By: Hans Themistode For the better part of two years, both WBC middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin and WBA titleholder Ryota Murata, have spent more
Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith: The question of time
Both Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez and super-middleweight champion Callum Smith will believe their fight is coming at the right time for very different reasons, writes Elliot Worsell
WHEN Floyd Mayweather outboxed Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for every one of the 12 rounds they shared back in 2013, the lesson in timing he taught the Mexican was about more than just punches landed. In beating into Canelo a part of him, Mayweather revealed to the Mexican the importance of timing fights – when and when not to take them – and the importance, moreover, of becoming so powerful within your sport that the sport has no option but to run according to the time showing on your watch.
Canelo can close it out late on
Stylistically, this is a very interesting encounter but all the statistics seem to point favourably towards a late victory for Canelo. The Mexican is light on his feet and has systematically picked opponents apart on numerous occasions throughout his hugely successful career.
Canelo and Smith are the same age but the former is vastly more experienced and is comfortable when competing at world title level.
Indeed, the Mexican has fought 56 times since turning professional, winning 36 via knockout, while Smith has stepped into the ring on 27 previous occasions.
Smith picked up his titles when beating George Groves in Saudi Arabia in September 2018 and has successfully defended the belts twice. However, Groves was well past his peak in that encounter and Smithâs undefeated record doesnât feature any names even close to Caneloâs level.