Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders - May 8, 2021

[Thomastearns]

"You love the beef"

Fantastic opening move in the prefight mental chess game by BJS!

[skanksta]

I don't think BJS' durability is an established fact.

It's more that he doesn't get hit.

[DrDuke]

I don't see Saunder even getting much hurt against Canelo.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I’m a little surprised about the number of votes predicting a stoppage victory for Canelo, considering the existence of the following statistical facts (spanning the Mexican’s 21 fights within the last decade):

• His bouts typically last nine rounds
• 48% of his contests have gone the distance
• He's only stopped four opponents within the last five years and one of them was a between rounds retirement
• Only seven opponents failed to make it past the halfway mark and every single one of them had previously or subsequently suffered early stoppage defeats to inferior punchers or smaller men than Canelo
• The Amir Khan victory might be Canelo's only stoppage he's scored over a genuinely elusive fleet-footed boxer within the last decade (I personally don't consider Kermit Cintron as being a pure boxer, despite his movement)

Therefore, it's reasonable to conclude that Alvarez's power is decent, but not extraordinary. And Billy Joe Saunders has never been knocked down.

Whilst I personally think it’s entirely feasible for Canelo to beat Saunders by stoppage, the most probable outcome is a decision victory.

And if the Mexican does manage to score the KO this weekend, then it’ll be a truly impressive performance (considering Billy Joe's durability and elusiveness).

The poll dates back to last year

[Ruthless-RKO]

"You love the beef"

Fantastic opening move in the prefight mental chess game by BJS!

Canelo probably didn’t know what he was going on about.

I would have asked BJS if his sinuses are ok.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Hearn: Saunders Has Never Boxed In Ring This Big; Canelo Had No Problem With It

As soon as Billy Joe Saunders set foot inside the boxing ring where he’s training at his hotel near AT&T Stadium, he immediately complained to Eddie Hearn.

That ring is 18 feet-by-18 feet inside the ropes, entirely too small for Saunders’ liking. There was no way, Saunders informed his promoter, that he would box arguably the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in the sport in a ring that size Saturday night.

“He just said, ‘This ring is tiny,’ Hearn told BS.com. “And I said, ‘No, no, it’s a 20-foot ring [on fight night].’ Because in the agreement, it’s just subject to commission rules. It could be 18-foot, but he said, ‘I want 20 foot-by-20 foot.’ So, I went back to Canelo and he said, ‘No problem.’ But then Billy said no to that. I actually think he asked for a 24-foot ring.”

England’s Saunders threatened to withdraw from the biggest fight of his career and a huge purse before they settled on using a ring that’ll be 22 foot-by-22 foot inside the ropes. It’ll be the biggest ring, according to Hearn, in which Saunders will have boxed in 31 professional fights.

“Obviously, Saunders moves a lot,” said Hearn, whose company co-promotes Alvarez. “But he’s never boxed in a ring this big. As much as he thinks it might be an advantage for him, his last two fights with me, against Martin Murray and on the KSI-Logan Paul card, the rings were both 18-foot. And he’s never boxed in a ring bigger than 20-foot. You can’t fight in a ring bigger than that in the UK because 20 is the maximum size [allowed by the British Boxing Board of Control]. For the Lemieux fight, which we checked, [the ring] was 20-foot inside the ropes as well. So, he’s never boxed in a ring bigger than 20. He wanted 24, but he was happy.”

“Like I said to Canelo, ‘You’re quite welcome to object,’ ” Hearn recalled. “He said, ‘It’s fine.’ I was expecting this thing to drag on until Friday. But he’s super-confident. I think that part of him wants to show that he doesn’t need a small ring. When people talk about his fights with [Austin] Trout and [Erislandy] Lara, he laughs because he thinks, ‘I can box, you know. Like, I don’t need to be in a phone box. Technically, I’m very good.’ ”

Hearn wasn’t sure how Alvarez would react when his promoter approached him Monday about Saunders’ demand for a bigger ring. Alvarez could’ve “called everyone’s bluff,” but Hearn was pleasantly surprised when the obvious ‘A’ side of this event quickly acquiesced to Saunders’ ultimatum.

“He wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I can’t believe this,’ ” Hearn said. “He was like, ‘Yeah, fine.’ [Saunders has] moaned about the judges. Obviously, he’s had his thing about the ring. I think if Canelo or [trainer Eddy] Reynoso had even a little problem, they would’ve gone, ‘No, we have to try and get [Saunders] to do this.’ But it wasn’t like that.

“I actually commend Canelo for that because it’s quite big. A lot of fighters you deal with would go, ‘I’m not bothered by that, but don’t be an idiot.’ I think psychologically, it’s quite good to say, ‘No problem,’ because if you fight back, they’re probably like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got him rattled!’ Where he was more like, ‘No problem, mate. See you Saturday. Have what you want.’ It was quite cool.”

[Enlightened-One]

I’m a little surprised about the number of votes predicting a stoppage victory for Canelo, considering the existence of the following statistical facts (spanning the Mexican’s 21 fights within the last decade):

• His bouts typically last nine rounds
• 48% of his contests have gone the distance
• He's only stopped four opponents within the last five years and one of them was a between rounds retirement
• Only seven opponents failed to make it past the halfway mark and every single one of them had previously or subsequently suffered early stoppage defeats to inferior punchers or smaller men than Canelo
• The Amir Khan victory might be Canelo's only stoppage he's scored over a genuinely elusive fleet-footed boxer within the last decade (I personally don't consider Kermit Cintron as being a pure boxer, despite his movement)

Therefore, it's reasonable to conclude that Alvarez's power is decent, but not extraordinary. And Billy Joe Saunders has never been knocked down.

Whilst I personally think it’s entirely feasible for Canelo to beat Saunders by stoppage, the most probable outcome is a decision victory.

And if the Mexican does manage to score the KO this weekend, then it’ll be a truly impressive performance (considering Billy Joe's durability and elusiveness).

The poll dates back to last year

The stats I’ve cited aren’t really affected by the March 2020 creation date of the poll.

[Roars Like Me]

"You love the beef"

Fantastic opening move in the prefight mental chess game by BJS!

Canelo probably didn’t know what he was going on about.

I would have asked Canelo if his sinuses are ok.

BJS is outing himself there too in that case.

[Enlightened-One]

"You love the beef"

Fantastic opening move in the prefight mental chess game by BJS!

Canelo probably didn’t know what he was going on about.

Canelo's command of the English language is pretty good.

I've seen him perform ten-minute interviews speaking entirely in English, discussing a variety of topics, such as golf, weight lifting etc., without requiring the assistance of an interpreter. I can post one of them if you want.

I think his vocabulary is quite extensive. He just seems reluctant to actually speak to the media in English.

He clearly understands far more words than he can speak, because he NEVER needs an interpreter to translate any of the questions he’s asked.

For some weird reason, Elie Seckbach is the only person he feels comfortable consistently casually chatting with (on video) in English.

[Ruthless-RKO]

"You love the beef"

Fantastic opening move in the prefight mental chess game by BJS!

Canelo probably didn’t know what he was going on about.

Canelo's command of the English language is pretty good.

I've seen him perform ten-minute interviews speaking entirely in English, discussing a variety of topics, such as golf, weight lifting etc., without requiring the assistance of an interpreter. I can post one of them if you want.

I think his vocabulary is quite extensive. He just seems reluctant to actually speak to the media in English.

He clearly understands far more words than he can speak, because he NEVER needs an interpreter to translate any of the questions he’s asked.

For some weird reason, Elie Seckbach is the only person he feels comfortable consistently casually chatting with (on video) in English.

The interpreter usually whispers in boxers ears whilst the question is being asked. But I don’t think this was the casein the last fight.

[Enlightened-One]

Canelo probably didn’t know what he was going on about.

Canelo's command of the English language is pretty good.

I've seen him perform ten-minute interviews speaking entirely in English, discussing a variety of topics, such as golf, weight lifting etc., without requiring the assistance of an interpreter. I can post one of them if you want.

I think his vocabulary is quite extensive. He just seems reluctant to actually speak to the media in English.

He clearly understands far more words than he can speak, because he NEVER needs an interpreter to translate any of the questions he’s asked.

For some weird reason, Elie Seckbach is the only person he feels comfortable consistently casually chatting with (on video) in English.

The interpreter usually whispers in boxers ears whilst the question is being asked. But I don’t think this was the casein the last fight.

Here's Canelo speaking at length in English (watch the entire video, because his speaking gets better as the interview progresses, and his confidence grows):

Here's Canelo immediately responding to questions posed by an interviewer with a strong Scottish accent, without requiring the interpreter to translate what's being asked (a very impressive feat):

Canelo really can speak English.

He understands English really well, even if he's reluctant or less competent speaking it.

[Enlightened-One]

David Haye and Paulie Malignaggi have both just gone on record to suggest that Saunders is capable of beating Canelo, but cannot emerge victorious on the scorecards, even if he deserves to “win” the fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo's command of the English language is pretty good.

I've seen him perform ten-minute interviews speaking entirely in English, discussing a variety of topics, such as golf, weight lifting etc., without requiring the assistance of an interpreter. I can post one of them if you want.

I think his vocabulary is quite extensive. He just seems reluctant to actually speak to the media in English.

He clearly understands far more words than he can speak, because he NEVER needs an interpreter to translate any of the questions he’s asked.

For some weird reason, Elie Seckbach is the only person he feels comfortable consistently casually chatting with (on video) in English.

The interpreter usually whispers in boxers ears whilst the question is being asked. But I don’t think this was the casein the last fight.

Here's Canelo speaking at length in English (watch the entire video, because his speaking gets better as the interview progresses, and his confidence grows):

Here's Canelo immediately responding to questions posed by an interviewer with a strong Scottish accent, without requiring the interpreter to translate what's being asked (a very impressive feat):

Canelo really can speak English.

He understands English really well, even if he's reluctant or less competent speaking it.

I’m not saying he doesn’t understand or can’t speak English. I was just stating what has happened in the past or with other foreign boxers.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

5 reasons to watch

https://view.in.dazn.com/?qs=7bdce4ad22 ... 714774e08d

[Thomastearns]

David Haye and Paulie Malignaggi have both just gone on record to suggest that Saunders is capable of beating Canelo, but cannot emerge victorious on the scorecards, even if he deserves to “win” the fight.

Quite true, but Canelo's relationship with the judges has been under suspicion since 2013 if not even earlier.

A lot of boxers could learn a thing or two from the way Fury and Saunders approach a fight psychologically. It's not pretty, gentlemanly, or even Marquis of Queensbury, but it seems to work. They're both winners, and they both remain undefeated.

Boxing must be tremendously difficult on the nerves of the fighters and such unrelenting verbal challenges and psychological probing sometimes can inflict damage on the recipient. No doubt.

References to Canelo's beloved beef, the judges, and keeping away from the obvious Hearn loyalty issue just show how much Saunders is in control. Great stuff.

He might as well give Canelo a boxing lesson Saturday night and expose the business (posing as a sport) to further ridicule in the process.

Let's just see how ridiculous this might get as they read out the cards Saturday night.

The only thing the beef loving Canelo is stopping is proper PED testing.

[adislav123]

i think you're just wrong.

i'm finally on the hype train & and the feel is just amazing with everybody on the same number all around all snug up cozy and warm up in nelo's behind.

honestly think clown saunders will wait already slightly hunched over sideways in his corner offering his liver to only for p4p king canelo to calmly shuffle over, take measure, load up and detonate one of the ferocious bodybombs he knocked out so many fighters with pin point on the exposed sweet spot.

saunders the bum will start crying & slump over forward blacked out from the sheer pain so masterfully delivered by the messiah of boxing.

zero controversy.

[margaret thatcher]

if david haye is going for saunders it makes me even more confident in canelo lol

[Ruthless-RKO]

[morm]

Canelo is hungry, he eat Billy for breakfast
Liam Smith, Rocky Fielding, Callum Smith, Amir Khan .... English breakfast

[margaret thatcher]

matt hatton, ryan rhodes...he loves his brits dont he

[thomasjkelley]

I’m a little surprised about the number of votes predicting a stoppage victory for Canelo, considering the existence of the following statistical facts (spanning the Mexican’s 21 fights within the last decade):

• His bouts typically last nine rounds
• 48% of his contests have gone the distance
• He's only stopped four opponents within the last five years and one of them was a between rounds retirement
• Only seven opponents failed to make it past the halfway mark and every single one of them had previously or subsequently suffered early stoppage defeats to inferior punchers or smaller men than Canelo
• The Amir Khan victory might be Canelo's only stoppage he's scored over a genuinely elusive fleet-footed boxer within the last decade (I personally don't consider Kermit Cintron as being a pure boxer, despite his movement)

Therefore, it's reasonable to conclude that Alvarez's power is decent, but not extraordinary. And Billy Joe Saunders has never been knocked down.

Whilst I personally think it’s entirely feasible for Canelo to beat Saunders by stoppage, the most probable outcome is a decision victory.

And if the Mexican does manage to score the KO this weekend, then it’ll be a truly impressive performance (considering Billy Joe's durability and elusiveness).

The poll dates back to last year

Fair take. Sometimes things aren't as they appear. Canelo is a fan favorite & more importantly, a media favorite. It's easy to see why some may buy into the narrative they create.

[adislav123]

I’m a little surprised about the number of votes predicting a stoppage victory for Canelo, considering the existence of the following statistical facts (spanning the Mexican’s 21 fights within the last decade):

• His bouts typically last nine rounds
• 48% of his contests have gone the distance
• He's only stopped four opponents within the last five years and one of them was a between rounds retirement
• Only seven opponents failed to make it past the halfway mark and every single one of them had previously or subsequently suffered early stoppage defeats to inferior punchers or smaller men than Canelo
• The Amir Khan victory might be Canelo's only stoppage he's scored over a genuinely elusive fleet-footed boxer within the last decade (I personally don't consider Kermit Cintron as being a pure boxer, despite his movement)

Therefore, it's reasonable to conclude that Alvarez's power is decent, but not extraordinary. And Billy Joe Saunders has never been knocked down.

Whilst I personally think it’s entirely feasible for Canelo to beat Saunders by stoppage, the most probable outcome is a decision victory.

And if the Mexican does manage to score the KO this weekend, then it’ll be a truly impressive performance (considering Billy Joe's durability and elusiveness).

The poll dates back to last year

Fair take. Sometimes things aren't as they appear. Canelo is a fan favorite & more importantly, a media favorite. It's easy to see why some may buy into the narrative they create.

sorry, but what the heck are you on about, are you retarded?

canelo is sending opponent after opponent, all in their prime, legends themselves to dreamland or beyond with his vicious, soulsnatching, career ending power shots to the BODY!!!

he knocks people out cold with terrifying BODYSHOTS!!!

never lost a fight in his damn life, never came even close to and never ever will loose one!

he's the best in the world! TBE! number 1 pound for pound!!

isn't he?

[Bard of Boxrec]

I don't see Saunder even getting much hurt against Canelo.

In the tapes I’ve watched Saunders has been hit before by single shots but tends to spin away and avoid combos so he won’t be getting hit as much as Smith did for sure. But all that running is going to take it out of Saunders’ legs, so what do we think of him gradually getting slowed down by Canelo’s body shots, leading to him getting hit more in the later rounds?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Canelo-Saunders Ticket Sales Have Surpassed U.S. Indoor Record For Boxing

The biggest star in American boxing will set a significant record Saturday night at AT&T Stadium.

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed during a press conference Thursday that ticket sales for the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders card have surpassed the United States’ indoor attendance record for boxing. That record has stood for 42 years, since a crowd of 63,352 attended the heavyweight championship rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks in September 1978 at The Superdome in New Orleans.

The figure established by the Ali-Spinks rematch reportedly is based on tickets sold. The Texas Combative Sports Program, which regulates boxing in this state, will release its official ticket report a few weeks after the Alvarez-Saunders card.

Hearn stated Thursday that he expects the crowd Saturday night to reach 70,000, which would be the biggest crowd for a single sporting event in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.

“My goodness, is it a big event, one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved with,” Hearn said. “Of course, this morning we officially broke the record of the biggest indoor crowd in U.S. boxing history, beating [the] Ali against Spinks rematch in 1978. We went past that today. We will have 70,000 people in the AT&T Stadium. And this is such a great fight. This is such a great event for boxing, the largest crowd in the U.S. since the pandemic. And what a great statement for boxing, to show that when you put great fights on, we get it right, we hit the numbers. And Saturday’s gonna be an atmosphere that we will never, ever forget.”

This will mark the third time Alvarez (55-1-2, 37 KOs) has fought during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mexican icon defeated England’s Callum Smith by unanimous decision before an announced crowd of 11,426 on December 19 at Alamodome in San Antonio. Two months later, approximately 15,000 attended Alvarez’s technical knockout of Turkey’s Avni Yildirim on February 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Ticket sales were restricted to those two events due to COVID-19.

There was no limit on ticket sales for the Alvarez-Saunders card. AT&T Stadium can accommodate more than 100,000 fans for boxing, including standing-room-only admission.

“I feel really thankful with the response of the people,” Alvarez said, “and that boxing is the sport that brings everything back to normal. And I’m ready for this fight.”

Before his super middleweight title unification fight against England’s Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs), Alvarez’s first fight at AT&T Stadium drew the biggest crowd of his 15-year pro career.

An announced crowd of 51,240 attended Alvarez’s only other appearance at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys, a ninth-round knockout of England’s Liam Smith in September 2016. Paid attendance for the Alvarez-Liam Smith show was 46,115.

While ticket sales for Saturday night have surpassed the U.S. indoor record for boxing, it doesn’t come close to the outdoor attendance record for boxing in this country.

An announced crowd of 120,557 attended the heavyweight championship bout between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney at Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Stadium in September 1926. A larger crowd assembled for the Tony Zale-Billy Pryor middleweight fight in August 1941, but admission to that card at Juneau Park in Milwaukee was free for the 135,132 that attended.