It has been a few weeks now since Mexican modern legend, Saul Alvarez was comprehensively beaten by Russian light-heavyweight Dmitry Bivol over 12 rounds. The bout was for Bivol’s WBA crown.
It appeared that Alvarez could not hurt the champion, as his punches were merely bouncing off the chin of the bigger man. He was found out with long arm strikes including a very good jab that kept him at bay and troubled whenever his back was against the ropes. Alvarez’ usually good upper body defence was almost useless as he just could not weave out of the way of the longer armed and taller Bivol, who had a four inch height advantage.
Right now, Saul is thinking about activating the rematch clause which the two fighter’s contracts contained. However, he is expected to make an announcement that he will take the return soon. The real question is, though, will the result be any different?
“Canelo”, famed for his power, was ineffective at hurting Dmitry. So, it is likely out of the question that he can knock him out. A long twelve round contest is something that he will need to be prepared for. And his performance will probably have to be punch perfect while expending a lot of energy in putting much more pressure on. There were moments when Alvarez stepped on the gas and kept his opponent occupied. He will have to do that a lot more. But since his endurance has always been called into question then it is doubtful that he can sustain such a pace. Saul also needs to be careful of his position and not find himself getting backed up. The fight needs to stay in the centre of the ring for him while slipping Bivol’s jab in the process. There were many times in which he was just walking forward with his guard up. But Dmitry landed the jab through the middle of his guard, marking up the challenger’s face.
It is a tall order for the four weight champion and it isn’t one that I am confident that he can fulfil. There are just so many adjustments that he will have to make. Alvarez will have to look like a completely different fighter next time.
But as they say, he who dares wins.
