Via Dan Ambrose: Coach Joel Diaz said WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol’s “unpredictable” combination of size and style will cause problems for Canelo Alvarez on May 7.
Bivol is at his peak, unlike the most recent 175-pound boxer Canelo fought against Sergey Kovalev in 2019.
Diaz believes Bivol, 31, will be the toughest opponent Canelo has faced in his career. If true, Canelo’s chances of beating Bivol are slim.
Canelo was learned by Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2013, and is credited with beating Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara and twice by Gennadiy Golovkin.
Canelo (57-1-2, 39 KOs) has become accustomed to fending off limited opposition from the UK in recent years, and almost all of them front the Mexican star, making him easily tee off with his body. the photos to where they knock down.
That would be a much different story than the undefeated Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) because he’s smart, has his size, a stellar shot, and he uses and goes in and out of style.
Bivol’s style is unpredictable
“It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I think it’s a great fight and I think it’s a good fight for the fans,” coach Joel Diaz told Fighthype in the match between Canelo and Diaz on May 7.
“Bivol is a hungry lion, a strong warrior And he’s at his peak. I think he will be the toughest opponent that Canelo will face. His style will make Canelo think, and he will keep Canelo on his feet,” said Diaz.
If Bivol can return to the form he once fought with Sullivan Barrera, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr, then Canelo will be in for a long night.
What boxing fans don’t know is if Canelo has a rehydration clause installed in his contract with Bivol to prevent him from rehydrating beyond a certain amount. Fortunately for Bivol, he is a light underweight, so the rehydration clause would be meaningless and wouldn’t guarantee a win for Canelo.
“Bivol prepares very well, and he is a very disciplined fighter, a strong fighter, and he is also a 175-pound athlete,” continued Diaz. “So I think it will be a good match for the fans. In my opinion, Bivol is The only fighter in the tournament who had a chance to beat Canelo. ”
Diaz is considering IBF/WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith Jr both to present threats to Canelo.
Beterbiev alone will be very dangerous for Canelo because he knows how to fight inside, is a bigger puncher at close range and especially throws at the body.
With Canelo’s hot neck and body, he’s good at taking the stairs shots, but his weak point is body photography.
Beterbiev will be an issue with Canelo, and we could see the Mexican star play with the umpire to complain, saying he’s been hit low.
If Beterbiev ignores the referee’s warnings and continues to hit the body, he is likely to stop Canelo.
“I think it will be a good fight. Canelo is a slick, smart fighter but he’s going to have a bit of a problem trying to figure out Bivol because of his style,” said Diaz.
“Bivol has a unique style, inside and out. He uses his stab a lot and he is unpredictable. That’s what makes him dangerous,” Diaz said.
Dmitry’s style is unique
“Canelo fight [Jermall] Charlo, Charlo is there and very vulnerable,” continued Diaz. “Benavidez, he’s a strong Mexican boxer, he’s tall and he’s there to fight.
“So I think that gives Canelo the advantage to get in there, work his body and break Benavidez, even though Benavidez has the pace. You need power to control Canelo and they are there.
“Charlo, his style suits Canelo, but I think Canelo will stop him before the tenth minute. With Bivol it is different. His style is completely unique. He uses his jab a lot, he’s strong, and he’s always moving in and out.
“Canelo will have some problems due to his style, which is completely different. I don’t despise Charlo or Benavidez as great fighters, but style makes for battles.
“Stylistically, Benavidez and Charlo will be a fight for Canelo to win in an easier issue than Bivol,” said Joel.
Weight is the problem
“When he fought Kovalev, he fought him at the age of 175, right?” Diaz talks about Canelo. “At that weight, Canelo is very strong, but remember that Kovalev is not at his peak. This guy [Bivol] is in his prime. That’s the difference.
“Weight matters because Canelo is strong at 168. He’ll knock anyone out at 168. At 175, even though he has a lot of strength, it’s a matter of weight. These people [natural light heavyweights] may take a little more as they are larger.
“So that would be a big factor, the fact that this guy [Bivol] is 175, and this guy is going to be the bigger man. Canelo will have to work a little more for him to qualify for the knockout.
“This guy [Bivol] because he is also heavier and stronger, he will present some problems to Canelo. They are [Bivol] training here in my gym, his team, his management team, we are a team together.
Diaz’s advice to Bivol
“I train all these Uzbeks and they go with the management,” says Diaz. “They are part of a team. I don’t train him. He has his own personal trainer. My advice is that when you go in with Canelo, you have to be really smart.
“You have to work hard because Canelo is strong, he’s fast, he’s smart and he doesn’t lack confidence, believe me. Canelo is a very special fighter, so you can’t rely on one.
“You must have a Plan-A, B and C to face Canelo because Canelo proved himself against all these bigger boxers. He built a lot of confidence in himself because he was a good fighter.
“Bivol doesn’t just face anyone. He’s facing the best pound in the world right now.
“So the only advice I can give him is this. 100% mentally prepared and ready for things you have never seen before. Canelo in his prime was dangerous,” Diaz said of his advice to Bivol.
