I think most of the forum would consider Canelo an underdog against the likes of Jones, Ward, Calz, and Toney. So, how does he fare against these guys? Froch Kessler Collins Eubank Sr. Watson Benn Abraham McClellan
Canelo "beats" Froch, Kessler, Collins, Eubanks, Benn Canelo cleanly beats McClellan and Abraham Watson gets a close decision over Canelo
I think Canelo should rightfully be the betting favorite over all the guys in this crop, but it's a close call with Kessler and Froch. I mean, let's be honest, Kessler and Froch would have also battered Smith/BJS/Plant, so it's hard to say how Canelo stacks up against them.
He’d struggle with Kessler and Froch but I give him a better shot against them than he would have against Roy, Toney, and Calzaghe. Those three would make him look really bad.
Nah, thats not happening. Froch represents the second best fighter Canelo has faced. Well, third best in name, but prime Froch is better than totally shot Kov. Froch would give him a tough fight.
I'd take Ginge over all but Watson and maybe Kessler and Eubank - I'd call those two 50/50s. I think Canelo takes a close decision over Froch and Collins; having won enough clear rounds early and close rounds mid-fight to eek out a decision. Very scruffy fight toward the end, though. Canelo's stamina looks good when he can fight at his own pace, but poor when he can't. These two wouldn't let him. Froch especially is a very hard fight. I think he dissects McClellan and clearly beats Benn. McClellan would be dangerous early on, but Canelo would sink his own body shots in and I just don't buy McClellan being one of the most monstrous punchers ever, or being 190 in the ring. The way he landed on Benn without getting the KO just doesn't deserve that title. I think Canelo takes his best early on and invests into his body; stopping him late. Benn would be far more competitive for far longer, but I think Canelo also invests downstairs and out-toughs him late. Both would fade, but only one would fold. Kessler and Eubank would both present issues for Canelo with their solid jabs, counter-punching and movement. Canelo can work his way inside and steal a few close rounds with clean punching and ring generalship - especially against Eubank, who could box within himself quite often. Watson is a little too sharp and savvy for Canelo IMO. He's also a really bad style, as he was both able to use movement and stop Canelo from settling, and also both outwork him on the inside. Obviously it's no blowout, but I think Watson is just awful for Canelo and that if he carried on fighting in the form he had for the Eubank rematch, he'd be the fifth best SMW ever after the consensus top four. He wouldn't bitch out the way Smith and Saunders did, especially not considering the heart he showed vs McCallum and Eubank. Abraham gets taken apart slowly IMO. Just stands there getting wailed on. Dirrell would present issues for Canelo.
Really? Abraham…McClellan maybe tough fights Canelo will have to bring that chin… The others? I would make ‘em slight favorite…Canelo comp at 168lbs has been
A bit??? He's massively overrated. Really good fighter, but we saw what happened when he faced a truly elite boxer (yeah, i know about the excuses)
Yeah he is vastly overrated tbh. Perhaps its pity for what happened to him. There was a big gap between the likes of Eubank/Benn and a McCallum/Toney/Nunn. And I think McCallum showed that - that Watson simply wasn't on that level. I would pick McCallum to soundly outbox Canelo, but he wouldn't one sided slaughter Nelo the way he did Watson. I dont see a real separation between a Watson and a Kessler/Froch. In fact, I think Watson loses to both. His worth is overblown.
Agreed a 100%. This trio gets hugely overated, especially by brits. They were good.fighters, but a good level below the elite of the time. Probably because british boxing was in a low ebb before their arrival, and they were characterful.
