Understandably, the Colombian-born Canadian transplant is frustrated at the Dawson fight falling out. He had said, prior to the injury, that he felt facing Dawson was a really big fight and a tough challenge.

“I am really disappointed,” Alvarez told RingTV.com. “Me and my team still think Dawson is still one of the best light heavyweight, even if he lost a couple of fights. But if his injury is not real, it will tarnish his reputation.”

Alvarez must now refocus and prepare for his New Zealand-born opponent.

“I don’t know much about Berridge but I will study tapes of him,” he admitted. “I am just happy to fight. I know it was a hard task to find a legit fighter like Berridge with only 10 days notice…and a southpaw also (like Dawson), so I can’t complain.”

While some will point out that the world-ranked (RING rated No. 4, WBC No. 1) Alvarez should be facing Stevenson for the title, he is happy with his development, preferring to leave that to his promoter Yvon Michel.

“I am not disappointed or irritated not facing Adonis yet,” said the 32-year-old. “I always say that moment will happen eventually.”

Michel’s GYM (Groupe Yvon Michel) promotional company is heavily invested in the light heavyweight division. Along with Alvarez, he also works with Stevenson and RING No. 7-rated Artur Beterbiev.

Michel feels it’s all about building his fighter’s profile in the Great White North and beyond.

“We are building Eleider’s notoriety,” explained Michel. “We know he is an elite fighter; we just need to improve his visibility internationally, and doing so on American television is a good way to do it.”

However, Michel feels that the possibility of Alvarez facing Stevenson for the title could imminent if both win this weekend’s interim fights.

“The fight will probably take place in December of this year. We believe that it will be the best possible fight in the division at that moment.”