By Jim Calfa: Canelo Alvarez lifting weights to strengthen himself for his next fight on Cinco de Mayo in May in what is expected to be a title defense against the Eddie Hearn-promoted John Ryder.
Canelo (58-2-2, 39 KOs) was seen on video doing some heavy squares with 400 lbs, trying to strengthen his skinny legs. With that kind of weight, there’s always the potential for knee injuries, and hopefully, the Mexican star doesn’t get hurt.
Given the way Canelo gassed out in his last two fights against 40-year-old Gennadiy Golovkin and Dmitry Bivol, he needs to work on his cardio to build up his stamina.
Hitting the weights hard is detrimental for Canelo because it could slow him down, and it won’t do a thing to help his cardio.
If Canelo is going to have any chance of defeating Bivol, he’s got to build up his poor conditioning because he was exhausted by the third round last May.
Interestingly, Bivol was in first gear the entire fight, taking it easy and not pushing a fast pace on the red-haired superstar.
During the only instance when Bivol did shift into second gear, he had Canelo on the verge of a stoppage in the fifth round when he unleashed a ferocious seven-punch flurry.
The referee Russell Mora watching closely, looking ready to step in. If Canelo doesn’t change his mind bout rematching Bivol, there’s a possibility that he could get knocked out because Dmitry will likely throw a lot more punches.
Canelo’s Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn wants to bring him over to England to broaden his international appeal before a British audience against the Brit Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs).
“John [Ryder] is the [WBO] mandatory challenger. He’s the perfect fight for Saul to do as he says, run out before Dmitry Bivol,” said Eddie Hearn to DAZN Boxing Show.
Ryder would be the perfect fight for Canelo if he were facing a fringe contender at 168 or 175, but he’s a complete waste of time in preparing him for a rematch with Bivol. His fighting style is completely different than Bivol, and it’s not going to help Canelo other than fattening his wallet.
“Are plans for Canelo are John Ryder and then Dmitry Bivol if he’s successful,” said Hearn. “He [Canelo] wants to break boundaries. He wants to fight internationally. It would be an incredible atmosphere and a great occasion.”