Tag Archives: Canelo Alvarez

Posted on 05/23/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez’s plans were crystal clear.

After pilfering every world title at 168 pounds, the Mexican star would then audaciously go up in weight to take on WBA 175-pound titlist, Dmitry Bivol. Once Alvarez cleared that hurdle, he would then move on to a third, and presumably final, showdown against Gennadiy Golovkin.

Although Alvarez viewed Bivol as a significant challenge, the former four-division world titlist believed he would ultimately emerge from their contest victoriously. However, as the two faced off on May 7th, Alvarez and his undying fans were given a rude awakening. On the night, Bivol both outboxed and out brawled the pound-for-pound star, en route to defending his light heavyweight crown.

With Alvarez’s defeat, came a certain haze surrounding his once clear future. Initially, Alvarez stated that he would elect to take on Bivol in an immediate rematch. However, after further thought, Alvarez has decided against it and instead, will look to put an end to his rivalry with Golovkin.

“Surely yes [about fighting Golovkin next],” said Alvarez during a recent interview with ESPN Deportes. “We already had that contract, that agreement, so we have to continue what we started.”

By no means is Alvarez, 31, eschewing a second showdown against Bivol. Nonetheless, as the Mexican star eludes to, a matchup against Golovkin was already agreed upon well before he came up short against the current WBA light heavyweight champion.

Ultimately, news of Alvarez opting to face Golovkin for a third time is likely music to the longtime middleweight champion’s ears. Following their initial showdown in September of 2017, Golovkin was left shellshocked as he believed he had done more than enough to pick up the victory. Nevertheless, he was forced to settle for a majority decision draw. Anxious to prove their superiority to one another, the two locked horns once again. While their sequel was a back and forth affair, it was Alvarez who handed the majority decision victory, much to the chagrin of Golovkin.

Although acrimonious over the entire ordeal, Golovkin has returned to the win column over and over again. With four consecutive victories, including three of which came via stoppage, Golovkin is buzzing with confidence.

Most recently, the current unified middleweight champion was last seen in the ring on April 9th, earlier this year. The newly turned 40-year-old brazenly stomped into the Japanese home of Ryota Murata, before violently ending his middleweight title reign via 9th round stoppage.

As Alvarez now prepares to take on Golovkin at 168 pounds, he isn’t ruling out a return to the light heavyweight division. In fact, the Mexican star essentially guaranteed that following his showdown against Golovkin, a second contest against Bivol will be next on his docket.

“I think those are the two biggest fights in boxing, the fight with Golovkin and the rematch with Bivol. Unfortunately we lost, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try again. The important thing here is perseverance and we’re going to do it again.”

Posted on 05/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Gennadiy Golovkin was always a patient hunter. But one who never wasted his time on prolonged prey.

After victimizing his foes in the ring, Golovkin would normally remove his blood-soaked gloves, grab the nearest microphone and publicly call out his next target. Seldom, however, would Golovkin’s desired opponents issue a direct response.

The current unified middleweight titlist begged for a showdown against Miguel Cotto. Yet, when the former four-division world titlist openly ignored him, Golovkin turned his attention elsewhere. In addition to placing a target squarely on the back of Cotto, Golovkin has also called out the likes of Sergio Martinez and Jaime Munguia.

Ultimately, to Golovkin’s disgust, he was unable to lure any of those previously mentioned names into the ring. Still, while acrimonious, Golovkin moved on. So why won’t he do the same now?

At the age of 40, and having fought Canelo Alvarez on two separate occasions, Golovkin has appeared hell-bent on facing the Mexican star for a third, and presumably final time. In all fairness, Golovkin had officially gotten his wish granted.

Initially, after mulling over several offers, Alvarez opted to accept Eddie Hearn’s lucrative three-fight deal. In Alvarez’s perfect world, he would willingly leave his undisputed 168-pound throne and successfully snag Dmitry Bivol’s WBA light heavyweight title. From there, Alvarez would then return to 168 pounds for a third bout against Golovkin, before closing out his year with either a homecoming fight in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – or a trip over the pond to London, to face who appeared to be the frontrunner in Joshua Buatsi.

Of course, Golovkin needed to hold up his end of the bargain, as he was scheduled to face off against Ryota Murata. Despite turning 40 years of age one day prior to their April 9th showdown, Golovkin brutalized his man, scoring the stoppage victory in the ninth round.

As Golovkin flicked on his television set this past Saturday night to take in the sights of Alvarez’s showdown against Bivol, a part of him, albeit reluctantly, was heavily rooting for his longtime rival. But while Golovkin nodded and smiled in approval as Alvarez started strong, Golovkin placed an incredulous hand over his mouth as he watched the rest of their bout unfold.

Outside of the first initial few rounds, Bivol dominated the pound-for-pound star. At times, a visibly gassed Alvarez languished against the ropes, breathing deeply, hoping for a reprieve from a relentless Bivol. Alvarez’s amnesty, however, never came.

Bivol, beaming with confidence at this point, closed strong, lacing Alvarez with a nonstop barrage of pernicious shots, doing so until the sound of the final bell. Alvarez, 31, had on his best poker face as he waited patiently for the final scores to be announced. While he raised his hand in victory, it was Bivol’s name that was announced shortly after.

With the Mexican star tasting defeat for the first time in nearly a decade, he impetuously declared that he would enact his immediate rematch clause, a statement he has somewhat backed away from. If Álvarez does, in fact, opt to face Bivol once more, Golovkin should turn his back on their lucrative and personal rivalry.

There’s nothing more for Golovkin to gain at this point in his career from facing Alvarez. His perpetual rival’s aura of invincibility has already been stripped away.

During their first encounter in 2017, most of the boxing world was bemused by the final result as Alvarez appeared lucky to have been given a split decision draw. In their immediate sequel one year later, while Alvarez scored a majority decision victory, both pugilistic media minds and rabid fans of the sport were ambivalent with the final call.

Not only has Bivol successfully ended Alvarez’s reign atop boxing’s Mount Everest, but, by and large, he’s also dampened his third showdown against Golovkin.

While no one else will allow the Kazakstan native to fatten his wallet the way a bout against Alvarez can, he does have both lucrative offers and mouthwatering showdowns that stand before him.

For years on end, Jermall Charlo has publicly called for a middleweight unification bout against Golovkin, something the now 40-year-old has never truly entertained. In addition to Charlo, Demetrius Andrade has remained loquacious over a matchup against Golovkin.

The seemingly countless zero’s that were expected to come with a showdown against Alvarez has ostensibly evaporated. So has a chance at revenge. That doesn’t mean Golovkin and Alvarez won’t meet again, however. But for the time being, while both bouts will be forever etched in boxing history, there’s no need for a third.

Charlo, Andrade, or even an audacious move to 168 pounds to take on David Benavidez, are all on the table for Golovkin if he so pleased. Whatever Golovkin ultimately chooses, it’s time for him to leave his rivalry with Alvarez in the rearview mirror.

Posted on 05/10/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Despite reigning as light heavyweight champion for the better part of the past five years, Dmitry Bivol capitulated to many of the demands of Canelo Alvarez.

Although Alvarez came into their May 7th, showdown as the challenger, it was Alvarez who was allowed to walk second and introduced last prior to their bout. Bivol, while a proud champion, was willing to do essentially whatever it took to get boxing’s premier star into the ring.

After gnashing his teeth while saying yes to all of Alvarez’s requests, the 31-year-old Russian had officially landed the one bout he craved above all others.

Heading in, Bivol paid no attention to oddsmakers pegging him as a considerable underdog on the night. Also, the WBA light heavyweight titlist ignored Alvarez’s staunch supporters who predicted he would be violently stopped on the night.

A stone-faced Bivol calmly made his way through the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, first. He also stood patiently as Alvarez was given his grand entrance. Nevertheless, from the moment the opening bell rang, Bivol marched forward and took the fight to the former pound-for-pound king.

Although Alvarez as of late, has punished his foes, resulting in stoppage victories in four of his previous five bouts, Bivol showed his resolve. The normally offensive brilliance of Alvarez, by and large, was rendered useless as Bivol maintained his defensive principles while piling up the points.

With all three judges scoring the bout handing Bivol a 115-113 unanimous decision victory, the former pound-for-pound king revealed that he would pursue an immediate rematch, words that became music to the ears of Bivol.

Openly, the Russian native admits that while he fully intended on winning against Alvarez in their first bout, he more so wanted to use their initial bout as a way to be thrust into the limelight. In what now appears to be an upcoming sequel, Bivol has now shifted gears. With his star power receiving a considerable bump, Bivol wants to show the rest of the world that while Alvarez is a terrific fighter, he’s simply a cut above.

“First fight was important to me because I wanted to introduce myself to the boxing fans,” said Bivol during a recent interview with FightHype.com. “Second fight, I want to prove that I’m really better than him. He is the bigger name but I am better.”

In addition to allowing Alvarez to dictate both the ring walks and introduction, Bivol also reveals that he took a massive financial blow. According to multiple reports, Alvarez earned somewhere in the ballpark range of approximately $50 million, including roughly 70 percent of the pay-per-view revenue. Bivol, on the other hand, may have pocketed around $2 million plus a lower-end portion of the pay-per-view revenue.

Financial ramifications aside, Bivol has no qualms about the sacrifices that were made in order to secure the biggest victory in his career. This time around, however, with part two lurking, Bivol is more assertive in his monetary demands.

“I can earn more money for a rematch and get more attention.”

Posted on 05/09/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Admittedly, Terence Crawford knew he had plenty of competition.

The Omaha, Nebraska, native and current WBO welterweight champion has always been proud of his pugilistic achievements. Having won world titles at 135, 140, and now – 147 pounds, Crawford not only considers himself the best welterweight in the world but the best overall fighter on the planet.

But, despite his bravado and unwavering self-belief, Crawford was somewhat accepting of his position amongst his fellow fighters.

In the mind of many, Canelo Alvarez was viewed as not only boxing’s premier attraction but also, its best fighter. While Crawford tipped his cap in acknowledgment of Alvarez and his overall achievements, the 34-year-old welterweight belt holder still adamantly backed himself as the best fighter in the world.

Regardless of his position, Crawford reluctantly accepted his placement behind the Mexican native. Nevertheless, following Alvarez’s lackluster defeat this past weekend at the hands of Dmitry Bivol, Crawford now believes he has officially usurped Alvarez on virtually every pound-for-pound list.

“We know who #1 is now,” said Crawford on his social media account.

Bivol, the current WBA light heavyweight belt holder, marched through a sea of dubious voices at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past Saturday night. As Alvarez’s supporters continued to scream and shout in his direction, the Russian native remained stone-faced and focused on the task at hand.

Although Alvarez has openly admitted in the past that fighting at 175 pounds places him at a significant disadvantage, after aggregating every world title at 168 pounds, the Mexican product craved a new challenge.

During the early portions of his light heavyweight bout, Alvarez appeared to dictate the action. However, as the rounds slowly ticked by, an increasingly elusive Bivol began finding his rhythm. Alvarez, 31, while known for his defensive acumen, languished against the ropes for long durations, resulting in Bivol piling up the points en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Considering Alvarez’s recent defeat, coupled with Crawford’s continued run of dominance, the switch-hitting star believes he should rise unopposed to the top of the pound-for-pound charts.

In Crawford’s most recent trip to the ring, the 34-year-old successfully defended his WBO crown against former two-time world titlist, Shawn Porter. In doing so, Crawford became the first man to stop Porter in his tracks, accomplishing the feat in the 10th round.

Posted on 05/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Eddy Reynoso beamed with pride and confidence as he watched his fighter, Canelo Alvarez, make his way to the ring late last night.

As a jam-packed crowd in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, roared vociferously, Reynoso remained steadfast in his belief that his Mexican star would keep his staunch supporters on their feet.

While pegged as a considerable underdog, Dmitry Bivol was both unfazed and undaunted by the task at hand. In the opening round, the Russian native appeared content and willing to allow Alvarez to bully him against the ropes. As the rounds slowly ticked by, however, he slowly began finding his rhythm.

At times, Alvarez’s backers sat quietly as Bivol blasted his man mercilessly. A visibly tired Alvarez admitted that during the championship rounds, he was running on fumes, something Bivol would take full advantage of.

Despite languishing against the ropes for long stretches, Alvarez proudly rose his hand in triumph as the sound of the final bell blared through T-Mobile Arena. Nevertheless, while Alvarez believed he was only moments away from arguably his greatest achievement, it was Bivol who was left grinning from ear to ear as all three judges scoring their light heavyweight bout handed the Russian star a close but clear unanimous decision victory.

As both Alvarez and Reynoso retreated to their dressing room in disbelief, the pair have already revealed that their rivalry with Bivol has only just begun. In the end, while Reynoso refuses to fulminate over the judge’s decision, he believes they ultimately handed the victory to the wrong fighter.

“Yes, there’s no doubt about that, we want that rematch,” said Reynoso to a group of reporters. “We felt that we didn’t lose the fight, just some rounds. We want that rematch to see what we can do better.”

After wrapping every world title around his waist at 168 pounds, Alvarez, 31, craved an even bigger challenge. In an effort to meet his wishes, Reynoso viewed a light heavyweight showdown against Bivol as the ultimate risk.

Having produced a spotless record through 19 professional bouts, Bivol gladly accepted team Alvarez’s decision to face him. Reynoso, who also manages Alvarez in addition to training him, is of the belief that the former pound-for-pound king followed his pre-fight game plan to perfection.

Still, regardless of Alvarez’s execution, and despite Reynoso maintaining that his fighter should have been given the victory, he won’t allow himself to take the spotlight away from Bivol. More than anything, the former trainer of the year believes that while Bivol has sullied Alvarez’s record, the Mexican native can walk with his head held high.

“You have to give good credit to Bivol and what he did but Saul is a winner and he will come back stronger.”

Posted on 05/07/2022

By: Hans Themistode

An unprecedented amount of Canelo Alvarez fans have swarmed the Las Vegas, area. The reason for their presence is a simple one, as Alvarez is set to return to the ring later on tonight to take on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.

But while Alvarez’s undying supporters have come out in full force, Jake Paul is of the belief that the pound-for-pound star’s upcoming trek to the ring will be a box office failure.

“Dmitry Bivol?” Questioned Paul. “No one wants to see that fight.”

Regardless of Paul being apathetic toward Bivol’s upcoming showdown against Alvarez, the Russian native believes he has what it takes to solve one of boxing’s most bemusing puzzles.

After failing to enter the ring for the entirety of his 2020 calendar year, Bivol bounced back nicely in 2021. Up first for the light heavyweight titlist, was a tougher than expected test against Craig Richards. While he would ultimately go on to pick up the unanimous decision victory, Richards fought Bivol on mostly even terms.

At the tail end of Bivol’s year, he looked remarkably better against Umar Salamov, as he scored the lopsided unanimous decision win. With the 31-year-old producing a spotless record through 19 professional bouts, Paul shrugs his shoulders as he downplays the overall drawing power of the Russian native.

Ultimately, Paul is of the belief that Alvarez has two well-known and more distinguished fighters who are more worthy of his time in the ring.

“Fight (David) Benavidez, quit ducking Benavidez, quit ducking (Jermall) Charlo.”

As Paul eludes to, both Benavidez and Charlo were offered to Alvarez as part of a two-fight deal made by Premier Boxing Champions Al Haymon. Benavidez, and Charlo for that matter, have urged the pound-for-pound star to face them inside the ring. But, despite their constant callouts and regardless of Paul’s chastisement, Alvarez opted against facing either foe.

Although initially apoplectic by his decision, both Charlo and Benavidez have moved on.

In the case of Benavidez, the former two-time super middleweight champion will square off against David Lemieux on May 21st, with the winner being awarded the WBC interim crown. As for Charlo, while he has stated on numerous occasions that he would eagerly and swiftly acquiesce to Alvarez’s weight demands and face him at 168 pounds, for now, he’ll remain in the middleweight division where he’ll attempt to defend his prized WBC title against Maciej Sulecki on June 18th.

Posted on 05/06/2022

by John “Gutterdandy” Walker

Former heavyweight champions of the world the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, won’t be cheering on WBA light heavyweight champion Dimitry Bivol when the latter man takes on superstar Canelo Alvarez this Saturday evening at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Though Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs), a Russian, has spoken out against the war his country has chosen to wage against neighboring Ukraine, the Ukrainian Klitschko brothers are far from satisfied about Bivol is getting a world wide platform to perform against Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) in the middle of a bloody conflict that his country started.

According to former unified world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, currently fighting on the front lines with his brother [the current mayor of Kyiv] Vitali, it’s nothing personal against Bivol, but a matter of principle.

In an interview with the BBC, Wladimir recently opined that “[Bivol should] absolutely not [be facing Canelo]. Every sanction, and it’s nothing against the personality or athletes, it’s about the politics of Russia.”

“Every Russian representative in this case needs to be sanctioned, because this way we show to Russia that the world is against this senseless war and that there’s no good in this war,” Klitschko said.

Bivol, of course, sees the issue differently, and claims the realms of sports and politics should be kept separate.

“All his career I support [Wladimir], I liked how he was fighting and of course I was glad when he won,” said a somber Bivol.

“He is [a] sportsman, he should know sports and politics is different. He was [an] athlete. Now he is politician. It is sad that wants to shake it up and mix sport and politics,” a downcast Bivol told Britain’s IFL TV.

While the Klitschkos won’t be making a Vegas trip to see Bivol defend his title against Alvarez, one face to look for at ringside is that of current “retired” WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Last weekend, Matchroom promotions honcho Eddie Hearn put on a successful women’s boxing headliner featuring popular Irish fighter Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

Irish compatriots such as former pugilist Matthew “Mack The Knife” Macklin, and according to rumor, Tyson Fury himself were slated to fly to Manhattan to cheer on their woman, but Mackin and “other boxing figures” were refused entry into the USA due to their connections with former MGM/MTK honcho and reputed Irish mob kingpin, Daniel Kinahan (“MTK” is an acronym for Mack The Knife).

Fury, rumor has it, was tipped off not to get on the plane to Manhattan. The WBC champion, who recently made light work of hapless challenger Dillian Whyte, was very friendly with Kinahan until the FBI offered a $5 million reward for the mob boss, at which point an agitated Fury was adamant that he knew nothing of Kinahan’s business and split ties with him.

If Fury, who recently bought a home in the Las Vegas area, and who is due to meet with the WBC next week to discuss his retirement plans–which he claims are 100% irreversible–fails to show at the Canelo vs Bivol tilt, the rumor mill over Fury’s own legal status regarding Kinahan and the now-defunct MTK Global promotional outfit will surely go into overdrive.

Posted on 05/06/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Dmitry Bivol is well aware of the uphill battle that will be standing before him.

On May 7th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Russian native will attempt to knock boxing’s premier star in Canelo Alvarez, off his high horse, while simultaneously defending his WBA light heavyweight crown. In the eyes of many, a victory for the Mexican product is simply a formality. With Alvarez audaciously snagging every world title at 168 pounds, he saunters into his bout against Bivol as a sizable favorite.

Still, the betting market’s conjecture will have no bearing on how Bivol will ultimately fair against Alvarez. Having scored victories against the likes of Joe Smith Jr. and Jean Pascal, Bivol has the experience and physical attributes to give Alvarez all he can handle. But just because Bivol can pull off the victory, will he? Let’s dive in and take a look at Bivol’s keys to nabbing the biggest win of his career.

Jab, jab, and jab some more

For as great as Canelo Alvarez has proven to be in his career, he still has one glaring hole in his awe-inspiring defensive game…the jab. Even while rising to the top of virtually every pound-for-pound list and despite embezzling several world titles across countless weight classes, fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Sergey Kovalev, Gennadiy Golovkin, and most recently – Caleb Plant, gave Alvarez fits with a piercing and consistent jab.

Luckily for Bivol, he has one of the best in the business. Before going into his offensive bag of tricks, Bivol uses his jab to soften up his opponents. Alvarez, known for his willingness to come forward, often flashes a high guard as he stalks his foes. For every step that Alvarez takes, Bivol should place his stinging jab into the face of his man. Alvarez’s ability to slip and counter is well chronicled but a well-timed jab can disrupt his defensive rhythm.

Be the bigger man

Although Alvarez has outboxed many high-level boxers, as of late, he appears hell-bent on ending his pugilistic night before the sound of the final bell. With stoppage victories in four of his five most recent ring appearances, including against Sergey Kovalev, another world titlist at 175 pounds.

Regardless of the pernicious knockout power Alvarez has displayed, Bivol has to remember one thing, he is the bigger man. Physicality hasn’t always been a major part of the Russian star’s career. Instead, he often opts to remain on the outside and outbox his opponents. While effective in most circumstances, Bivol can’t afford to simply sit back on his laurels and allow Alvarez to control the real estate of the ring. Come forward, push Alvarez back physically and remind him that he is, in fact, the bigger and stronger fighter.

Land the right hand

During the early stages of Bivol’s career, he was miscast as a deleterious knockout artist. While he did real off six consecutive victories from 2014 to 2016, Bivol has been forced to enlist the help of three judge’s watching ringside for his past six bouts.

Be that as it may, Bivol is very much a puncher. According to former two-time super middleweight champion David Benavidez, Bivol has quite possibly the most lethal right hand he has ever absorbed during sparring. The Russian native should uncork said right hand whenever possible and dissuade Alvarez from simply barreling forward. If Bivol connects early and often, and Benavidez’s words prove to be true, a more cautious Alvarez could change the entire complexity of their showdown.

Posted on 05/06/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Since officially opting against accepting Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions’ two-fight offer, promoter Eddie Hearn has become incredulous about the ongoing narrative surrounding Alvarez’s decision.

From the moment the Mexican star wrapped the final 168-pound title around his waist following his 11th round stoppage victory over Caleb Plant in November of 2021, Alvarez was bombarded with numerous offers.

Initially, Haymon dangled a two-fight deal in the face of Alvarez. Amongst the names that were mentioned on said deal, was a 168-pound showdown against current WBC middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo.

Ultimately, Alvarez found Hearn’s proposal more enticing. In just a few short hours, on May 7th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alvarez will take on the first name as part of his three-fight agreement with Hearn when he faces off against WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol.

Soon after Alvarez inked his name on the dotted line, fans of Charlo have fulminated over the Mexican star’s choice. As his staunch supporters continue to publicly back their man as a more difficult fighter to deal with as opposed to Bivol, Hearn believes everyone has lost their mind.

“How can you say that Charlo is a tougher fight than Bivol at 175 pounds?” Said Hearn to a group of reporters. “Who has Charlo ever beat?”

The normally truculent knockout artist hailing from Houston, Texas, has continually called for a showdown against Alvarez. He continued his tradition following his unanimous decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel in June of 2021.

In an effort to lure his man into the ring, Charlo, who has never competed over 160 pounds, openly revealed that he would be more than willing to acquiesce to Alvarez’s weight demands by fighting as a full-fledged super middleweight.

Ultimately, following Alvarez’s decision to go in another direction, team Charlo pursued a middleweight showdown against highly ranked contender, Jaime Munguia. Although both fighters agreed to the financial portion of their deal, network disagreements pushed their bout to the wayside.

Despite the constant change in opponents, Charlo has settled on a new foe. On June 18th, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Charlo will take on fringe contender Maciej Sulecki.

Upon hearing the news, Hearn becomes bemused by Charlo’s opponent selection. In the end, however, Hearn is unwilling to place the blame completely at Charlo’s feet for what he believes is a subpar foe. Instead, the longtime promoter looks directly at Premier Boxing Champions for what he perceives is myopic matchmaking.

“Sulecki? I don’t blame Charlo because he’s fighting a guy he’s not even motivated to fight. Charlo is an outstanding fighter but you’re not going to see that unless he steps up and fights a real fight. Put him in with (Caleb) Plant, put him in with (David) Benavidez.”

Posted on 05/05/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Although becoming a world champion brings a certain amount of spotlight and attention, that aforementioned spotlight is intensified tenfold when facing Canelo Alvarez.

The pound-for-pound star and multiple division titlist has brought his adoring fans and staunch supporters with him to Las Vegas where he’ll be taking on current WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.

While Bivol has proudly held his world title for the better part of the past five years, he admits that facing Alvarez brings an unprecedented amount of eyeballs. With the two officially set to square off this Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, Bivol has noticed a trend with many of Alvarez’s opponents.

By and large, the Mexican star fills arenas and brings a large number of media personnel to his bouts. In Bivol’s opinion, the uncharacteristically large crowds often have a detrimental effect on Alvarez’s opponents.

Ultimately, Bivol admits that more cameras have been shoved in his face than usual and the seemingly perpetual interviews that he’s forced to partake in can become arduous and burdensome. Nevertheless, Bivol refuses to allow his newfound limelight distract him from the task at hand.

“Many people can’t get over all the pressure and the big ring and all of the fans but that’s a part of being champion,” said Bivol during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Mentally being there and getting over it.”

Alvarez’s upcoming title fight against Bivol will represent only the second fight of his career at 175 pounds. In November of 2019, Alvarez scored a concussive knockout victory over Sergey Kovalev. Since then, however, Alvarez has spent his time aggregating every world title at 168 pounds. Following his 11th round stoppage victory over Caleb Plant at the tail end of 2021, Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time.

While he may have competed above 168 pounds only once in his career, oddsmakers are publicly backing Alvarez to pick up the victory. Bivol, nonetheless, is incredulous over the feelings of the betting public.

In addition to holding a spotless record through 19 professional bouts, Bivol has registered 11 stoppage victories. Although his last knockout performance came in 2018, the Russian native is confident that due to a combination of both his punching power and his decided weight advantage, he has everything that it takes to stop Alvarez right in his tracks.

“I believe I can win. Why not? It’s boxing, we both have power. If I see I can knock him out, I will try.”

Posted on 05/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

From the moment Errol Spence Jr. made his professional debut in 2012 on a relatively small show in Indio, California, the Dallas native has shown an immense amount of confidence. But while it’s clear that Spence Jr. has the utmost faith in his skills, it appears as though the powerful southpaw believed he could dethrone arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Following Alvarez’s 11th round stoppage victory over Caleb Plant in November of 2021, the newly crowned undisputed super middleweight champion became a wanted man. On one end of the spectrum, was Eddie Hearn. The longtime promoter dangled a three-fight deal in the face of Alvarez. First up for the Mexican star, would be a date against current WBA light heavyweight titlist, Dmitry Bivol. Should Alvarez walk away from their contest unscathed, he would then move on to a showdown against longtime rival, Gennadiy Golovkin.

For Alvarez’s third bout with Hearn, names such as cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu, as well as Joshua Buatsi have been rumored to be the frontrunners.

As Alvarez pondered over Hearn’s offer, Al Haymon from Premier Boxing Champions made his move. Initially, it was revealed that both Jermall Charlo, the current WBC middleweight champion, as well as David Benavidez, were offered to the Mexican star. However, Tom Brown of TGB Promotions, divulged that there was another name offered to Alvarez as part of their initial package.

“Props to Eddy Reynoso, the ‘Manager of the Year,’ for getting Canelo these huge paydays with the least risk,” Brown said. “He had him take the least risk for the most reward. Because he had a chance to fight a reigning world champion at 160 pounds in Charlo and he also had a chance to fight an undefeated, two-time former 168-pound champion in Benavidez. Or he could’ve fought the reigning welterweight champion. It was a $100 million deal.”

The reigning welterweight champion that Brown is eluding to, is current unified titlist, Errol Spence Jr. According to Brown, Spence Jr. was willing to audaciously move up to take on Alvarez at a catchweight of 164 pounds.

Although Alvarez carefully looked over his options, he decided against Haymon’s offer in lieu of Hearn’s deal. Despite Alvarez now being tied at the hip with Hearn, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the negotiating table with Haymon. If Alvarez does, in fact, accept a future deal to face Spence Jr., the Mexican product reveals that he would be unwilling to acquiesce to his weight demands.

“I don’t want to do things like that. Catchweight? 164, why me? I don’t need to do that.”

Regardless of Alvarez’s public refusal to go down to 164 pounds, Spence Jr. has seemingly moved on from the idea of facing the pound-for-pound star…at least for now. Just a few short weeks ago, Spence Jr. successfully added yet another world title to his collection, scoring a 10th-round stoppage victory over Yordenis Ugas. Since nabbing the victory, Spence Jr. has openly admitted that he currently has his eyes set on facing longtime rival, Terence Crawford.

Ultimately, Alvarez continues to be apprehensive over the idea of squeezing down to 164 pounds. However, he isn’t completely eliminating the possibility of a showdown against Spence Jr. If, of course, he were willing to meet him at his natural weight.

“168,” continued Alvarez. “I don’t need to do anything like that.”

Posted on 05/02/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Despite reigning over the light heavyweight division as WBA champion for the better part of the past five years, Dmitry Bivol’s chances of beating Canelo Alvarez are being viewed as slim to none.

In the mind of the betting world and according to the prognostication of media pundits and fans, Alvarez will have his way with the Russian native when they square off this Saturday night, May 7th, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Alvarez, 31, has recently been spending his time aggregating every world title at 168 pounds. Following victories over Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant, Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time.

With every 168-pound world title tucked safely underneath his arm, Alvarez has decided against defending his undisputed throne, at least at the moment. Instead, Alvarez will attempt to plant his flag at 175 pounds, a division he’s competed in only once.

In Alvarez’s light heavyweight debut, the pound-for-pound star took on Sergey Kovalev. Although he was forced to tread water early on, Alvarez eventually found his rhythm as he outworked Kovalev during the later rounds before subsequently registering the stoppage victory in the 11th.

Having competed against Anthony Yarde less than three months prior to his showdown against Alvarez, Kovalev has always maintained that fatigue played a major role in his decisive loss.

Regardless of Kovalev’s opinion, the former unified light heavyweight champion has moved on with his career. Presently, the 39-year-old is set to make his cruiserweight debut on May 14th, against Tervel Pulev. Still, while Kovalev has left the light heavyweight division behind, he still glances back in wonder.

Considering Bivol’s recent stretch, earning back-to-back victories in 2021 following an idle 2020, Kovalev likes what he see’s from his fellow countrymen. So much so, in fact, that Kovalev is willing to go as far as to back Bivol in his upcoming bout.

“This fight is very interesting for me,” said Kovalev during an interview with You Can’t Play Boxing. “I think Bivol has a great opportunity to get a victory over Canelo. I believe he can get a victory over Canelo.”

Posted on 05/02/2022

By John “Gutterdandy” Walker

The stalled career of promising heavyweight Filip Hrgovic of Croatia took another unfortunate turn today, when the heavyweight giant pulled out of an IBF Eliminator with China’s Zhang Zhilei scheduled for the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez vs Dimitry Bivol Pay-Per-View clash at the T-Mobile Arena this Saturday in Las Vegas.

The massive Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs), often called the most avoided fighter in boxing, had run through a list of top heavyweight contenders who, for one reason or another, had all decided to forgo a shot at the IBF eliminator that would put the victor in place for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming rematch between former champion Anthony Joshua of the UK and current unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.

The fight would have pitted 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Hrgovic, 29, against 2008 Olympic silver medalist Zhang, 39, and the Croatian heavyweight had expressed delight that Zhang was willing to take him on. Now, however, Hrgovic is back in boxing’s twilight zone, as Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs), not thrilled at the idea of wasting an entire training camp, seeks a fighter willing to step in for the Croatian.

Still unconfirmed rumors have it that Hrgovic’s father passed away early in April, and that the fighter has been unable to focus on training camp to his satisfaction, leading to this very late withdrawal from the upcoming fight. IBF rules state that the elimination match must be rescheduled for a later date, but boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is currently seeking to accommodate Zhang’s desire to fight on Saturday by securing a last-minute replacement for Hrgovic.

Posted on 04/20/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There was an immense amount of pressure on the shoulders of Gennadiy Golovkin.

As the former pound-for-pound star packed his bags and headed to Japan to take on Ryota Murata in a middleweight unification bout on April 9th, the Kazakhstan star had plenty on the line. With Golovkin anxious to prove that he still has a considerable amount left in his 40-year-old tank, a win over Murata would allow him to move one step closer to closing the chapter with longtime rival, Canelo Alvarez.

Early on, Murata used the roaring crowd to his advantage as he peppered Golovkin with persistent jabs and lead left hooks. But, as Murata began slowing down, Golovkin began picking up momentum. As a result, Golovkin pounded his man in the ninth, forcing Murata’s corner to throw in the towel.

During a candid conversation, Alvarez admitted that he didn’t watch a single second of their middleweight contest live. However, from the few snippets he managed to watch at a later date, the Mexican native was underwhelmed.

“I don’t watch the fight,” said Alvarez to reporter Lance Pugmire. “I watch the highlights but he do what he supposed to do, win by knockout. I’m not impressed but he looks good, he looks strong.”

Having shared the ring with Golovkin on two separate occasions, the pair are on a collision course for a third contest. Officially, both sides have agreed to face off once more, provided, of course, they take care of business first.

In the case of Golovkin, he’ll now be allowed to kick his feet and wait on Alvarez following his ninth-round destruction of Murata. If Alvarez is successful in his bid to dethrone WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, the two will then move on to a September showdown.

Despite being known for his pernicious knockout power and regardless of being considered one of the best middleweights in recent memory, Alvarez reveals that he was never impressed with the overall skills of Golovkin.

“I was never impressed, even before. I was never impressed by him. I know what he do. I know he’s a strong fighter, I know what kind of fighter he is but I’m not impressed.”

Posted on 04/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

By and large, Canelo Alvarez is considered the best fighter that the sport of boxing has to offer.

No matter the weight class and regardless of the credentials of his opponent, Alvarez has reigned supreme as he pillages world title after world title in countless weight classes.

In just under four weeks, Alvarez will look to strip Dmitry Bivol of his WBA light heavyweight title. While viewed as a sizable favorite, many are under the assumption that Bivol will present the pound-for-pound star with several uncomfortable challenges.

In addition to the growing groundswell surrounding Bivol and his chances at knocking off Alvarez, the Russian star maintains his own overwhelming self-confidence in his abilities.

Nevertheless, as Bernard Hopkins analyzes the fighting styles of both fighters, he’s unable to pinpoint where Bivol will have his advantages. Ultimately, for those who believe Bivol will shock the world on May 7th, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hopkins is a firm believer that not only will Alvarez end the world title reign of Bivol, but he’ll do so in violent and devastating fashion.

“Canelo wins by knockout before the seventh round,” said Hopkins during a recent interview with FightHype.com.

An effortless night for Alvarez would serve as a consistent theme of the Mexican star over his past few fights. With three consecutive knockout victories over Avni Yildirim, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant – the latter resulting in the fourth and final world title at 168 pounds being wrapped around his waist, Hopkins has been thoroughly impressed by what he’s seen from Alvarez.

Furthermore, not only does Hopkins view the chances of Bivol pulling off the victory as relatively slim, the former two-division world title holder doesn’t see anyone in any weight class, being able to compete with Alvarez.

“I don’t see anybody in boxing right now that can match that.”