By Sean Jones: Canelo Alvarez will need to re-think his assistance on wanting the rematch with Dmitry Bivol at 175 next September.
In the eyes of many boxing fans, the only chance that Canelo (58-2-2, 39 KOs) has of beating Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) is to drain him down to 168 for the rematch and hope that he’s weakened enough to gain an edge.
Canelo’s promoter Eddie Hearn is keen on the idea of the rematch with Bivol taking place at 168 because, like the fans, he feels that it’ll even things out a little.
We’re assuming that Canelo won’t put off the rematch with Bivol a third time by choosing another direction, as he did last September, and he’s already planned for May.
Canelo’s fight in May could be against John Ryder, his WBO 168lb mandatory challenger, who should be harmless as long as he doesn’t gas out.
“I’m curious to see what weight the rematch will be. If Bivol has to shrink down to 168, that might take something out of him,” said Chris Mannix to Town Bizznizz sports and ent about the rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol.
It’s got to take something out of Bivol if he drains down to 168 because he’s going to have less power on his shots, and his energy level could take a hit as well.
“I actually think that’s a smarter idea for Bivol because it’ll not only protect his 175-lb title for a unification down the line because in a way, he could punch his ticket to the Hall of Fame by becoming a two-time undisputed champion,” Mannix continued.
“One at 168 and perhaps once at 175 if he’s able to do that. So I think it’s a smart, calculated move by Bivol, but at 175, I don’t think Canelo can beat Dmitry Bivol. I think he’s too good.
“At 168 where Bivol is a little bit drained, I think the doors open for Canelo to get his revenge.
“They make weight classes for a reason, and to Canelo’s credit, he’s moved up and up and up over the last couple of years. The [Sergey] Kovalev win, people don’t give him enough credit for.
“Kovalev was still a big puncher at that stage. He got the win, he got the knockout, but Bivol is an in his prime light heavyweight, and in that weight class, I think it’s a little too much for Canelo,” said Mannix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF60TLAL5k8