It’s been a very long time since current unified Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) has suffered a defeat. Well, at least on paper anyways.
Plenty of fans and media members alike have felt as though Canelo did not deserve a win against Erislandy Lara. Many felt the same about both of his contests against Gennady Golovkin (GGG) as well. With that being said however, the scorecards were in Canelo’s favor every time.
Were those fights actual robberies, or did Canelo actually deserve the nod?
Let’s analyze them a bit. In Canelo’s fight against Lara, the Cuban born fighter did a great job of making Canelo miss, and making him pay on several occasions.
Lara used constant movement which frustrated Canelo, but the Mexican superstar had plenty of success as well. Although Lara brought a great game plan to the table that night and gave Canelo fits, the current unified Middleweight champion was the aggressor all night and landed his fair share of punches. Robbery is a bit too strong of a word as Canelo did just enough to earn that decision.
What about both of his contests against GGG? It’s true, the former champ seemed to be in control for the majority of both contests, but it really is about perspective.
In their first bout, Canelo spent the majority of the contest trying to outbox his bigger opponent. It led to impressive movement and counter shots by Canelo. In the second contest, Canelo pressed the action. Although both decisions were questionable, Canelo once again has a reasonable claim to victory.
Throughout the career of Canelo Alvarez, he has never ducked anyone. He has constantly searched to fight the best opposition available. His resume is among the very best in all of boxing. Daniel Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs), will present Canelo with something he has never faced before.
Someone with the movement of an Erislandy Lara, but the power of a GGG. Canelo has said on numerous occasions that he expects this fight to be a difficult one.
“Jacobs presents a difficult style,” said Canelo. “His movement along with power is something that will take me some time to get adjusted too.”
His analysis of Jacobs is correct. The IBF champ isn’t your typical fighter, he’s special. The tools that he possesses will frustrate Canelo like never before.
Canelo’s best opponent to date is the all-time great Floyd Mayweather, but not even that contest will prepare Canelo for the force he will have in front of him come May 4.
If Canelo finds a way to overcome Daniel Jacobs, it will be his biggest win yet.
