True, and it's doubtful he would have won either way, but he would have at least given himself an outside chance had he fought aggressively There was a bit of a similar matchup last week with Nakatani and Verdejo. Verdejo seemed so much better early on and was countering Nakatani hard whenever he opened up, but the Japanese kept applying the pressure and finally got the big ko win. Sure Canelo is not soft like Verdejo and few fighter have the do or die mentality ( it s easy to bitch about a fighter not thriwing punches while sitting in front of our computer) Nakatani has, but I felt Smith's effort was really underwhelming.
Alvarez walked through smiths best shots even when Smith began to finally land clean midway through the fight. Good performance by Alvarez
Haven't seen the fight yet but it sounds like the above. The guy is so far out of his depth at this level, it's absurd to me that he's actually won a Trainer of the Year award.
As I promised Ugo, I give Canelo full credit. Arguably his career best performance. All that was missing was a stoppage, which would have occurred if Callum showed the balls his older brother showed.
Your previous description sounds like the negative tactics some football (soccer) managers adopt. Don't commit much to anything. Play it safe, sit around and hope for an opening. Then afterward it gives you more room to make excuses if you didn't get totally demolished.
Supposedly Yildrim is next early next year. After that, I suspect a superfight with Charlo is coming in 2021.
Canelo just seems so powerful. Smith seemed to dwarf him in size and yet he seemed feeble in there. In light of this, I have to rethink my theory that Kovalev took a dive. Hate to say it, but my guess is Canelo is on some cutting edge gear.
Yildrim is a terrible waste of time. But I guess Clenelo deserves a softie, especially if he fights Charlo afterward
True even the all time greats took light touches and tune ups before a tough fights. I think if he fights Charlo it will be his toughest fight. Theres a reason Canelo's team have steered him clear of the Charlo brothers. The way big Charlo handled Deverechenko made me realize hes more than ready for Canelo and could pull the upset.
The level Canelo is operating on right now, no, I don't think Charlo can win. Alright, let me rephrase that... he CAN win, but I don't think he will. Charlo has holes that Canelo will exploit. Charlo is a better fighter than Smith though, and will put up a better fight. Charlo, Benavidez, and Plant would all put up a better fight than Smith did last night. But none of the three should be favored at the present time.
How good is plant? I keep hearing his name. 20 fights with only 12 kos. Does he have enough pop to get Canelo's respect? Or will Canelo bulldoze him like he did with Smith? Hard to imagine a fighter with only 12kos beating Canelo tbh. But I do see both Charlo and Benevides giving Canelo problems. The got the size and power to make it a good fight.
How good is Plant? Well, Plant's better than Smith. Save for Smith being a bigger hitter, Plant is better at every other facet of boxing. Based on the level Canelo's at currently, no, I wouldn't pick Plant. However, given the fact that unlike Smith, Plant actually has fast feet and good footwork, and unlike Smith, Plant has a sharp, snapping jab, I think he would account himself well against Canelo in a losing effort. Benavidez, if he could regain the form he had against Dirrell, has a better chance at beating Canelo than Charlo/Plant do. We're still a LONG way from this, but the best chance at beating Canelo might very well be Berlanga in 2 years if he develops correctly, and if any has any chin/stamina.
I still think BJ Saunders has a decent shot at beating him based on style. Canelo is short and not so fast on his feet. I could see Saunders outboxing him close (but not getting the decision obviously)