Alvarez Sets Stage For An Undisputed Coronation?

 

The recent history of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has been as eventful outside the ring as his accomplishments inside the ring. While these recent times have been well-chronicled by virtually everyone in Boxing media including this observer, what began last year as a highly publicized dispute between Alvarez and his former promoter Oscar De La Hoya, and for a time also with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, resulting in his release from not only his promotional agreement with De La Hoya, but also his initial landmark $365 Million eleven fight agreement with his broadcaster, quickly evolved into one of the more active schedules of a fighter regarded as the top boxer in the entire sport in recent memory.

 

After aligning himself with promoter Eddie Hearn and returning to DAZN’s platform almost as quickly as he left, Alvarez has competed in three bouts in under six months. This began in December of last year when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Callum Smith to win Smith’s WBA Super-Middleweight world championship as well as the vacant WBC world championship in the same weight class. What followed in his first defense of his unified crown was what amounted to both a bout to stay busy as well as fulfill his mandatory obligation by scoring a third round stoppage of WBC mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim in February of this year,

 

The two wins in a short time frame for a fighter on the elite level of the sport by today’s standards provided the ideal preparation for Alvarez’ bout on May 8^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. A bout where he attempted to further unify the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division by facing undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders, holder of the WBO world championship in the division. 

 

With the world still dealing with the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, this fight also provided something we have not seen in what is unfortunately the COVID-19 era. A full stadium of rabid fans where there were no visible restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus. A crowd of over 73,000 spectators, setting an indoor record for the largest crowd to ever see a Boxing event in the United States were on hand for this showdown.

 

While such a mass gathering is a subject that will likely be debated due to the ongoing global crisis in terms of safety under the circumstances, the atmosphere did bring back fond memories of what Boxing can be at its best. An event as well as an exciting and competitive fight. In previewing this bout, this observer stated that one could argue from a stylistic standpoint that Saunders presented the most difficult challenge for Alvarez since his September 2013 bout against Floyd Mayweather, a fight that remains the only official loss of Alvarez’ career.

 

This was based on Saunders having an awkward Boxing style that in addition to fighting out of a southpaw stance, also incorporates consistent lateral movement, angles,  and combination punching. No opponent in Saunders’ thirty previous professional fights had been able to solve his puzzle, much less win rounds against him on a consistent basis. While there was no dispute as to where the crowd support would be in an event that headlined Cico De Mayo weekend, the stylistic challenge Saunders posed to Alvarez alone made this fight intriguing.

 

While this fight was one that was simple to describe in a pure boxer in Saunders trying to offset the boxer/puncher who can do a little of everything in Alvarez, it was an encounter where subtle things ended up being the difference. Saunders true to form attempted to establish himself as an elusive target from the outset by utilizing movement, trying to approach Alvarez with angles, while also trying to limit Alvarez’ opportunities to get his punches off.

 

This was the approach that this observer felt would be to Saunders’ advantage if he could execute it. Although he had periods of success throughout the fight, he could not keep Alvarez at a distance where he could have the advantage. What was also a tactical mistake in my eyes was Saunders’ willingness to stay in the pocket in spots where he could exchange offense with Alvarez. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term “In the pocket,”  it means that rather than using his legs to evade Alvarez, there were times where Saunders would stand in one spot and engage in exchanges of offense. While some fighters including Floyd Mayweather were able to use such tactics to their advantage throughout their careers, in this case, it worked against Saunders.

 

It worked against Saunders not only from the standpoint of allowing Alvarez opportunities to get his punches off, which more often than not were the harder punches being thrown, but also it created a scenario where Alvarez might have been able to sway opinion as to who was getting the upper hand, despite Saunders appearing to be the more active of the two fighters. What also worked against Saunders throughout this fight was his inability to avoid being backed up periodically by Alvarez against the ropes, which allowed Alvarez opportunities to land body punches. 

 

Although there was a period of time throughout this bout that I felt Saunders may have been ahead on the scorecards not only in my view, but on the three official judges scorecards based on his overall activity as well as his ability to somewhat limit Alvarez’ output in addition to making him miss with a portion of his offense, the subtlety of Alvarez being able to make the most out of the opportunities his did have to land offense made this a close fight in my view.

 

As the fight entered the eighth round, I felt Saunders was ahead based on the success he gradually was able to build in limiting Alvarez’ offense and being able to make him miss. While Saunders at no point was able to land a punch that visibly seemed to hurt Alvarez and, despite his combination punching throughout being sporadic, perhaps out of respect for Alvarez’ counter punching ability, it appeared as though Saunders was finding a rhythm that while not necessarily crowd pleasing, did make the fight competitive. 

 

Just as it seemed as though Saunders was building momentum, Alvarez responded in round eight with what was his best round of the fight as he was able to stun Saunders with an uppercut to the head. This set off a sequence where Alvarez was able to land several power shots. While Saunders did not get knocked down, he was in trouble for the first time in his career. To his credit, he was able to survive the round. Unfortunately, for Saunders, this is where his night would end in terms of competition as the bout was stopped after the eighth round by his trainer Mark Tibbs. 

 

Although the ending of this bout initially confused yours truly and it gave an initial impression that perhaps, Saunders having felt Alvarez’ power and being put in danger for the first time in his career simply did not want to continue, which subsequently led to both criticism and ridicule by Boxing fans throughout social media, it did not take long for the reason why the fight was stopped to become clear. During the course of the eighth round, the uppercut that Alvarez was able to land to Saunders’ head that stunned him landed in the area around Saunders’ right eye, which resulted in rapid swelling around the area and the eye appeared to be nearly swollen shut by the time Saunders was able to get back to his corner at the conclusion of the eighth round.

 

Mark Tibbs would later explain in post-fight interviews including on Boxing media outlet’s Seconds Out YouTube channel that Saunders has told him that he could not see and it was his call and not Saunders to stop the fight. It was later revealed that Saunders, who left the ring under his own power, but was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital soon afterward, had suffered what was believed to be a broken eye socket. Promoter Eddie Hearn via Twitter would confirm the day following the fight that Saunders had suffered multiple fractures to the orbital area around his right eye, which required surgery that Hearn said would occur later in the day.

 

While obviously in the era of social media there is never a shortage of opinions amongst Boxing fans that range from the well thought perspective to the frankly ill-advised in the way one might express their view, the reality here is while Saunders wanted to continue, an injury such as one to the eye socket and orbital area around the eye is extremely serious and potentially career threatening. Although some fans may not want to hear this and all too often allow their fandom to not view things objectively, the decision of trainer Mark Tibbs to stop the fight, putting his fighter’s long-term health as the priority over the opportunity to emerge from this fight as a unified world champion in what was to date the biggest fight in Saunders’ career both from a financial standpoint as well as from a marquee event perspective, was the right call to make.

 

Even though the Boxing fan no matter their view is entitled to just that, their view, Boxing is still a combat sport and much like how a fight can end at any given time, so too can a fighter’s career or life. Fortunately, once it became apparent that Saunders had suffered a serious injury, his trainer made the correct decision to not send his fighter out for what possibly might have resulted in permanent damage. Obviously, it remains to be seen what the future will be for Billy Joe Saunders, but in this observer’s view, he has nothing to be ashamed of and made a good account of himself in defeat.

 

As for Saul Alvarez, for a fighter who had more battles and disputes outside the ring last year than unfortunately he did in the ring, he now is on the brink of doing something no other fighter has been able to do in the history of the sport, fully unify the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. The lone obstacle is undefeated IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant.

 

Although from a business perspective there is also an obstacle that could be present as Plant is aligned with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, who’s current broadcast agreements with networks Fox Sports and Showtime in the United States, put them as rivals to DAZN, who have been able to retain their relationship with Alvarez and Eddie Hearn, who Alvarez has also formed a partnership with, the reality is Alvarez is in the driver’s seat. In the driver’s seat both in terms of being able to command lucrative paydays as well as the ability even as the world continues to deal with COVID-19, to draw massive crowds and attention whenever he fights.

 

With DAZN continuing to expand their global reach and maintaining their relationship with Alvarez, it is up to Caleb Plant to decide whether he will want to fight Alvarez on DAZN’s network or if he will insist on the bout taking place under the PBC banner. Although the PBC has also done good for the sport since it launched in 2015, it has also seen its share of struggles particularly due to its reluctance to embrace digital subscription based streaming as an option for its marquee cards, choosing instead to rely on the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view, something that has not proved to be successful and which differs significantly from it’s initial concept of bringing “Big Time Boxing” back to free over the air (OTA) television here in the United States.

 

While DAZN in recent months has used the pay-per-view medium, one that they market as an alternative to, as a way to reach non-subscribers on a selective basis, their position is growing stronger. What this means for a fighter in Caleb Plant’s position is not only the possibility to face Alvarez for all the gold in the Super-Middleweight division, but to also do so on a platform that could offer him the opportunity to make more money for one fight than he has had before in his career. Even though Saul Alvarez is chasing history in wanting to secure his legacy as an all-time great fighter and Plant much like Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders would walk into an encounter with Alvarez unbeaten, in terms of the business of the sport, Plant is in the position where he needs a fight with Alvarez more than Alvarez needs a fight with him. Something he should consider when the time comes negotiate.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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Alvarez-Saunders: The Road To Super-Middleweight Supremacy Continues

 

On Saturday, May 8^th the Boxing world will focus on AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX for one of the most anticipated fights of 2021. The Super-Middleweight unification clash between WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders, the current WBO Super-Middleweight world champion. A unification bout, which will be broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, that frankly represents a dangerous style match up for Alvarez, the fighter regarded as the top star in the entire sport in the eyes of many.

 

For the fighter known to fans simply as “Canelo”, this fight will be his third bout in six months after defeating previously undefeated WBA world champion Callum Smith last December in a bout where the vacant WBC world championship in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Although it is rare to see a fighter of Alvarez’ level compete as often as this recent stretch in the present day of the sport of Boxing, from an old-school standpoint, the more active a fighter is regardless of their standing in the sport, theoretically the better they are conditioned and prepared for marquee fights such as this.

 

In his last bout in what was his first title defense of his unified portion of the Super-Middleweight world championship, Alvarez scored a third round stoppage of WBC number one mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. A bout where frankly Alvarez did not face much resistance and one where he knocked Yildirim down before Yildirim quit on his stool at the conclusion of the third round. Although many Boxing fans criticized Alvarez for taking the bout against Yildirim based on an obvious skill difference between the two, fights such as that one served the purpose as both one that allows a star of the sport to stay busy in between marquee bouts as well as fulfill mandatory defense obligations of the sanctioning organizations, whose world championships Alvarez holds, which have to be fulfilled on an annual basis.

 

While Alvarez’ victory over Yildirim did not amount to much more than the aforementioned criteria, it also served as an unofficial “Tune-up” for the next marquee fight to come in the form of undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders. Saunders, who will enter the fight unbeaten with a record of 30-0, with 14 Knockouts compared to Alvarez’ record of 55-1-2, with 37 Knockouts, has won world championships in the 160lb. Middleweight division as well as the WBO Super-Middleweight crown he currently holds.

 

A southpaw with an awkward and elusive style that has an emphasis on both lateral movement and hand speed, several of the marquee fighters in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions have opted against fighting against Saunders. The reason for this has seemed to be that from a business perspective, Saunders has been a high risk/low reward option based on his having a style that is not always crowd-pleasing, but more specifically having a style that has presented a puzzle that opponents have yet to solve. 

 

Although Saunders has victories over notable opponents including Willie Monroe Jr, his last bout against longtime contender Martin Murray in December of last year, and former two-time IBO Super-Middleweight world champion Chris Eubank Jr., perhaps the most notable of his thirty career wins came against former WBO Middleweight world champion David Lemieux in December 2017. A bout that took place in Lemieux’ home country of Canada. Despite being at a disadvantage in terms of crowd support and in a scenario where one might have assumed that he might not have gotten a fair shake in terms of scoring, Saunders dominated a fighter in Lemieux, who is a “Knockout Artist” that was also a potential opponent for Saul Alvarez for a time, in earning a wide twelve round unanimous decision over him.

 

In some ways, the scenario the British-born and based Saunders found himself in for that bout against Lemieux may turn out to be the ideal preparation as he now prepares for the biggest fight of his career against the Mexican-born Alvarez, who will have sizable crowd support in AT&T Stadium from his rabid fanbase. The style match up between the two also provides some intrigue.

 

One could argue that stylistically this bout could be the most difficult bout for Alvarez since his September 2013 bout against Floyd Mayweather, a bout that to date remains the lone career defeat in Alvarez’ career. This is based on both Mayweather and Saunders being fighters with elusive styles that mixes defense with deceptive hand speed and power that many opponents have not been able to have consistent success in landing offense. While one could also argue that Alvarez has used that loss to Mayweather as not only motivation, but also as a way to improve on what Mayweather was able to take advantage of as well as his overall skillset, Saunders though having a different type of elusive style than Mayweather, appears to be the type of fighter that could give Alvarez similar problems.

 

The key to this fight in this observer’s eyes is whether Saunders can keep Alvarez from being able to get into a consistent rhythm. Even though both Alvarez and Saunders are boxer/punchers, Alvarez could have an advantage in terms of punching power. An asset that Saunders has here at least going into this fight has been his ability to hit and not be hit. Another aspect of Saunders’ style that has been frustrating for opponents is he can also switch between his base southpaw stance and an orthodox stance, which can make it even more challenging for an opponent to find their rhythm.

 

Saunders must be elusive from the outset and tactical. In simple terms, he needs to set the tempo of the combat, look to set traps, and take advantage of what openings Alvarez might leave him. While this is an approach that Saunders has shown that he can execute well throughout his career, a danger that might be present in this fight is the potential for Saunders to become complacent. In that if he is able to have success in this fight and find himself in a position where he is ahead by a reasonable margin or though it might seem on the scorecards, it will be interesting to see what might happen if after seeing success, if Saunders will choose to stand and trade punches with Alvarez. A decision some previous opponents have made that have proven to be a big mistake.

 

While Saunders, who stands 5’11 and has a seventy-one inch reach will have a three inch height advantage and a one inch reach advantage over Alvarez, Alvarez has shown particularly in his bouts against Rocky Fielding and Callum Smith the ability to neutralize an opponent’s height and reach. Although it is a task that can be easier said than done, Alvarez must find a way to neutralize Saunders’ ability to use lateral movement, must cut the ring off, and get on the inside of Saunders. When Alvarez has been able to get on the inside of his opponents, he has shown that he can execute a consistent body attack that has at times been devastating.

 

In terms of what the odds for this fight are, it is also interesting. According to the latest odds analysis from SportsBettingDime.com, Alvarez is favored by a wide margin. That said, there is some variation in the betting market. Canelo is as short as -800 and as long as -675. Saunders ranges from +425 to +550. His most optimistic odds (i.e. +425) give him a 19% chance to win, while his longest odds only allow the Briton a 15.4% chance.

 

The odds are both an indication of Alvarez’ overall popularity as well as standing in the sport. Whether or not the odds will match up with the style matchup between the two and indeed favors Alvarez remains to be seen.

 

Cinco De Mayo weekend in the sport of Boxing has traditionally produced some of the sport’s most memorable battles. If the intriguing battle Alvarez-Saunders appears to be on paper manifests into a great fight inside the ring, it will be the latest among memorable Boxing events to take place on Cinco De Mayo weekend. We will see who emerges victorious on Saturday night.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

 

Alvarez vs. Saunders takes place on Saturday, May 8^th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The entire card can be seen globally (Excluding Mexico) on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U.S. Time). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

In Mexico, the bout can be seen on TV Azteca. Please visit www.TVAzteca.com for channel and start time in your area,

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

DAZN TO DROP LIMITED COLLECTION OF NFTs AHEAD OF CANELO VS. SAUNDERS ON MAY 8

 Press Release: By DAZN – Engaging gamification to be integrated, with exclusive experiences and rewards unlocked based on the outcome of the championship fight

 

LONDON, April 30, 2021 ― DAZN, the leading global sports destination, will deliver the company’s first-ever non-fungible-tokens (NFTs), showcasing iconic moments from the world Super Middleweight unification blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8, giving boxing fans a unique opportunity to be part of the action throughout fight week and beyond.  

Credit: DAZN 

 

The drop includes four collections of NFTs which are accompanied by real-life rewards, including never-before-sold memorabilia and exclusive boxing experiences. Most collections will offer both an Alvarez and Saunders edition, so fans can champion their winner before the opening bell, stake their claim of a potential upset and get behind the outcome of the fight. 

 

All auctions and sales will take place on OpenSea.io, the largest NFT marketplace. The first three collections will open on Saturday, May 8 at 7am EDT/12:00 BST until approximately 11pm EDT/04:00 BST before the ring walk. The remaining collection will be sold post-fight on Monday, May 10^th.

 

The four collections include:

 

Knockout: Legendary Edition (1 per fighter)

These exclusive, one-of-a-kind NFTs offer bidders a chance to own a permanent piece of Alvarez or Saunders’ career. The top bidder will receive: 

●      A one-of-a-kind NFT featuring a digital rendering of each fighter’s gloves 

●      A once-in-a-lifetime experience for two at the fighter’s next bout  

●      A pair of signed fight gloves from Canelo or Eddie Hearn

●      A personalized video from Canelo or Eddie Hearn

 

Tale of the Tape

On May 8, the Mexican king will clash with the WBO champ for Cinco de Mayo. The ‘Tale of the Tape’ assets will show the world how Alvarez and Saunders measure up on paper before the gloves go on. These NFTs are available in the following editions:

●      Gold Edition: 1 per fighter which will be accompanied by a pair of signed gloves from Canelo or Eddie Hearn and annual DAZN subscription (Auction)

●      Silver Edition: 50 per fighter which will be accompanied by a chance to unlock an annual DAZN subscription for all holders of the winning fighter’s NFTs, with one of those winning NFTs additionally unlocking a personalized video from Canelo or Eddie Hearn (Fixed price)

 

Prediction

Every round will count as the pound-for-pound king, Alvarez, takes a giant step in his quest to become undisputed. These assets are digital representations of each way the fight could end – KO or decision. Get the NFT for when you think the fight will end to unlock exclusive rewards. Buyers can go home with the following editions:

●      Gold Edition: 1 per round (Auction) which will be accompanied by a once-in-a-lifetime experience for two at the next Canelo fight for the holder of the NFT representing the round in which the fight ends

●      Bronze Edition: 100 per round (Fixed price) which will be accompanied by an annual DAZN subscription for the holders of the NFTs representing the round in which the fight ends

 

Fight Highlights

At the end of the night, only one fighter will be crowned the unified world Super Middleweight champion. These NFTs will commemorate that victory as collectible representations of the fight’s best moments including a 1 of 1 Legendary NFT of the winning moment and Gold and Silver Editions memorializing each fighter’s ring walk.

 

These editions will drop shortly after the fight on Monday, May 10 at a time to be announced shortly after the fight.

 

DAZN NFTs are presented in conjunction with Matchroom and will be available for purchase at DAZNBoxing.io beginning Saturday, May 8 at 7am EDT.

 

“We’re excited to bring NFTs to boxing, creating new touchpoints with consumers to amplify audience engagement around our events,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN, EVP Global Platform & Revenue Innovation. “This initiative will help DAZN deliver value to our trusted partners and subscribers whilst also allowing the company to explore the new frontier of blockchain technology.”

 

“This NFT drop is next level for boxing,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “One of the reasons we love working with DAZN is because they’re always looking to create new standards for not only boxing, but all sports. No other broadcaster is in the same position to create these unique assets around individual events.”

 

Canelo Alvarez will clash with Billy Joe Saunders in a WBC, WBA, WBO and world Super Middleweight unification blockbuster on May 8 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Alvarez-Saunders Lands At AT&T Stadium In Dallas

 

Press Release: By DAZN – Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will clash in front of over 60,000 fans in a World Super-Middleweight title unification blockbuster at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN. Pre-sales for the blockbuster fight will start on Tuesday March 23 with general sale beginning on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com.  

Credit: DAZN 

 

Mexican superstar Canelo puts his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine titles on the line at the Home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco de Mayo weekend, as British favorite Saunders brings his WBO strap across the pond and looks to extend his unbeaten pro record against the pound-for-pound king in front of the biggest sporting crowd for over a year in the US.

 

“We are proud to host a boxing match of this magnitude as we welcome back Canelo Alvarez to AT&T Stadium to take on Billy Joe Saunders,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to house the greatest sporting events on the planet, and we feel we have another incredible boxing event on the horizon with this matchup taking place in Arlington on May 8th.”

 

Saunders is the fourth Briton to face the Mexican star and the second to do so at AT&T Stadium, after Canelo defeated Liam Smith there in September 2016. May 8 will also be the fifth stadium show for Canelo in the Lone Star state having fought twice at the Alamodome in San Antonio and at Minute Maid Park, Home of the Houston Astros.

 

“It’s an absolute honor to bring this huge event to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Last year Canelo missed out on his historic Cinco De Mayo fight, and to bring over 60,000 fans together at this iconic stadium this year is a dream come true.

 

“This fight is the biggest of 2021 so far with Canelo looking to unify the division once more against undefeated two-weight World champion Billy Joe Saunders. We want to thank Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium for their efforts to bring this global event to their stunning facility and we look forward to giving the fans a momentous occasion and a Cinco de Mayo celebration they will never forget.”

 

“For 2021’s biggest boxing event to date, it’s hard to imagine a better place than AT&T Stadium,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “We look forward to delivering a world-class event from this world-class venue to DAZN subscribers across the globe.”

 

Tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday March 23 from 10am CT, with tickets starting from just $40 (plus fees. Pre-sale ends at 10pm CT on Thursday March 25, and tickets then go on general sale at 10am CT on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Putting Alvarez-Yildirim In Perspective

 

The fight between Unified WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight would champion Saul “Canelo “ Alvarez and WBC number one mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim was not one of those encounters that was meant to stir debate amongst Boxing fans, both the hardcore enthusiast as well as the casual observer, and Boxing experts. There was no such anticipation for a fight that would ultimately be known for as an event rather than what too place inside the ring. In many ways however, the event of Alvarez-Yildirim that brought Boxing back to Miami, FL on February 27^th was a throwback to an era of yesteryear. 

 

An era where the top fighters in the sport fought frequently against fighters that ranged from fringe contenders to mandatory challengers in between fights that were thought of as marquee bouts between the best of the best the sport of Boxing has to offer. While obviously as the top fighters in the sport began earning millions of dollars per fight regardless of who their opposition might be, the concept of fighting regularly between two to four times per year, or even more in previous eras became less and less frequent to the point where a common belief amongst some is that fighters who are given the label as being a top or elite-level pugilist is only expected because of their position in the sport as well as their economic value and success, to compete between once or twice in a calendar year.

 

Although some may view this as an accepted standard within the sport when it is able to operate under normal circumstances, the ongoing circumstances of the global COVID-19 epidemic has made for an environment both within Boxing as well as in general that is anything, but “Normal.” Many rightfully regard Saul Alvarez as Boxing’s current top draw.

 

What are the qualifications of being a top draw in the sport? An ability to garner support amongst Boxing fans of seemingly every description, the ability to gain fans support both in terms of their passion for the sport as well as their willingness to pay to see you compete regularly and follow you throughout your career. Finally, the qualification in a business sense drawing fans to venues where you compete in mass as well as ratings, buys, and subscriptions to the television networks that broadcast your fights.

 

In seemingly every one of these categories, Alvarez fits the criteria. Over the last few years, Alvarez, who was Boxing’s top pay-per-view draw even as the medium of pay-per-view has steadily declined, has in many ways led the charge for Boxing to embrace the movement to subscription-based streaming platforms after initially signing a lucrative broadcast agreement with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN in 2018. While the ongoing relationship between Alvarez and DAZN including a well publicized dispute that led to the end of their initial agreement has been one that has been well documented by this observer here on The Boxing Truth®️ both the fighter and network have been able to continue working together, which has been a benefit for Alvarez, DAZN, as well as Boxing fans.

 

How has it been beneficial for all involved? Soon after working out their differences, Alvarez was back in the ring challenging then undefeated WBA Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith for his crown and the vacant WBC Super-Middleweight world championship last December. For a network that is attempting to break a lot of norms, it benefited DAZN by showing it can resolve disputes and maintain relationships with fighters as they continue to build their global brand and as far as Boxing is concerned be a viable alternative to the overpriced and undervalued model of pay-per-view. Along with establishing a promotional relationship with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Alvarez has begun to venture out on his own as a promoter after splitting with longtime promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions.

After defeating Smith via twelve round unanimous decision, Alvarez signed a two fight deal with Hearn and the first fight of that deal was a mandatory defense against WBC number one contender Avni Yildirim. Under circumstances where fighters have willingly given up world championships either because their television broadcaster did not see the value in the fight, which has unfortunately been a somewhat regular occurrence for traditional television networks involved in the sport, a fighter’s promoter having a different agenda, or simply the fighter not wanting to fulfill their contractual obligations, Alvarez not only chose to fulfill that obligation, but also chose to do so in a quick timeframe by today’s standards, returning to the ring only two months after winning the Super-Middleweight world championship.

 

This is where the term “Throwback “ comes into the equation. Depending on one’s age, some might remember that it was not uncommon to see Boxing’s top stars from Willie Pep, to Joe Louis, to Sugar Ray Robinson, to Muhammad Ali, to Roberto Duran to Sugar Ray Leonard, to Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Pernell Whitaker, Oscar De La Hoya, and so on in previous eras compete regularly both to stay active as well as fulfill their obligations as world champions in the sport between lucrative fights of significant public interest. While this is largely an “Old School” approach as this observer has often said, it is refreshing to see the approach used in the modern era of the sport. 

 

Despite this fight really serving two purposes for Alvarez, the fight against Yildirim was met with much criticism. While most criticism came from the casual fan and those who voice their views via social media platforms, the basis of some of the criticism stemmed from Yildirim being deemed as the WBC’s top contender, despite being inactive for over two years and coming into the fight off of a loss in his second previous attempt at a world championship. While the political landscape of the sport is far from perfect and cannot easily be explained, I saw this fight for what anyone who is objective and understands the sport should have seen it as.

 

A world champion who spent much of the last year sidelined both due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis as well as the dispute with his former promoter and broadcaster, not wanting to go back to sitting on the sidelines after finally being able to get back in the ring two short months ago. An additional benefit beyond having the opportunity to keep what is known as “Ring Rust” off was to fulfill his mandatory defense obligation, which for world champions is an annual obligation. 

 

While there is always an element of the unknown as I said in previewing this fight, there was little doubt that Alvarez was the significant favorite going into the bout. The burden of proof was on Avni Yildirim to show that this was more than a “Stay Busy” bout and that he would make the most of what was his third chance at a world championship, a third chance some fighters are not fortunate enough to receive.

 

Even under the circumstances of an ongoing epidemic, this fight featured the normal pomp and circumstance normally associated with the top fighters in the sport in present times complete with a theatrical entrance for Alvarez. For the fifteen thousand spectators in attendance, such theatrics offered a glimpse of what the sport looks like when times are normal. Unfortunately for those who were expecting compelling action once the fight got underway, this is where that expectation proved to be unrealistic. 

 

In fairness, it is not necessarily uncommon to see a fight, particularly at the highest level of the sport begin with a somewhat conservative process often referred to as the “Feeling Out Process.” What was unusual however, was to see a commitment to such an approach from the challenger Yildirim, who is normally a fighter who looks to apply pressure. This time around, Yildirim was content to stick behind a high defensive guard and hardly threw any punches in the process. As I watched this fight, I felt that one reason for this was perhaps a healthy respect for Alvarez’ ability to counter punch as well as the accuracy in which Alvarez tends to land counter punches.

 

Although Yildirim had fought for a world championship twice before in his career, it is important to keep in mind the atmosphere that often comes with competing against a fighter of Alvarez’ standing in the sport. While this does not always occur, there are times where a fighter who is not used to such an atmosphere can be hesitant to let their hands go. There is also the possibility that a fighter can freeze and not be as willing to engage as they might otherwise be under circumstances of not fighting in what is known as “The Big Fight Atmosphere.”

 

In this observer’s view, this appeared to be a combination of both as Yildirim did not offer much resistance. Alvarez meanwhile took advantage of openings that were made available to him, which was highlighted by consistent work to Yildirim’s body. This ended up settling the stage for Alvarez to seize the opportunity to bring the fight to what many felt would be the logical conclusion. With minute into the third round, Alvarez landed a perfectly timed jab followed by a straight right hand, known in combat sports as a one, two combination, through Yildirim’s defensive guard sending him down to the canvas. Although Yildirim appeared to laugh this off upon getting up from the knockdown and would go on to finish the round, the fight would come to an end after round three. 

 

Yildirim’s training Joel Diaz told his fighter that he would give him one more round and if he didn’t show him something he would stop the fight. While it is somewhat unclear as to what was said between fighter and trainer following Diaz’ edict to his fighter, ultimately the fight was stopped securing a first successful title defense of the unified WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world championship for Alvarez.

 

Ultimately the end of this fight was anti-climatic, but regardless of the criticism some directed towards Alvarez for this fight being made, it did accomplish what was intended for the champion, his co-promoter Eddie Hearn, and even DAZN. Allowing Alvarez to remain active, fulfill his obligation as far as the WBC is concerned, and provide a night of Boxing for DAZN and its global subscriber base. It also served as a prelude to the next marquee bout in the career of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as it was announced that he will face undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders on May 8^th at a venue to be announced that will be broadcast by DAZN. 

 

Saunders, who like Alvarez has held world championships in the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions will put his WBO world championship in the Super-Middleweight division on the line in what will be a unification bout where Alvarez’ WBA and WBC crowns will also be on the line. Beyond an intriguing styles clash that will be examined by yours truly in upcoming material as we get closer to the date of the announced showdown, it should not be overlooked that this fight will be three months from Alvarez’ victory over Yildirim. 

 

Although this observer does not want to come down too hard on those whether they be a casual fan, or simply those that like to vent their frustration on social media platforms whether justified in their criticism or not, I do want to ask this simple question. When was the last time an elite-level fighter who can make millions of dollars each time they enter the ring has fought three times in a six month span regardless of the perceived quality of opposition? While I can answer this question, I will leave it for the reader to answer.

 

As a final thought that the reader may also want to ponder as they think of their answer to my question. Prior to DAZN’s entry into the United States market in 2018, promoter Eddie Hearn, who has served as one of the network’s principal promoters said that one of the benefits beyond pushing the sport into a more reasonably priced subscription-based model over the pay-per-view or even cable network model is that as a digital broadcaster, it would allow for more cards to be staged on a regular basis and not put a fighter or promoter in a position where they would have to work in a timeframe of a network or pay-per-view distributor’s available dates. Thus allowing fighters the option to compete more frequently,

 

While DAZN has also taken a step to reach non-subscribers by putting simulcasts of a select number of recent cards including Alvarez-Yildirim on pay-per-view and offering those non-subscribers the option to have a free trial of their network, why should a fighter be criticized for taking advantage of the opportunity made available to him to fight as much as he can? It just so happens that the fighter in this case is regarded as the top fighter in the sport. Increased activity will only benefit Alvarez and from a business perspective as the world looks to emerge at some point from the COVID-19 crisis, will benefit the sport of Boxing as a whole, and will benefit DAZN as it looks to continue its relationship with Alvarez, open up further relationships throughout the sport increases its global footprint in the world of sports television as a whole as it continues its growth.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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