Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Callum Smith - 19 December 2020

[danconnollyeire]

Bellend is everywhere as usual

"Make no mistake, Smith is the test of a lifetime for Canelo," Tony Bellew told Sky Sports.

"Smith is bigger in size, stronger, undefeated. Canelo? I'm not so sure he can deal with the size and the pressure that Smith will bring. The biggest shock that Canelo will find? When Callum gets on the inside he is not to be messed with. I think Callum can shock the world.

"He will be a heavy underdog because Canelo is pound-for-pound up there with the big boys. Canelo is the best counter-puncher in boxing and a devastating body puncher. If anyone has the keys to unlock the door, it is Callum."

Nostradamus Bellew strikes again

He’s right. Canelo’s only ever fought easy novices likes kovalev, jacobs, GGG, Mayweather (who?), Lara... smith is the real test. It’ll be his biggest test since fielding

[tonyevs]

Bellend is everywhere as usual

"Make no mistake, Smith is the test of a lifetime for Canelo," Tony Bellew told Sky Sports.

"Smith is bigger in size, stronger, undefeated. Canelo? I'm not so sure he can deal with the size and the pressure that Smith will bring. The biggest shock that Canelo will find? When Callum gets on the inside he is not to be messed with. I think Callum can shock the world.

"He will be a heavy underdog because Canelo is pound-for-pound up there with the big boys. Canelo is the best counter-puncher in boxing and a devastating body puncher. If anyone has the keys to unlock the door, it is Callum."

There is no way Bellend wouldnt know full well the great opposition Canelo has faced. So it only demonstrates that Bellend really does live in his own deluded little world.

Colin Hart was the biggest idiot out of the British boxing `experts` for many many years, until Steve `The-Dunce` Bunce arrived during the Audley Harrison years and had us all questioning not only his lack of boxing knowledge - but his eyesight too. But fair play, Bellend takes being an idiot to a whole different level.

[Jimmy2020]

A lot of these ex-fighters who are now posing as journalists/pundits are rubbish if you prefer quality, objective reporting and great if you are a promoter/TV exec looking for shills.

[maverick23]

Sky sports boxing output is abysmal

Who else’s output is better in the U.K.? I’d still say it’s better than BT’s

[liamlion]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

[Counter-puncher]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

Sh1t, I’d not even thought about the date and how close it is. I’ve lost track of time with Covid. of course, you’re absolutely right, Team Canelo are sh1thouses for this kind of stuff.

[tonyevs]

To be fair - with covid around at moment it's not too good an idea to schedule a fight for too long; all the PR expense .. to get a positive result for covid a week or two before fight day.

It's short notice for both guys; if Smith hasn't been ticking over then that's his fault not Canelos. Smith will get paid very well, and maybe get another high paid fight off the back of it even if he loses.

Saunders will be gutted.

[dr_devious]

Sky sports boxing output is abysmal

Who else’s output is better in the U.K.? I’d still say it’s better than BT’s

I don't think it is better, any half decent fight on Sky is straight onto PPV and the undercards on recent PPVs have been abysmal. Sky sports is more expensive too, although clearly their overall sports output is superior to BTs. Plus Eddeh has a larger stable of fighters than Allegedly. Im into other sports but otherwise I wouldn't touch Sky for boxing now.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

Being in and around the same weight class as Canelo, you should be prepared. These guys are supposed to be athletes. The fight was first talked about in July. No reason Cal shouldn’t have been preparing for something at least.

[brilo33]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

i totally agree liam,because saul knows who he is gonna fight or pick so know doubt he has been in trainning for a big lad for the last 3 months,were i get what ruthless is saying about athletes should be ready , i would agree if both fighters never knew who they were fighting but saul is picking the fighter , because it aint street fight here its a world title fight fairs fairs

[S98H]

Great fight.
Canelo wins on points in a closer fight than expected.

[Jimmy2020]

Great fight.
Canelo wins on points in a closer fight than expected.

Yep. Good match. Callum is a huge man (bigger naturally than Kovalev) with a great ability to cut weight. Canelo will be surprised just how big he is, Is there a weight regain clause, do we know?

[liamlion]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

Being in and around the same weight class as Canelo, you should be prepared. These guys are supposed to be athletes. The fight was first talked about in July. No reason Cal shouldn’t have been preparing for something at least.

And risk burn-out and injury? Professional athletes cant stay on it 365. By the way, thats not me condoning some fighters like BJS who have no discipline between fights and balloon-up in weight. Living the life is required but so is a proper 12 week fight camp for elite level world championship boxing.

Lets have it right, it is Canelo who is picking the opponent and so Canelo knows who he is going to fight well in advance and when, giving him a significant advantage to prepare and set out his training schedule accordingly.

Whats wrong with telling Smith and his team on the quiet months ago that he is next inline and to get ready for the fight? Give Smith a proper and reasonable amount of time to prepare making arrangements for specific sparring partners, strategy etc. A level playing field.

Not even telling Smith prior to announcing it at a press-conference is pure contempt and a poor reflection on Canelo.

[Jimmy2020]

Fighters can stay within a week or two of their weight division without risking burnout or overtraining. It's all down to diet discipline. Hopkins was never any distance from doing the weight. They can also keep a sound aerobic base that can be brought to a peak within 4 weeks, Again no real hardship, just ticking over.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

Being in and around the same weight class as Canelo, you should be prepared. These guys are supposed to be athletes. The fight was first talked about in July. No reason Cal shouldn’t have been preparing for something at least.

And risk burn-out and injury? Professional athletes cant stay on it 365. By the way, thats not me condoning some fighters like BJS who have no discipline between fights and balloon-up in weight. Living the life is required but so is a proper 12 week fight camp for elite level world championship boxing.

Lets have it right, it is Canelo who is picking the opponent and so Canelo knows who he is going to fight well in advance and when, giving him a significant advantage to prepare and set out his training schedule accordingly.

Whats wrong with telling Smith and his team on the quiet months ago that he is next inline and to get ready for the fight? Give Smith a proper and reasonable amount of time to prepare making arrangements for specific sparring partners, strategy etc. A level playing field.

Not even telling Smith prior to announcing it at a press-conference is pure contempt and a poor reflection on Canelo.

As I said, it was first discussed around July. Not saying you have to work out 365 days a week. Smith is a big SMW as well, we don't know if he struggles to make weight, or if he makes it without risking his health. Like the poster above said, watch your diet, stay near you weight class, keep in shape, spar different types of boxers,

Smith was only linked with fighting either BJS or Canelo anyway.. So if he hasn't been preparing for one of them since July, then that's on him. I'm sue he has though.. They will nt be able to use that as an excuse.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bellend is everywhere as usual

"Make no mistake, Smith is the test of a lifetime for Canelo," Tony Bellew told Sky Sports.

"Smith is bigger in size, stronger, undefeated. Canelo? I'm not so sure he can deal with the size and the pressure that Smith will bring. The biggest shock that Canelo will find? When Callum gets on the inside he is not to be messed with. I think Callum can shock the world.

"He will be a heavy underdog because Canelo is pound-for-pound up there with the big boys. Canelo is the best counter-puncher in boxing and a devastating body puncher. If anyone has the keys to unlock the door, it is Callum."

Nostradamus Bellew strikes again

He's a prick! I was rooting for Cal Smith a little, until Bellend opened his gob!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo Expects Great Fight With Smith, Aims To Work With All Promoters

Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez recently ended his relationship with his promoter for more than a decade, Golden Boy Promotions.

Earlier this week he announced his ring return for 2020, when he faces WBC super middleweight champion Callum Smith on December 19th, likely in Texas. DAZN, who recently parted ways with Canelo after a lawsuit settlement, will stream the event.

Now, as a free agent, he hopes to secure the biggest fights possible - regardless of who promotes them.

According to Canelo, beyond the economics, what he wanted more than anything was to stay current and continue fighting in 2020.

Canelo has been out of the ring since November 2020, when he knocked out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light heavyweight strap.

"For me the money is the least of it, obviously I always want to have my family doing well and I get in there to give my life for something, to have a better life, but the truth is that I love boxing and for me money means less, but I think I'm going to do much better as a free agent," Canelo told TV Azteza.

"I am going to be able to make the best fights and now I am going to decide each thing in my business matters and I think I will do much better, I trust God and I have always said that what is done well cannot go wrong and we are going to do better... in the end what I want is to be able to work with all the promoters and to be able to make the best fights for the public."

Canelo is expecting a tough encounter with Smith, who holds a big edge in height and reach.

"He is a fighter who comes forward looking for a fight, who does not give you a chance to breathe, to get your rhythm going. He is a fighter who has many qualities, a lot of power too, but we are ready for this and for more. I think at these levels we have to fit in with everything with the experience we have and it will be a great fight. I'm ready for this and these kinds of challenges are the ones I like in boxing to keep going and make history," said Canelo.

[TheLeprechaun]

Canelo is rotten for the sport in several ways. He has given Smith 4 weeks notice and apparently Smith didn’t even know he had got the fight even when Canelo was announcing it at a press conference. He has far too much leverage and power

For this reason alone, I hope Callum Smith batters Canelo. However, I see Canelo being too fast and stopping Smith with crippling body punches.

Being in and around the same weight class as Canelo, you should be prepared. These guys are supposed to be athletes. The fight was first talked about in July. No reason Cal shouldn’t have been preparing for something at least.

And risk burn-out and injury? Professional athletes cant stay on it 365. By the way, thats not me condoning some fighters like BJS who have no discipline between fights and balloon-up in weight. Living the life is required but so is a proper 12 week fight camp for elite level world championship boxing.

Lets have it right, it is Canelo who is picking the opponent and so Canelo knows who he is going to fight well in advance and when, giving him a significant advantage to prepare and set out his training schedule accordingly.

Whats wrong with telling Smith and his team on the quiet months ago that he is next inline and to get ready for the fight? Give Smith a proper and reasonable amount of time to prepare making arrangements for specific sparring partners, strategy etc. A level playing field.

Not even telling Smith prior to announcing it at a press-conference is pure contempt and a poor reflection on Canelo.

Mayweather took a lot of liberties with Canelo for their fight and I think he's taken a leaf out of Mayweathers book when it comes to getting an advantage in fights.

[liamlion]

Being in and around the same weight class as Canelo, you should be prepared. These guys are supposed to be athletes. The fight was first talked about in July. No reason Cal shouldn’t have been preparing for something at least.

And risk burn-out and injury? Professional athletes cant stay on it 365. By the way, thats not me condoning some fighters like BJS who have no discipline between fights and balloon-up in weight. Living the life is required but so is a proper 12 week fight camp for elite level world championship boxing.

Lets have it right, it is Canelo who is picking the opponent and so Canelo knows who he is going to fight well in advance and when, giving him a significant advantage to prepare and set out his training schedule accordingly.

Whats wrong with telling Smith and his team on the quiet months ago that he is next inline and to get ready for the fight? Give Smith a proper and reasonable amount of time to prepare making arrangements for specific sparring partners, strategy etc. A level playing field.

Not even telling Smith prior to announcing it at a press-conference is pure contempt and a poor reflection on Canelo.

As I said, it was first discussed around July. Not saying you have to work out 365 days a week. Smith is a big SMW as well, we don't know if he struggles to make weight, or if he makes it without risking his health. Like the poster above said, watch your diet, stay near you weight class, keep in shape, spar different types of boxers,

Smith was only linked with fighting either BJS or Canelo anyway.. So if he hasn't been preparing for one of them since July, then that's on him. I'm sue he has though.. They will nt be able to use that as an excuse.

Totally disagree. One of the fighters being given only 4 weeks notice for a huge fight to determine the division's number 1? No way, thats underhand and a detriment to the sport.

Smith and BJS might have been linked with the fight but Smith was not given any indication that he would be fighting Canelo and that even included on the day of the press conference to announce the fight. That is not reasonable. BJS and Smith both said during the year that because of the messing around from Canelo and his team towards the respective fights that they didnt believe he ever wanted to fight them.

Canelo wasnt just linked with Smith and BJS, he was also linked recently with Plant and Yildirim. All intended to keep prospective opponents in limbo.

This type of rubbish impacts negatively upon the sport and it cant be conducive to Smith performing at his optimum, which is surely what us fans want from our sport.

Whats so wrong with proper notice and preparation for a fight?

[Jimmy2020]

Don't accept the fight if the terms aren't right for you.

[forcefraser]

Deckchair folding comes to mind. Canelo will brutalise him

[Counter-puncher]

Don't accept the fight if the terms aren't right for you.

Oh come on mate, multimillion $$ opportunities don't come around often enough for the likes of Smith, to be choosy about them when he gets them.

i think realistically pretty much any boxer given the chance to earn the 'canelo lottery' is in practise going to take the fight, whatever the notice because against Canelo they will earn 3 or 4x what they would against someone else; and Canelo knows this full well.

[Jimmy2020]

Smith reputedly made a fortune in the World series thing or whatever it was called. Certainly enough that he could turn any fight down where the terms are such he would complain about them after the event/fact. We'll see what happens but "if only I had longer to prepare" is used as an excuse should he lose, I'll not be impressed. Smith is quality though and I think he'll do well.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Don't accept the fight if the terms aren't right for you.

Oh come on mate, multimillion $$ opportunities don't come around often enough for the likes of Smith, to be choosy about them when he gets them.

Smith reputedly made a fortune in the World series thing or whatever it was called. Certainly enough that he could turn any fight down where the terms are such he would complain about them after the event/fact. We'll see what happens but "if only I had longer to prepare" is used as an excuse should he lose, I'll not be impressed. Smith is quality though and I think he'll do well.

Yeh, he made upto £5m-6m just for the final.

Around £1.5m for the semi..

[Counter-puncher]

Don't accept the fight if the terms aren't right for you.

Oh come on mate, multimillion $$ opportunities don't come around often enough for the likes of Smith, to be choosy about them when he gets them.

Smith reputedly made a fortune in the World series thing or whatever it was called. Certainly enough that he could turn any fight down where the terms are such he would complain about them after the event/fact. We'll see what happens but "if only I had longer to prepare" is used as an excuse should he lose, I'll not be impressed. Smith is quality though and I think he'll do well.

Yeh, he made upto £5m-6m just for the final.

Around £1.5m for the semi..

oh wow fcking hell, that's serious wonga