Golden Boy Canelo Alvarez’ Redemption Title Fight
BoxingGlove Notes
Distinio Lois, Jr.
It seems to be a foregone conclusion that in order for Saul “El Canelo” Alvarez to be able to redeem himself to the fight fans especially his Mexican loyalist he has to fight Gennady 3G Golovkin, but, in the meantime he is fighting unknown Liam Smith, W.B.O. Junior Middleweight Champ and must defeat him decisively, maybe by knockout. That decision was a major disappointment to the fans.
This championship fight that will be held at the 80,000 capacity AT& T Arena, Arlington, Texas on Saturday, September 17, 2016 is no doubt a substitute for the anticipated global mega war with “3G” Golovkin, who just recently demolished a Canelo substitute, Welterweight-147 pounder-Kell Brook.
Is it possible that these substitute fights could be finally phased out and the real deal fights will finally be promoted? We will know that answer after September 17, 2016.
After Canelo disposed of Amir Khan it was understood that he would then fight 3G Golovkin who was in the audience that night, but the following days Canelo angrily stated that he was not going to be pressured by any sanctioning body and forced to fight who they indicated would be his next mandatory opponent. To the surprise of many he gave up his middleweight titles, obligating Golovkin to accept the challenges of I.B.F. Welterweight Champ Brook.
It was well known in the boxing circles that Alvarez wanted to exercise his demands that Golovkin fight him at a 155 pound catch-weight agreement while actually defending his 160 pound titles. An angry Golovkin refused and the contracts talks were cancelled.
The question that many have asked is that if a fighter leaves his weight classification, challenges for a higher weight and wins that title, why in defense of that higher weight title he demands to fight at the lower weight level he had just abandoned? It doesn’t make sense. Canelo should’ve stayed at 154 pounds.
Liam Smith was a highly decorated amateur fighter, and after making his pro debut in October 10, 2008, he remains undefeated with a record of 23-0-1, 13 knockouts winning 4 European Junior Middleweight Titles and he then won the W.B.O. Crown.
Smith has fought all of his fights in England and the Canelo fight will be his first in the United States. He is a very good defensive hard punching fighter the youngest of 5 fighting brothers.
Smith has confidently stated that, “I am not Amir Khan, I am bigger, stronger, and if Canelo is taking me for granted, he made a big mistake because I am here to beat him and keep my title.”
Smith stated further, “I know that there is a lot of pressure on Alvarez to win and go on to fight 3G but I did not come here for just a payday. I came here to win and then fight all of the top middleweights in this country, maybe even Golovkin.”
Although Alvarez is a 10-1 betting favorite over Smith there is a belief that he is indeed under pressure to win and will try to bully Smith like he did James Kirkland. This plan may be a little difficult-my opinion-because Smith is a boxer who moves and counter-punches like Floyd Mayweather, Austin Trout, and Erislandy Lara who confused Alvarez.
Liam Smith could upset a worried Alvarez because he is a good jabber, is fast and also a good body puncher which is to Smith’s advantage since in past fights Alvarez has had stamina problems.
“Canelo Alvarez has more to lose than me that is why I know that I will win, and I know that he then will probably demand a rematch because he let his fans down,” stated a super confident Smith.
Canelo Alvarez who has been very quiet but ferocious in training camp perhaps knows that this is a must win for him and he has to look very good maybe even score a knockout.
A victory for Alvarez will keep hope alive that the mega fight with 3G Golovkin could still be contracted for some time next year, 2017. There is also suspicion that promoters are trying to create the frenzy of anticipation almost like the Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight of the century which left many fans disappointed after waiting for 8 years.
Black Star News feels that Canelo Alvarez will win by knockout around the 9th round after wearing down a game, courageous but outclassed Liam Smith.
