Showtime PPV : PBC Boxing; T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
As the tagline in the 1980s boardgame “Payday” goes… decisions, decisions. That’s what we have here and now in boxing. Normally having decisions is a good thing. But in this case there are a lot of moving parts that will play a major factor. But after defending his undisputed status at super-middleweight; which way does Canelo Alvarez go next?
It’s a case of what is best for the money making machine that is the sweet science, versus what is best for the diehards of the sport. Canelo Alvarez hinted to Jim Gray post-fight, next time he fights is Cinco-de-Mayo. A mere seven months away. And frankly, he doesn’t care who it’s against because as he put it:
“No one beats this Canelo”.
After three lack luster fights, moving his camp to elevation and a repaired wrist; he feels 100%. He fought Jermell Charlo with something to prove. That he still is the top king, despite what others in the game have accomplished recently. Although “Iron Man” fought with grit, and having glimpses of solid offense he was dominated and got worked like child labor. Alvarez taking all three scorecards: 119-108, 118-109 2x outpunched Charlo 134-385 to 71-398.
Once the ball started rolling down hill, Charlo could do nothing to stop it. He moved well, but had the ring cut off consistently. He was over whelmed early, and spent too much time with his back along the rope line. And having a case of ring-rust didn’t help either. Alvarez’s body work, hooks, combos, and game plan put together by Eddy Reynoso spelled doom before their ring walks. What ever the 33-year old Mexican was hit with, he just walked through.
Which Way Does Canelo Go Next Says A Lot
First lets look at the no longer undisputed super-welterweight champion Charlo. He called out Terence Crawford, who then torched him in response on social media. Now, he dared to be great going up two divisions, and should be commended for it. But the smarter path is to look to regain his status at 154 against the new WBO champion Tim Tszyu. Providing of course he gets through the tough as nails Brian Mendoza in two-weeks.
Now for the zillion dollar question. Who does Canelo go after? This fight was the first of a three-fight deal for Alvarez with PBC. So if he doesn’t fight David Benavidez next, not only will Mexican fans lose their minds, but boxing fans may just riot. It’s what the community wants to see. And with them both (right now) under the PBC banner there should not be any excuses against it. Except two.
One has to hope that Demetrius Andrade doesn’t throw a monkey wrench into the plans either. And two, what is better for the gate, and the sport overall. But try to explain that to the diehards. That’s give Bud Crawford the half year to build up to 168 and repeat the magic of this fight. Two undisputed’s fighting each other.
Crawford has proven he can do the impossible. However, Alvarez’s chin and power would be just as overwhelming once again. The build up to it though would be as the kids say “sick”. And the window of opportunity is so minute to have these magical fights, it just has to put Benavidez once again on the back burner. Then again there’s another moving part that has a say in the matter. Would Errol Spence take a back seat and allow it to happen? Probably not.
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