Canelo To Fight Callum Smith on Dec 5th

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/54981343

I am fully expecting Smith to do well here, utilising his height and reach advantages and pretty much winning every round. When the fight goes to the scorecards, Canelo will win by 116-112, 113-115 and 119-110, because it's Canelo.

I don't dislike what Canelo does - winning all those different titles and facing loads of champions is pretty amazing, but the drug "ban" (money talks, remember) and forcing others to fight at "Caneloweight" during his "middleweight" reign, plus the times he's likely had a judge in his pocket leaves a bit of a nasty taste. Great, great fighter, but will always have an asterisk for me.

I hope that Smith is really up for this and brings his A game to Vegas, and doesn't freeze and fold like Fielding did. He certainly has the potential to make it awkward for Alvarez. Have to say I am glad it isn't Saunders getting the pay cheque this time round.

Álvarez will KO Smith inside 6 rounds. Smith got beaten by a journeyman like Ryder. This is essentially Smith’s retirement fund.

Smith starts as favourite for me, has the size and jab to trouble anyone.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Álvarez will KO Smith inside 6 rounds. Smith got beaten by a journeyman like Ryder. This is essentially Smith’s retirement fund.

I reckon Smith was a bit like Lennox Lewis in that fight - the opponent wasn't top drawer so he was complacent. I would expect a much better performance as he'll be facing one of the best in the business. He has the tools and the talent to make life awkward for Alvarez, and almost an 8" reach advantage. I just hope he doesn't get d!cked by the judges if it goes the distance. I don't ever recall Smith ever being on the floor, si it would take a hell of a shot by Canelo - Smith's a live opponent and rated number 1 at the weight so I doubt it'll be the walkover you reckon.

Mr Bounce wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:Álvarez will KO Smith inside 6 rounds. Smith got beaten by a journeyman like Ryder. This is essentially Smith’s retirement fund.

I reckon Smith was a bit like Lennox Lewis in that fight - the opponent wasn't top drawer so he was complacent. I would expect a much better performance as he'll be facing one of the best in the business. He has the tools and the talent to make life awkward for Alvarez, and almost an 8" reach advantage. I just hope he doesn't get d!cked by the judges if it goes the distance. I don't ever recall Smith ever being on the floor, si it would take a hell of a shot by Canelo - Smith's a live opponent and rated number 1 at the weight so I doubt it'll be the walkover you reckon.

When I say KO I mean by body shots, Álvarez isn’t exactly a big head hunter.
Smith’s one noteworthy win is against Groves who was shot to pieces after his shoulder dislocation.
Don’t see Smith having any real chance.

Here comes the hyperbole.

Soul Requiem wrote:Here comes the hyperbole.

Hyperbole or straight up facts?
You think Álvarez is going to be scared just because Smith is very big?
I highly doubt it considering he fought at 175 not too long ago.

If Smith uses his head, he'll keep him at range. He's no mug, and Canelo is not superman, he's a talented guy for sure, but the Smith camp have been looking to land this fight for a while now - they obviously have a plan. Smith is unnaturally huge for a Super-Middle. If Smith can force Alvarez to fight how he wants, he's got a good chance.

This has a points win written all over it for me. (Two of the judges probably already have it for Alvarez along with a new Mercedes).

Although he fought at LHW, there was only about 1 1/2 - 2" difference in reach between Alvarez and Kovalev. Another 6" on top is a different kettle of fish. Not many boxers are scared of their opponents - I just think Canelo will have to be very savvy to beat a guy with this much size advantage.

Jeff Navarro wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:Here comes the hyperbole.

Hyperbole or straight up facts?
You think Álvarez is going to be scared just because Smith is very big?
I highly doubt it considering he fought at 175 not too long ago.

To quote you he fought a completely shot Kovalev at short notice.

Soul Requiem wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:Here comes the hyperbole.

Hyperbole or straight up facts?
You think Álvarez is going to be scared just because Smith is very big?
I highly doubt it considering he fought at 175 not too long ago.

To quote you he fought a completely shot Kovalev at short notice.

You might be correct but Kovalev wanted that $12m retirement fund - alternatively put I would’ve sold my belt for that figure as well

Has Canelo ever underperformed? In his first fight against GGG it is said by some that GGG should have won, but even here did Canelo actually underperform? Canelo seems to have a high level of consistency.

He didn't perform at all against Mayweather, yes he was in against a genuinely great opponent but his performance was non existent.

50/50 fight....Got a lot of time for Smith and he is is huge at the weight. Also has a huge reach advantage...Decent power.

I can see an upset.