Pedro Oliveira
The most anticipated fight at the beginning of the year 2022, Canelo vs Bivol, had a result that surprised many. It even caused the necessary controversy for others who sought to point out Saúl Álvarez as one of the most overrated fighters of the era. Others claim that the Mexican veteran’s jump to the Light Heavyweight division was too much for him in his first fight against a more than prepared opponent like Dmitry Bivol.
The Russian dominated the fight from start to finish without a doubt. The unanimous decision scored at 115-113 in favor of the Russian, and most of the industry felt it was not as close regarding points, with Bivol’s technique and physicality prevailing in every round of the bout.
Canelo vs Bivol: The Analysis
While Dmitry was the fair winner, Canelo did not have a bad showing, he was in his right mind resisting a fighter who was simply superior to him throughout the fight. For the second time in his career, 175 pounds (79 kg) of weight did not favor him on this occasion to open the record of victories in what would be his fifth division as a professional. And that’s something that should be taken under consideration, as it is not easy to try to stand out in classes so different from each other.
But this will serve as a lesson for the 31-year-old boxer, so that he knows that without the proper preparation, without the constant and necessary training to make the grade, he will not be able to make it. Talent alone is not enough to defeat someone of Bivol’s profile, who has probably given the strongest blow in his career with this victory. Canelo’s power was no match for the big guard of the Russian, whose gloves absorbed almost every jab and uppercut the Mexican threw, and his frustration could be felt throughout the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas.
He knew he was at a disadvantage, and at no time did he manage to put together an offense solid enough to turn the faith of the fight in his favor. Bivol was better when guarding, finding the spaces, managing the pace and using his punches in the most pivotal situations, taking Álvarez against the ropes on several occasions. If he has the opportunity to prepare for the rematch, as Canelo himself stated after the fight, it would be very interesting to see if the Mexican can correct many of the deficiencies he had in the fight.
”I felt I did enough to win. Sometimes in boxing, you win or lose. I lost today and he won. He’s a really good fighter. He’s a fighter who comes in and goes out. I want a rematch, this is not going to stay like this.”
Saúl ”Canelo” Álvarez after declaring his defeat in the ring.
Bivol maintains his undefeated record through 20 bouts. And, if he does face the Mexican again, he will again go through what would be his most challenging fight, even though he has already proven that he could dominate him with unquestionable clarity. He made the announcement after officially consecrating himself with the victory.
Canelo vs Bivol: The Reactions
Personalities such as Jake Paul, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and even Odell Beckham Jr. had a lot to say about the facts:
For Bivol there is nothing left but to continue on his course, he is more than established as the best fighter in his division without a doubt. Who else has to think that the Mexican has to continue trying to improve himself at light heavyweight? Or does he have to go back to middleweight and face the names he preferred to avoid for now? (Jermall Charlo, David Benavidez or even the third fight against GGG). Many don’t want to say it, but his legacy is on the line right now.
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