Tag Archives: Dmitry Bivol

Dmitry Bivol Eager For Canelo Alvarez Rematch: “I Want To Prove That I’m Really Better Than Him”

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.”

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Eddy Reynoso Eyeing Canelo Vs. Bivol Sequel: “There’s No Doubt That We Want That Rematch, We Didn’t Lose The Fight”

Posted on 05/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Al Bello

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.”

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Jake Paul Apathetic Towards Dmitry Bivol Vs. Canelo Alvarez: “No One Wants To See That Fight”

Posted on 05/07/2022

By: Hans Themistode

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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.

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Dmitry Bivol’s Keys To Victory Against Canelo Alvarez

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.

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Eddie Hearn: “How Can You Say That Charlo Is A Tougher Fight Than Bivol? Who Has Charlo Ever Beat?”

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.”

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Dmitry Bivol Confident He Has What It Takes To Stop Canelo Alvarez

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.”

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Sergey Kovalev Backing Dmitry Bivol Against Canelo Alvarez

Posted on 05/02/2022

By: Hans Themistode

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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.”

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Dmitry Bivol: “He [Canelo Alvarez] Has Good Skills But Most People Think About Him Like He’s Untouchable, Sometimes It’s Funny”

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.”

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Dmitry Bivol On Upcoming Clash Against Canelo Alvarez: “I Just Have To Do My Job, If I Do It Well, I Will Win”

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.”

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It Wasn’t The Popular Choice, But Canelo Alvarez Actually Took The Difficult Route

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.

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Eddie Hearn: “As Good As Canelo Is, I Worry About The Bivol Fight”

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.”

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Dmitry Bivol Compares His Skills To Canelo Alvarez: “He’s More Of A Brawler, I’m More Of A Boxer”

Posted on 03/02/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There was an indelible smile smeared onto the face of Dmitry Bivol. The 31-year-old light heavyweight titlist has been longing for a showdown against boxing’s premier star, Canelo Alvarez.

The wish of the current WBA 175 pound champion was officially granted just a few days ago as he’ll now take on Alvarez on May 7th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With the biggest night of his boxing life taking place in just over two months, Bivol took the time to analyze the overall skills of the pound-for-pound star.

“He has good skills and good power,” said Bivol during a recent interview with Fight Hub TV. “This is really interesting for me.”

Alvarez, of course, stormed through the 168-pound division for the better part of the past 12 months. From December of 2020 to November of 2021, Alvarez scored lopsided victories against Callum Smith, Avni Yildirim, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant.

As a result, Alvarez snagged every world title at 168 pounds to become the division’s first undisputed champion.

Although Bivol had no idea that a showdown against Alvarez was forthcoming, the Russian star admits to closely observing Alvarez over the years. Now, with Bivol beginning the early stages of his preparation, he believes he has a good grasp on what Alvarez brings to the table and how it compares to his own abilities.

“I think the main difference is he’s more of a brawler,” continued Bivol. “He’s looking for toe to toe, he’s looking for more of an aggressive type of fight. I’m more of a boxer that’s trying to keep the fight cleaner and trying to be more defensive. I think that makes the fight somewhat exciting actually.”

Bivol’s aforementioned boxing skills, have led him to an undefeated record through 19 professional fights, and a world title reign that stretches to the five-year mark. Following wide decision victories over Joe Smith Jr., Lenin Castillo, and most recently, Umar Salamov, Bivol was content with staying in first gear and playing things safe.

Against Alvarez, on the other hand, Bivol knows that he’ll have to take things up a notch if he wants to keep a tight grip on his world title.

“I can’t put everything on just trying to keep distance and trying to box. I have to be ready to fight him head to head or toe to toe if that happens. I believe I have the power and the strength to do that if I need to.”

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WBA Imposes New Rules Toward Russian Born Fighters

Posted on 02/28/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Most of the world has sat back in horror as the war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified.

In an effort to bolster their defenses, several Ukrainian boxing stars are lending their homeland a helping hand. Those would include former three-division titlist Vasiliy Lomachenko, current unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and his brother, Vitali Klitschko who held the WBC heavyweight crown and is the current mayor of Kyiv in Ukraine.

Most recently, it was revealed that Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, is preparing to deploy soldiers into Ukraine in support of Russia.

With no end in sight, the WBA sanctioning body has jumped into action. As a whole, the entire committee has agreed on a slew of succinct new rules that will take effect immediately.

In a somewhat similar move, the WBC, WBO, and IBF sanctioning bodies were all in agreement to no longer sanction boxing matches in Russia.

With the WBA taking their actions one step further, it’s yet to be known what role their new rules will play going forward for Dmitry Bivol. The 31-year-old Russian native is the sanctioning body’s only WBA champion across all weight classes.

The pugilistic power puncher, who’s scheduled to take on Canelo Alvarez on May 7th, has proudly draped his Russian flag over his shoulders before each of his bouts. Now, however, the WBA has made it clear that those actions will no longer be tolerated by Bivol or anyone else of Russian descent.

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Canelo Alvarez Set To Take On Dmitry Bivol On May 7th, Then Tentatively, Gennadiy Golovkin In September

Posted on 02/25/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez was flattered by Al Haymon’s two-fight deal worth upwards of $100 million to take on both Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez. Ultimately, however, the Mexican star found Eddie Hearn’s offer just a bit too enticing.

As first reported by ESPN, Alvarez has officially signed his name on the dotted line to first take on WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7th. Then, should Alvarez strip Bivol of his world title, the Mexican star will move back down in weight to defend his undisputed super-middleweight throne against longtime rival, Gennadiy Golovkin.

Golovkin’s side of the deal is predicated on the 39-year-old picking up a victory against WBA middleweight titlist, Ryota Murata. Initially, Golovkin had been hoping to swap fists with Murata at the tail end of 2021. But, in what’s become a consistent and unwanted pattern, their contest was scrapped due to rising COVID-19 cases in Japan, Murata’s home country, and the initial destination where their contest was set to take place.

While both Benavidez and Charlo are now officially out of the equation, at least momentarily, both Bivol and Golovkin are anxiously awaiting their opportunity. For years on end, Bivol has audaciously called for a showdown against Alvarez, even going as far as to say that he’ll move down to the 168 pound super middleweight limit to placate the Mexican native.

Following an inactive 2020 where Bivol remained sequestered on the sidelines, he made two successful defenses of his WBA strap in 2021 against Craig Richards and Umar Salamov.

In the case of Golovkin, although he’s looking forward to fattening his wallet with a third showdown against Alvarez, the current IBF middleweight champion believes their three-part fight series should have come to an end following their second fight. In September of back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018, Golovkin believes that he was given a raw deal. While he’s learned to live with the split decision draw and majority decision defeat he was given, Golovkin has quietly attempted to lure Alvarez back into the ring.

All the while, Alvarez has placed his attention elsewhere, aggregating every world title at 168 pounds against Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant to become the division’s first undisputed champion.

Despite Golovkin spending the vast majority of his violent career at 160 pounds, he’s agreed to face Alvarez as a 168 pounder. Although it will be the first time in Golovkin’s career that he’ll fight in a different weight class, he has fought above the 160 pound limit against Steve Rolls in 2019 at a contracted catchweight of 164 pounds, where Golovkin officially tipped the scales at 163. Ultimately, Golovkin blasted Rolls in the third round and would go on to reel off three consecutive victories since his loss to Alvarez.

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Canelo Alvarez Reportedly Sifting Through Offers To Face Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo And Dmitry Bivol

Posted on 01/26/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez is a wanted man.

As first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, Alvarez was offered a one-fight deal from PBC’s Al Haymon that would see him take on WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo on May 7th, Cinco De Mayo weekend.

In addition to that offer, rival promoter Eddie Hearn is offering Alvarez a two-fight deal. The first fight of said deal would be against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. Provided Alvarez escaped from their contest victoriously, the Mexican star would then face off against long-time rival Gennadiy Golovkin.

While both promoters would love a response sooner rather than later, Alvarez can seemingly take his time before making his decision. Following a wildly successful 2021 which saw the pound-for-pound star enter the ring on three separate occasions and capture every world title at 168 pounds, Alvarez revealed that his robust 2021 schedule had taken its toll on him. As a result, the Mexican product revealed that he would likely sit out until early May.

In Charlo, the truculent 160 pound titlist has craved a showdown with boxing’s biggest star for a number of years. In his lone appearance in 2021, Charlo defeated a tougher than expected Juan Macias Montiel. Although the Houstonian has proudly defended his WBC middleweight title on four separate occasions, he’s stated on numerous occasions that he would have no issue with moving up in weight to face Alvarez.

Much like Charlo, Bivol has also expressed a desire to face Alvarez. Though he campaigns at 175 pounds, Alvarez was once a light heavyweight titleholder following his 11th round stoppage win over former WBO champion Sergey Kovalev in 2019.

The Russian native has recently ended his inactive spell in 2021, winning back-to-back contests against Craigs Richards and Umar Salamov.

Despite both Charlo and Bivol’s eagerness to face Alvarez, Golovkin knows good and well what it feels like to share the ring with the Mexican star.

In September of 2017, both Alvarez and Golovkin engaged in a back and forth war. While their contest produced fireworks, their split decision draw left neither man satisfied. One year later, Alvarez would eke out a close and controversial majority win.

At the age of 39, Golovkin appears to be on the downside of his career. Still, the future Hall of Famer has reeled off two consecutive victories against Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Kamil Szeremeta.

The current IBF middleweight titlist is now patiently waiting on a future date against WBA champion Ryota Murata. The two were originally scheduled to face off in late December in 2021 but were forced to scrap those plans due to the travel ban that was implemented in Murata’s native land of Japan. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, he expects them to square off at some point in the first half of this year.

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