Tag Archives: Canelo Alvarez

Posted on 04/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Sweat drips down profusely from the brow of Dmitry Bivol as he continues his relentless preparation for May 7th. On the night, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bivol will enter the ring for the first time in his career as a prohibited underdog when he takes on pound-for-pound star, Canelo Alvarez.

Throughout most of Bivol’s career, he’s placed the bulk of his attention on aggregating world titles at 175 pounds. However, with Alvarez competing just one weight class below, Bivol has long envisioned a showdown between them.

Unsurprisingly, with Alvarez becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all-time and being regarded as the consensus best fighter in the world, the Mexican star has been the topic of conversations for nearly a decade now.

Bivol, 31, admits that he too has had discussions surrounding the skills of Alvarez. That said, Bivol is often forced to place his hands over his mouth in order to conceal his laughter. While he wholeheartedly respects Alvarez and everything he brings to the table, the Russian star is firmly of the belief that some of his in-ring abilities are a bit exaggerated.

“Of course, he has good power,” said Bivol during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “He has good skills but most people think about him like he’s untouchable or he’s unstoppable or he has enough power to beat super heavyweights. Sometimes it’s funny to hear about him from people.”

The stories of Alvarez’s Fairytale-like capabilities will be tested firsthand by Bivol come May 7th. Following an inactive 2020, where Bivol failed to compete at all, the WBA light heavyweight titlist returned to the squared circle in back-to-back showings in 2021.

With an undefeated record through 19 professional bouts, Bivol is confident heading into his showdown against Alvarez. However, more than just his spotless record and respectable punching power, Bivol looks long and hard at the tattered record of Alvarez.

Although the 31-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, has registered multiple wins against a who’s who of fighters, Bivol also notices that his resume is far from perfect. Through 60 career bouts, Alvarez failed to leave the ring with his hand held high in victory on three separate occasions.

Of course, Alvarez’s split decision draw against Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018 and his 2013 majority decision loss against Floyd Mayweather are well chronicled. Nevertheless, once Alvarez’s resume is dived into even deeper, fans of the Mexican star will take notice to a split decision draw against Jorge Juarez in 2006, just Alvarez’s fifth career fight.

Considering the stains on his ledger, Bivol’s confidence shoots even higher as he believes he can add another loss to the pound-for-pound star’s name.

“He’s a good fighter but he’s a man. He has a loss and a draw. It means if you believe in your skills and you’re a good boxer, you can give him another loss.”

Posted on 03/29/2022

By: Hans Themistode

It was all falling into place for Caleb Plant.

Long before the Nashville, Tennessee native expressed his desire to become a world champion, and prior to the 29-year-old turning professional in 2014, Plant believed it was his destiny to become the first super middleweight champion of all time.

Following his 2019 victory over Jose Uzcategui, Plant placed a checkmark next to his first goal, as he successfully lifted Uzcategui’s world title. With the rest of his fellow champions spread across numerous parts of the world, Plant was ecstatic as he sat back and watched Canelo Alvarez do all the heavy lifting.

With the pound-for-pound star aggregating the WBC, WBO, and WBA 168-pound titles, Plant found himself just one win away from his self-believing prophecy coming true. While Plant was pegged as a significant underdog heading into their November of 2021 showdown, the slick 29-year-old proved that he wasn’t in over his head.

As the two battled it out in front of a jam-packed Las Vegas crowd, Plant eventually succumbed to Alvarez’s power via 11th round knockout. At the time of stoppage, all three judges scoring from ringside had their contest extremely close. Jude Patricia Morse Jarman had it 96-94, in favor of Alvarez. While Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld had it 97-93 and 98-92 respectively, also in Alvarez’s favor.

As Plant has taken the time to reflect on what could’ve been, he’s motivated by the closeness of their initial bout. Now, as he attempts to lick his wounds, Plant reveals that no matter who is placed in front of him, he’ll dispatch of them on his way to facing Alvarez once more.

“I want my rematch with Canelo,” said Plant on Thaboxingvoice. “If I need to beat every other top super middleweight in the division to get my rematch then that’s what I’m willing to do.”

The first stop on Plant’s redemption trail appears to be a showdown against fellow former titlist, Anthony Dirrell. Both camps are currently locked in intense negotiations with all signs pointing toward the pair squaring off within the next few months.

Should Plant pick up the win, he’s well aware that snagging one victory wouldn’t be enough to gain the attention of Alvarez. Ultimately, Plant believes that he’ll need to claim the scalps of much bigger names in the division. Most notably, David Benavidez.

For a number of years, Benavidez has stood obtrusively in the path of Plant. While the eventual goal of the former champion is to work his way back to a rematch against Alvarez, he candidly admits that a showdown against Benavidez is also at the top of his wishlist.

“That’s a fight that I want and that’s a fight that I been wanting.”

Posted on 03/29/2022

By: Hans Themistode

If the career of Canelo Alvarez were to abruptly end at this very moment, the Mexican star can look back on his time in the ring with pride. However, he does have more that he wants to accomplish.

Having won world titles in four separate weight divisions, Alvarez is widely viewed as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Come May 7th, at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alvarez hopes he’ll maintain his standing as boxing’s leading man.

On the night, Alvarez will ditch his undisputed super-middleweight throne in an effort to begin life as a full-fledged light heavyweight, as he takes on WBA titlist, Dmitry Bivol. In 2019, Alvarez was successful in his lone appearance at 175 pounds, dethroning Sergey Kovalev via 11th round stoppage and taking home his WBO title in the process.

Unlike his previous transient light heavyweight appearance, where Alvarez immediately vacated his newly won title, the 31-year-old has no intentions of doing so this time around. In fact, if Alvarez drapes light-heavyweight gold over his shoulders on May 7th, his next goal will be a crystal clear one.

“I really wanna be undisputed at 175,” said Alvarez to several reporters.

Before Alvarez went on to become the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time, he was forced to track down every world titlist. In December of 2020, Alvarez defeated Callum Smith. In doing so, he snagged Smith’s WBA title and won the vacant WBC crown. Several months later, Alvarez cornered former WBO champion, Billy Joe Saunders. Once the pair officially squared off in the ring, Alvarez ended the title reign of his man via eighth-round stoppage.

With one title left for grabs, Alvarez and then, IBF champion, Caleb Plant, engaged in long and drawn-out negotiations. Although it appeared as though their contest was dead in the water on several occasions, the two resolved their contractual differences before letting their fists fly at both the pre-fight presser and on the night of the fight.

With Alvarez eventually stopping the slick former titlist, his sights are now set on repeating the feat one weight class higher. This time around, however, Alvarez’s road to undisputed figures to be a bit less congested. With WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr., and unified titlist Artur Beterbiev, officially pegged to face one another on June 18th, the winner of their violent clash will be in possession of three of the four major world titles at 175 pounds.

Although at one point, Alvarez appeared apprehensive about competing as a light heavyweight for a protracted period of time, with the Mexican star truly coming into his own, he’s now willing to fight the much larger men that house the 175-pound division.

“I’m in my prime, I feel more confident, I feel strong.”

Posted on 03/25/2022

By: Hans Themistode

The skills of Devin Haney have been praised long before he turned professional in 2015. So far, the immensely talented 135-pound belt holder has lived up to the hype.

With Haney on the verge of taking on George Kambosos Jr. for the remaining three lightweight titles, the 23-year-old star believes he’ll receive worldwide recognition. Still, even if Haney takes his place atop the 135-pound landscape, he doesn’t believe he should be considered the best fighter in the world. In his opinion, Canelo Alvarez has rightfully earned that distinction.

“Yes,” said Haney to a group of reporters when if Alvarez is the best fighter on the planet currently. “Yes for sure.”

Like Haney, many in the boxing world share his belief. Over the span of approximately four years, Alvarez has waltzed up and down numerous weight classes, picking up countless world titles along the way.

In 2018, Alvarez scored quality victories against Gennadiy Golovkin and Rocky Fielding. In the process, he added the WBA and WBC middleweight titles and WBA “Regular” super middleweight championship to his collection. In 2019, Alvarez grabbed more middleweight gold, before moving up to the 175-pound division to strip Sergey Kovalev of his WBO title.

From 2020 to 2021, Alvarez planted his flag firmly in the ground of the super middleweight division. The Mexican star would spend approximately the next 12 months truncating the world title reign of every belt holder, en route to becoming an undisputed champion.

For an encore, Alvarez will brazenly challenge WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol on May 7th. Should he walk away successfully, Alvarez is tentatively scheduled to face Golovkin at 168 pounds, before possibly making the move to cruiserweight to close out another strong year.

Considering Alvarez’s penchant for challenging world champions across multiple weight classes, Haney continues to sit back in awe. With the Mexican star willing to fluctuate his weight so consistently, Haney has no choice but to crown him as boxing’s leading man.

“He can go up and down, up and down, and still be dominant, I take my hat off to him.”

Posted on 03/24/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Dmitry Bivol is well aware of the monumental task that stands in front of him on May 7th.

On the night, the WBA light heavyweight titlist will attempt to knock Canelo Alvarez off his pound-for-pound throne. The two will square off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what’s expected to be a sold-out crowd.

Alvarez, 31, has effectively rounded up every world title at 168 pounds over the course of 12 months, en route to becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time. With little to nothing left to accomplish at his current weight, Alvarez will attempt to snag his second world title at 175 pounds.

Despite the move up in weight, most are of the belief that Bivol’s size, weight, and power advantages will be rendered useless. However, while the Russian-born product doesn’t have many backers, he believes that as long as he fights to his capabilities, both Alvarez and his undying supporters will be in for a shock of a lifetime.

“I just have to do my job,” said Bivol during an interview with K.O. Artists Sports. “If I do it well, I will win.”

Following a quiet 2020 in which Bivol failed to enter the ring at all, the 31-year-old bounced back nicely in 2021. During the year, Bivol picked up back-to-back victories against Craig Richards and Umar Salamov. Nonetheless, wins against consecutive journeymen appear to be inadequate preparation for his contest against Alvarez.

Throughout most of the Mexican star’s career, he’s shown an ability to fight in a multitude of ways. Against Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout, Alvarez boxed his way to victory. In bouts against Amir Khan, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant – Alvarez bullied them into submission.

While preparing for every facet of Alvarez’s game is an arduous task, Bivol knows good and well that in doing so, the road to beating the pound-for-pound star will become much easier.

“I need to be ready for anything. To move forward, to move back, to make combinations, for everything.”

Posted on 03/22/2022

By: Hans Themistode

The boxing world has always debated loudly over certain hypothetical matchups. From fans banging their heads against the wall that Floyd Mayweather would box circles around “Sugar” Ray Leonard to pundits around the globe claiming that Muhammad Ali would defeat Tyson Fury, despite the height and weight disparity.

Over the past few years, one theoretical showdown, in particular, has captured the imagination of many.

With Canelo Alvarez making a beeline up and down numerous weight classes, the Mexican star solidified himself as boxing’s pound-for-pound best in the mind of many, following his undisputed run at 168 pounds. However, before Alvarez took his place as the man to beat, Andre Ward proudly held that distinction.

In addition to Ward becoming a unified world champion at 168 pounds, he would go on to become a unified titlist at 175 pounds as well. With Ward, abruptly retiring in 2017, following an eighth-round knockout victory over Sergey Kovalev, Alvarez is now confidently marching through Ward’s old stomping grounds.

As a result, fans have continually salivated over a hypothetical matchup between the pair. Ultimately, while Alvarez’s diehard’s have sided with the current pound-for-pound star, and zealots of Ward are standing firmly in his corner, Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, having seen both men up close and personal, believes she knows who would have prevailed if they stepped into the ring against one another.

“If they got in the ring together, I would have to pick Canelo,” said Duva during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Andre Ward is terrific but Canelo is superhuman. I have been astonished by what he’s accomplished. As good as Ward is, he’s not challenged himself the way Canelo has. He spent years sitting out, voluntarily, he didn’t have to.”

As Duva eludes to, from 2013 to 2014, Ward publicly feuded with former promoter, Dan Goossen. The genesis of their issues stemmed from a contractual dispute. Initially, Ward believed that Goossen was never his sole promoter. Instead, Ward was under the assumption that their partnership was split between Goossen and co-promoter Antonio Leonard. With Leonard shut out of the picture monetarily, Ward took issue with Goossen. Although things were eventually worked out, Ward spent a full year and a half out of the ring, before returning full-time in 2016.

Regardless of Ward’s promotional issues, he picked up exactly where he left off. To cap off his Hall of Fame career, Duva watched from her ringside seat as Ward handed previously undefeated pound-for-pound star, Sergey Kovalev, back-to-back defeats.

Still, as Duva juxtaposes Ward’s accomplishments to Alvarez, she believes it’s a no-brainer.

“Nothing against him, he managed his career however he needed to. But when you compare what he’s accomplished to what Canelo’s accomplished, it’s night and day. I know he’s a terrific boxer and he’s great with the head games. He did a very effective job on Sergey with that for sure. We knew it was coming, we did everything we could think of to stop it but he’s good at it. I don’t know if that works on Canelo. He’s been there and done more.”

In 2019, in an unexpected move, Alvarez brazenly made the jump from a full-fledged 160 pounder, to the light heavyweight division. The Mexican native would go on to violently rip Kovalev’s WBO world title away. In doing so, Alvarez became a four-division world titlist. Ultimately, Duva isn’t able to pinpoint who was the better fighter between Alvarez and Ward. However, unambiguously, Duva believes that if the two were to meet in the ring at any point in time, Alvarez would emerge victoriously.

“If you ask me to pick who’d win if they were head to head, I don’t know who’s the better fighter because you can put two great fighters together twice and get two different results. But head-to-head, Canelo beats anybody he wants to fight basically.”

Posted on 03/21/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Although it’s been nearly a decade since Erislandy Lara fought a much younger Canelo Alvarez, the Cuban-born star is still incredulous by the final result.

In July of 2014, Alvarez, then a 154-pound contender, attempted to prove that he had grown since suffering defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather one year prior. With the newly inducted Hall of Famer boxing circles around the Mexican native, Alvarez believed that a win over an elite-level boxer such as Lara, would push his career in the right direction.

Ultimately, despite Lara believing that he had done more than enough to have his hand raised in victory, he was forced to swallow a highly controversial majority decision defeat. Although Lara has learned to live with the results, he still believes he was given a raw deal.

Even now, at the age of 38, Lara is of the belief that no matter who Alvarez faces from here on out, both himself and former stablemate, Jermall Charlo, are his most arduous combatants.

“Jermall Charlo and myself, we are the most complicated opponents for Canelo,” said Lara during an interview with George Ebro. “We are the most dangerous. With me [Canelo] lost.”

Before Alvarez officially signed up to take on WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Charlo was firmly entrenched as a possible foe for Alvarez. In the end, however, Alvarez opted against facing the current WBC 160 pound titlist, at least for now.

Regardless of Lara attempting to lure Alvarez back into the ring for a second time, the two are highly unlikely to run things back at this point in their respective careers.

Since suffering defeat against Alvarez, Lara strung together an undefeated streak from 2014 to 2017. Nonetheless, he would go on to lose once more against Jarrett Hurd in 2018, before picking up a split decision draw against Brian Castano in 2019 at 154 pounds.

With wear and tear, as well as age, kicking in, Lara has opted to move up in weight. During his first contest as a full-fledged middleweight in 2021, Lara scored a brutal one-punch knockout over Thomas LaManna. As for his next bout, Lara has a firm idea as to when he’ll step foot inside the ring again, but he’s unclear against whom.

No matter whom he faces, Lara will simply attempt to keep his momentum going, while keeping one eye on Alvarez.

“I feel good, thank God, in tremendous condition. They told me that I would fight again on May 7. Let’s see if it holds up, with God’s permission. It is the same day as Canelo Alvarez, but we will see what happens from here to there.”

Posted on 03/16/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Both Edgar Berlanga and those around him are desperate to push him down an arduous road.

To kick off his career, Berlanga made quick work of his first 16 opponents, stopping each of them in the opening round. However, as of late, the New York native has been met with considerable resistance.

During Berlanga’s April 2021 showdown against Demond Nicholson, the 24-year-old was forced to go the distance for the first time in his career. In his following bout, Berlanga was pushed even further.

Affectionately known for his ability to put his opponents down, Berlanga was forced to deal with his own adversity as he was dropped in the 9th round against former 168-pound title contender, Marcelo Esteban Coceres. While Berlanga ultimately went on to win a decision on the scorecards, the heavy-hitting contender tore his left bicep and underwent subsequent surgery.

As Berlanga has diligently worked on his ring return, which will take place this weekend against Steve Rolls, the highly ranked contender has partnered with former world titlist, Mickey Bey.

With both Bey and head trainer Andre Rozier working closely with Berlanga, Bey has been thoroughly impressed by what he’s seen. In fact, in Bey’s opinion, if Berlanga continues on his current trajectory, he sees mega showdowns against the division’s best taking place in the not-so-distant future.

“What I’ve been seeing in the past couple of weeks, I see him being able to fight anybody in the world in 12 to 18 months. You’ll be able to see him in there with Canelo, anybody.”

Canelo, of course, currently has a firm hold on every world title at 168 pounds. Despite the gap in both age, 31 to 24, and experience, Berlanga himself has stated on numerous occasions that a showdown against Alvarez is one that he craves.

Still, presently speaking, Bey wants Berlanga to focus on the immediate future. In due time, Bey believes that Berlanga will push himself to the top of the 168-pound food chain. For now, however, Bey is expecting a dominant showing this upcoming weekend at Madison Gardens Hulu Theater.

“I expect him to look great and dominate next week.”

Posted on 03/14/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Count Gervonta Davis amongst a large list of supporters standing solidly on the side of Canelo Alvarez.

Throughout the years, the Mexican native has become one of the most well-known and well-respected fighters in all of boxing. His rise to the top of the pugilistic sport, however, coincides with his fairly lopsided majority decision loss at the hands of Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

Since then, Alvarez has gone undefeated in his next 16 consecutive fights. Along the way, he’s snagged world titles in various weight classes while making vast improvements.

Davis, admittedly, has become a huge fan of Alvarez. Although Davis has done his best to protect his glistening 26-0 record, the heavy-hitting multiple division titlist believes that Alvarez has become an entirely different animal following his decisive loss at the hands of Mayweather nearly a decade ago.

“I like Canelo as a fighter,” said Davis during an interview with Fino Boxing. “He’s tough. He learned a lot from his loss from Floyd. It made him a better fighter.”

Alvarez, now 31, has solidified himself as boxing’s biggest star. Over the span of 12 months, give or take, Alvarez truncated the world title reign of every 168-pound belt holder in the world. With victories over Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant – Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time.

In an effort to maintain his lofty status on boxing’s mountain top, Alvarez will move up in weight to take on current WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. As the Mexican product continues to push his physical limits, Davis sits back in awe at both his overall accomplishments and his impressive skill set. Although Davis has found his name plastered on several credible pound-for-pound lists, he believes that no one should be placed above Alvarez.

“Pound-for-pound, he needs to be number one.”

Posted on 03/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Through 24 hard-fought rounds between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin, most of the boxing world is still split on who was the better fighter.

Although on paper Alvarez has the edge, having picked up a split decision draw and majority decision win in their two-part sequel, the Mexican star is preparing to put the final nail in Golovkin’s coffin.

Just a few short weeks ago, Alvarez inked his name as part of a three-fight agreement with promoter Eddie Hearn. On May 7th, Alvarez will leave his undisputed super-middleweight throne, in an attempt to grab championship glory when he takes on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. At the tail end of the year, most likely in December, Alvarez will either face off against WBC cruiserweight belt holder Ilunga Makabu, or super middleweight contender, John Ryder.

Sandwiched in-between those previously mentioned contests will be a third showdown against Golovkin. First things first, however, both men must win their upcoming bouts. Alvarez, of course, will have his hands full against Bivol, while Golovkin, on the other side of the spectrum, will have to deal with fellow middleweight titlist, Ryota Murata.

Since suffering the one and only defeat of his career at the hands of Alvarez, Golovkin has gone on to pick up three consecutive victories. But, despite adding to his win column, Golovkin hasn’t looked quite like his old explosive self.

In the case of Alvarez, his name often protrudes to the top of most pound-for-pound lists as boxing’s leading man. Since Golovkin, the 31-year-old has collected world titles at 160, 168, and 175 pounds.

With both Alvarez and Golovkin engaging in back and forth wars over the years, Mikey Garcia has watched from the sidelines with enjoyment. Ultimately, while Garcia has always revered Golovkin, as a third showdown between them draws near, he’ll be disingenuous in stating that Golovkin has a chance at pulling off the victory. With the future Hall of Famer and current IBF middleweight titlist now 39 years of age, Garcia believes that Golovkin will fall at the hands of Alvarez in the most brutal of ways.

“I think Canelo stops GGG at this point now,” said Garcia to K.O. Artist Sports. “It’ll be a good matchup but I think Canelo stops him.”

Posted on 03/10/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Before Canelo Alvarez could sit back on his newly built undisputed throne, the Mexican star was bombarded with offers for his services.

Alvarez sat in his palatial estate and carefully sifted through two multi-fight offers that were saddled with the sort of life-changing money that many could only dream of. On one end of the spectrum sat PBC’s Al Haymon. After doing business with Alvarez just a few months ago, the powerful advisor offered Alvarez a two-fight deal that would see him take on WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo on May 7th, before turning around four months later to take on former two-time super middleweight titlist, David Benavidez.

Not to be outdone, Eddie Hearn grabbed his own seat at the table. He then slid a comprehensive and lucrative deal in the direction of Alvarez. His, however, was a three-fight contract. On May 7th, Hearn dangled a light heavyweight showdown against Dmitry Bivol for his WBA 175-pound strap, which would be followed up by a third, and presumably final, showdown against Gennadiy Golovkin in September. Should all go well, Alvarez could face John Ryder in London at 168 pounds in December or he could opt to move up in weight to take on WBC cruiserweight titlist, Ilunga Makabu.

Of course, fans of the pugilistic sport begged and pleaded with Alvarez to take PBC’s deal. They dreamed of Alvarez taking on Houston’s Charlo in what would most likely be a back and forth battle fought in the center of the ring. Those same very fans drooled profusely as they envisioned Benavidez getting his shot at the Mexican star.

Ultimately, Alvarez choose against Haymon’s offer and shook hands with Hearn instead. In no time, fans fulminated over his decision. Claims of “ducking” both Charlo and Benavidez ensued as fans believe Alvarez took the easier route.

In the end, we’re here to say…fans got this one wrong. Let’s break down Alvarez’s options from PBC.

Charlo, an aggressive, come forward fighter has gained somewhat of a reputation as a violent puncher and strong finisher. False. Since 2018, Charlo has finished just two of his six opponents.

In addition to Charlo failing to score knockouts as of late, a showdown against Alvarez would take place at 168 pounds, a weight class he’s never competed at. To further dampen Charlo’s chances against Alvarez, the 31-year-old middleweight titlist has spent more and more time sequestered on the sidelines. In each of the past two years, Charlo has stepped foot inside the ring just once annually.

How about Benavidez? The 25-year-old has it all offensively. From combination punching to underrated defensive skills, Benavidez has the sort of work rate and offensive firepower to keep Alvarez on his toes and thinking. Still, a lack of big fight experience could be his undoing. Only once in Benavidez’s 25 pro fights has he shared the ring with a former world champion, Anthony Dirrell in 2019. With time, Benavidez will likely become Alvarez’s most dangerous opponent but not now.

In the eyes of many, despite the disadvantages they would carry into the ring against Alvarez, many are incredulous to the chances of a soon-to-be 40-year-old Golovkin, a mostly unknown Bivol, and if things go according to plan, possibly Makabu.

Consider this, while many have dismissed Golovkin as a walk in the park due to his age, the same happened in 2012. A 39-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez, coming off a Manny Pacquiao loss just one year prior, was given essentially no chance heading into their fourth showdown. Of course, Marquez would go on to flatten Pacquiao in the sixth round, putting an end to their four-fight rivalry.

While Golovkin has lost a step or even two, his familiarity with Alvarez through 24 rounds of blood and guts action, shouldn’t be summarily dismissed. And, for what it’s worth, Golovkin believes that unlike many who have found Alvarez to be a bemusing puzzle to unlock, the current IBF middleweight titlist maintains that his overall experience will lead him to victory.

“I know Canelo as a fighter,” said Golovkin during an interview on Walking The Floor. “I have the keys to open him up, how to fight against Canelo.”

As for his upcoming showdown against Bivol and his tentative contest against Makabu, were lukewarm on the latter. If Alvarez does, in fact, take on the cruiserweight titlist, he’ll be at a massive weight disadvantage. However, in terms of skills, Makabu isn’t impressive. The highly inactive and relatively unknown cruiserweight belt holder struggled against fringe contender Thabiso Mchunu on January 29th, earlier this year, settling for a split decision victory.

Ultimately, Bivol presents Alvarez with the most difficult task of them all. Not only is he unblemished through 19 pro fights, but his current light heavyweight title reign saw him pick up well-needed wins against experienced and notable fighters such as Sullivan Barrera, before he became a journeyman, Jean Pascal, a solid and durable former champion, and Joe Smith Jr., the WBO light heavyweight champion at this very moment.

Most will point a dubious and unflattering finger to Bivol’s close call against Craig Richards in 2021. Despite the scorecards, Bivol went on to thoroughly outbox Umar Salamov at the tail end of the year, not a notable fighter but a respectable one.

Unlike the rest of the names that were hurled in Alvarez’s direction, Bivol presents a myriad of problems in the ring. From his box first approach to his speed and power. If we go back even further, Bivol has always had the pedigree to compete at the highest of pugilistic levels, racking up a record of 268-15 as an amateur.

Both Charlo and Benavidez are the more recognizable names, the flashy and sexy picks. And while they also bring a level of hostility and will to win with them to the ring, in facing Bivol, Golovkin, and possibly Makabu – Alvarez took the much more dangerous route, whether fans want to admit it or not.

Posted on 03/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Add Jermell Charlo’s name to a long list of pugilistic fighters who crave a showdown against boxing’s biggest star, Canelo Alvarez.

“I sure wish I could be the guy to fight Canelo,” said Charlo during a recent interview with Brian Custer on The Last Stand Podcast.

Although Charlo has thrown his name in the mix, along with twin brother and current WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, former two-time super middleweight belt holder David Benavidez, multiple division champion Demetrius Andrade, and countless others – Charlo is placing most of his focus on his 154-pound division.

The current unified junior middleweight titlist is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to take on WBO belt holder Brian Castano. The two are slated to face off in an immediate rematch on May 14th, with the winner being crowned as the division’s first undisputed champion since Winky Wright in 2007. The two originally squared off in July of 2021, battling to a highly controversial split decision draw.

In addition to history being on his mind, Charlo knows good and well that a showdown against Alvarez is highly unlikely. With the Mexican star competing at 175 pounds in his next ring appearance against Dmitry Bivol, Alvarez would have to lose a considerable amount of weight in order to face Charlo.

If, however, Alvarez decided to placate Charlo and take him up on his fight offer, the heavy-hitting Houstonian wouldn’t ask Alvarez to come down entirely to the 154-pound junior middleweight limit. Instead, Charlo would be willing to meet him somewhere in the middle.

“Canelo, come to 158, I can easily make 158.”

Officially, Alvarez hasn’t fought under 160 pounds since scoring a stoppage win against Liam Smith in 2016. Alvarez’s 154-pound run was widely successful. At one point, he held the WBC, WBA, and WBO junior middleweight titles.

During said run, of course, Alvarez suffered the first and only defeat of his career against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 at a catchweight bout of 152 pounds. Alvarez was thoroughly outboxed throughout their 12 round chess match as a 36-year-old Mayweather drove his record to a then, 45-0.

Although Alvarez has improved by leaps and bounds since then, Charlo believes that if he were given the chance, his showdown against Alvarez would be deja vu for the Mexican star.

“I’ll put a boxing lesson on him, just as great as Floyd Mayweather did. It’s time they put some respect on my name in the boxing world.”

Posted on 03/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Eddie Hearn is a staunch and firm believer in the talent of Canelo Alvarez.

The immensely gifted pound-for-pound star has walked through his competition no matter what division he’s competed in. During the last 12 months, more or less, Alvarez has stripped every 168-pound world titlist of their championship status.

In December of 2020, Alvarez easily outpointed Callum Smith to win his WBA and Ring Magazine titles, as well as the vacant WBC belt. From there, Alvarez violently ended the title reigns of Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant, while sandwiching a third-round knockout win over Avni Yildirim in-between.

With all four world titles in his possession, Alvarez will now try his hand at 175 pounds. The Mexican superstar will take on Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, with the hopes of snagging his WBA title in the process.

Although Alvarez has opened up as a sizable favorite in the betting market, Eddie Hearn believes that conquering the undefeated Bivol is a monumental task.

“As good as Canelo is, I think this is a really tough, dangerous fight,” said Hearn to a group of reporters. “Moving up to 175 is a disadvantage unquestionably. But to do it against a young light heavyweight in his prime, he’s undamaged.”

Even with Bivol coming in as the bigger man, Alvarez won’t be a complete fish out of water. In November of 2019, Alvarez boldly opted to move up two divisions to take on then WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

In the end, while Kovalev proved to be tricky, Alvarez found the fight-ending shot in the 11th, leaving Kovalev slumped over the middle ropes and officially closing the curtains on their contest. Ultimately, Alvarez’s win, in Hearn’s opinion, was impressive but it shouldn’t be used as a measuring stick for how he’ll do for his second light heavyweight trip.

Throughout most of Kovalev’s career, although he was once a pound-for-pound stalwart, he bickered back and forth with his former trainer John David Jackson and dealt with legal issues as well as an alcohol addiction. Couple his outside of the ring matters with his age, 36 at the time, and Hearn is firmly of the belief that in the case of Alvarez’s fight with a 31-year-old Bivol, things could play out entirely differently.

“It’s not like it’s Kovalev who lived a bad life and is getting a bit old. This is a prime light heavyweight so, I worry about the Bivol fight. It’s a really tough fight.”

Posted on 03/07/2022

By: Hans Themistode

For most, Canelo Alvarez is considered the best fighter in the sport of boxing. With several world titles spread across numerous weight classes, Alvarez has stepped forward as boxing’s leading man.

In the mind of renowned trainer Abel Sanchez, he too admits that Alvarez is one of the best fighters around. However, even with Alvarez making quick work of every belt holder at 168 pounds to become the division’s first undisputed champion, Sanchez believes he knows the three fighters who would be the Mexican star’s kryptonite.

“There’s three guys that can give Canelo a hard time,” said Sanchez during an interview with FightHype.com. “That’s [Artur] Beterbiev because he’s a bigger man, David Benavidez, and Gennadiy Golovkin.”

In the case of Golovkin, the Kazakstan power puncher has swapped fists with Alvarez on two separate occasions with Sanchez standing firmly in his corner as his former trainer. Although both contests were close, both Golovkin and Sanchez have always maintained that Alvarez was given favorable judging, as Golovkin was forced to settle for a split decision draw and a majority decision defeat.

Since having the first and only loss of his career saddled to his record, Golovkin promptly parted ways with Sanchez and enlisted the help of Jonathon Banks. Presently, the pair have picked up three consecutive victories. But, even with Golovkin racking up the wins, Sanchez can hardly recognize his former star.

Under his guidance, Sanchez shaped Golovkin into one of the more pernicious power punchers the sport of boxing has ever seen. Now, however, with his new trainer, Golovkin, while still dangerous, has morphed into much more of a boxer. While the results are still the same, Sanchez doesn’t believe Golovkin’s new style will be prudent.

Be that as it may, following years of back and forth trash talk, Golovkin officially secured a third showdown against Alvarez. The two will square off for presumably the final time in September, as long as both men pick up victories in their upcoming bouts.

For Alvarez, he’s set to take on WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol. Golovkin, on the other hand, has an April 9th date with WBA middleweight belt holder, Ryota Murata.

According to the early betting market, Alvarez is viewed as a considerable favorite in their tentative third contest, a far contrast from Alvarez entering the ring as a slight underdog against Golovkin in their previous two showdowns.

Golovkin’s age, 39, along with Alvarez’s rapid improvements over the years, play a major part in the betting markets shift. Still, regardless of Alvarez seemingly having the upper hand, Sanchez believes that his former fighter can pull off the win. If and only if, he abandons his new fighting approach that is, and gets back to his relentless pressure.

“The only way Gennadiy Golovkin can beat Canelo is if he gets in the kind of shape he used to be in,” continued Sanchez. “In my opinion, he’s trying to be somebody that he’s not right now. He’s not a boxer. Gennadiy Golovkin is going to walk you down and he’s going to beat the hell out of you and get you out of there. Or, he’s going to beat you so bad that you can’t continue. He’s trying to be somebody that he’s not.

During one particular destructive stretch from 2008 to 2017, Golovkin registered 23 consecutive knockouts. That version of Golovkin, and that one alone, is capable of giving Alvarez hell.

“I think he wants to prove to everybody that he can box. I think that Golovkin’s strength is his strength. When he walks you down and makes you succumb to what he’s got, that’s how he’s successful.”

Posted on 03/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Initially, many were led to believe that Canelo Alvarez and promoter Eddie Hearn were joined at the hip for his next two fights. Alvarez rebuffed a lucrative two-fight offer made by PBC’s Al Haymon that would see the pound-for-pound star take on Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez, in order to accept a two-fight deal from Hearn that will match him up against Dmitry Bivol and Gennadiy Golovkin instead.

With Alvarez officially booked up in May and September, Hearn recently revealed that his deal with Alvarez is actually for three fights. While no one has been officially named as of yet for Alvarez’s final contest with Matchroom, which will likely take place in December, Hearn believes he not only knows who Alvarez will likely face but also, where it will ultimately take place.

“It’s John Ryder in London, which will probably be his mandatory,” said Hearn during an interview with FightHype.com. “Or it’s maybe [Ilunga] Makabu in Guadalajara.”

Alvarez, who was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, hasn’t fought on his home soil since scoring a 12th round knockout win over Ryan Rhodes in 2011. Since fighting primarily in the United States, Alvarez has morphed into arguably boxing’s biggest star.

Recently, Alvarez stripped Caleb Plant of his IBF super-middleweight title in November of 2021, to become the division’s first undisputed champion of all time.

Ryder, 33, jumped onto the radar of Alvarez following his recent win over former two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs. Still, even with Ryder reeling off three straight victories, Makabu provides Alvarez something Ryder cannot, a chance at history.

The relatively unknown 34-year-old recently defended his WBC cruiserweight crown against Thabiso Mchunu during the first month of the new year. Before officially signing off to take on Bivol and Golovkin, Alvarez flirted with the idea of climbing up yet another weight class to snag his fifth world title, a record for a Mexican born fighter.

Admittedly, Hearn would love to see Alvarez pack his bags, stamp his passport, and head on over to the United Kingdom. But, even with that being the case, the longtime promoter admits that witnessing Alvarez return home would be on another level.

“Can you imagine, a Canelo Alvarez fight in Guadalajara? A part of me would love to bring him to the UK but also, to bring Canelo Alvarez to Guadalajara, and to see that as a spectacle. That’s maybe even over London.”