve got the style to prove it on Saturday.
"I understand I’m the underdog. On social media, people haven’t given me a chance. But that was the same when I won the world title. I wouldn’t agree to this fight if I felt I was going to lose.
"As soon as Canelo moved to 168, I knew I had to keep winning my fights and ensure the only fight for him that made sense was me. I want to keep my titles, stay undefeated and prove myself as an elite fighter.
"I’m world champion. I believe in my ability and I believe I can beat anyone."
Also invited up onto the stage prior to the fighters' arrivals were their respective trainers — Smith's cornerman Joe Gallagher, and Canelo's trainer Eddy Reynoso. As two of the most respected in their field, their expertise and vantage points are likely to prove crucial when the bell rings on Saturday.
"This has all the makings of a great rivalry, one that could become a trilogy between the two fighters," said Gallagher, before he admitted that the sport's history of decisions being made in favour of the 'home' fighter weighed in their minds ahead of the title defence in the heart of "Tex-Mex" territory.
"For me to sit down at home and devise a gameplan to win on points, you may as well take me to the asylum now," he continued. "We’ve seen what has happened in the past with performances not being reflected on the scorecards.
"This is the first time Canelo has fought someone at this level who is his own age. Usually they’re always a bit older. We’ve always been confident that Callum is the right kid to do the job."
Reynoso certainly did not dispute the point made by Gallagher about the effect a partisan crowd can have on a fight, and added that it may not sound like only a fraction of capacity were allowed in.
He said: "We’re very excited. We want to continue to fight the best opponents, and there’s no doubt that Callum Smith is the best at 168 pounds.
We’re excited to be back and to show that we are the best in the world. They are both explosive fighters. They both like to end their fights explosively.
"Mexicans are very loud and enthusiastic, so it will sound like there are 100,000 fans in there."
Canelo vs. Smith takes place live on DAZN around the globe (except Mexico, where it is on TV Azteca). You can tune in with a DAZN subscription — sign up here.