Can Mikhailovich Shock Alimkhanuly On Home Turf?

The 160lb. Middleweight division has been one that has gradually moved on from an era largely dominated by former two-time Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin and towards a period of ongoing transition. A transition that to date has no finish date as no fighter has yet emerged as the division’s next central figure. One fighter that has been making a strong case for himself, however, is current unified WBO/IBF Middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.

Alimkhanuly, a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, is in many ways viewed as Golovkin’s unofficial successor. Not only are both Golovkin and Alimkhanuly, Kazakhstan natives, but like Golovkin, Alimkhanuly established himself off of an ability to score quick and often devastating knockouts. Unbeaten in fifteen professional fights, Alimkhanuly has scored knockouts in ten of those bouts registering a current career knockout percentage of nearly 67%.

While not quite at the same degree as what this observer often called “A Path Of Destruction" that Golovkin carved through the Middleweight division during his time as champion as of yet, Alimkhanuly has nonetheless established himself as a fighter who has every bit the capability to score a knockout with either hand, and some might go further and say that he has comparable punching power to Golovkin’s when he was in his physical prime. In his last bout in October of last year, Alimkhanuly scored a sixth round knockout of previously undefeated IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in Rosenberg, TX. The win for the now unified WBO/IBF world champion also signaled his eighth stoppage victory in his last nine fights.

Now, the champion prepares for his next title defense as Alimkhanuly will face undefeated IBF number three and WBO number four rated contender Andrei Mikhailovich on Friday, October 4th at The Star Pyrmont in Sydney, Australia. An encounter that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.

Interestingly, despite Alimkhanuly being the unified WBO/IBF world champion in the Middleweight division, only the IBF crown will be on the line in this title defense. If one looks beyond the semantics, however, this looks on paper as though it will be a classic encounter between the puncher in the champion Alimkhanuly and a boxer in Mikhailovich.

Undefeated in twenty-one professional fights, Mikhailovich has scored knockouts in thirteen of those fights registering a career knockout percentage of just under 62%. It should be noted, however, that similar to the champion, Mikhailovich has scored knockouts in seven of his last eight fights including a first round knockout in his last bout in April of this year of veteran Les Sherrington.

The challenge for the Russian-born, New Zealand-based Mikhailovich will be whether he can withstand the constant pressure and power punches of Alimkhanuly. While it is a task that is easier said than done, the general approach of a boxer against a come forward, pressure fighter is to try and establish themselves as an elusive target early and try to use lateral movement to attempt to offset the incoming pressure. It is something that is certainly not easy and the question will be whether Mikhailovich will be able to do it for all twelve rounds. Despite his recent string of knockouts, Mikhailovich needs to remember that he is the boxer in this equation and he will need to resist the temptation to trade power punches with a fighter like Alimkhanuly, even if it becomes evident that he is dictating and winning the fight as it progresses. Simply put, the challenger must be tactical and smart if he wants to be successful in this fight, 

Perhaps the one thing that will work in the underdog's favor is this fight will take place on what amounts to Mikhailovich’s home turf having fought many of his fights in the Australian-New Zealand region of the world, which is where he is based. Although crowd support is likely to be on the side of the challenger, he nevertheless has a tall task in front of him if he wants to pull off what many would call a shocking upset, despite the fact that both champion and challenger are undefeated fighters. In the overall picture, however, this fight represents another opportunity for Alimkhanuly to continue to make his argument as to why he should be viewed as the number one fighter in the Middleweight division. Whether Andrei Mikhailovich can add his name to the discussion remains to be seen, not but he has his opportunity on Friday, October 4th.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Alimkhanuly vs. Mikhailovich takes place on Friday, October 4th at The Star Pyrmont in Sydney, Australia. The fight can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 5AM ET/2AM PT and will be available for on-demand delayed viewing.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

(*Card and Start time Subject to Change.*)

(*Check your local listings Internationally.*)

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JIMMY KELLY THROWS HIS NAME INTO THE HAT FOR GOLOVKIN HOMECOMING

Press Release: July 6,, 2023 By ProBox TV -  England’s Jimmy Kelly has somewhat reinvented himself in recent years. The Manchester based middleweight has ventured to American shores since his collaboration with ProBox TV last year. 

Kelly (27-3, 10 KOs) upset the odds defeating Kazakhstan’s Kanat Islam last year in Plant City. He has since tasted defeat at the hand of Jaime Munguia but got back to winning ways with a victory over Edward Ulloa Diaz in February.

Credit: ProBox TV 

With a 100 percent win record against Kazakh fighters, Kelly has thrown his name into the hat for a potential homecoming fight with Gennadiy Golovkin.

“I think my name should be in the hat for that fight.” Kelly said. “I beat Kanat Islam, a popular fighter from Kazakhstan. From what I can gather my name is well known over there due to that fight, and I just think I’m in the conversation. It excites me.

“He is arguably one of the best ever 160 pound fighters. He has had so many title defenses. If you were going to fight Golovkin, now probably would be the right time but it is still an incredible task to defeat a man like him. If it made sense and he wanted to have a homecoming fight over there, what an honour it would be to share the ring with him. I wouldn’t be going over there in awe of him, I’ve shown before that I’m willing to go anywhere in the world and give it a good go. I’ve upset the odds before, no reason why I can’t do it again. I was winning against Munguia until I got caught. I’ve boxed in Australia, I’ve boxed in California, boxed in Florida and even Kuwait. I’ve been all around the world, and I can’t find my baby.”

Kelly has been campaigning around the middleweight limit in recent fights, but was in no mood to worry over significant details in a proposed bout with Golovkin. 

“I’ll leave the weight to him.” Kelly added. “I think he has earned the right to do it at 160 or 168, completely up to him. It doesn’t make that much difference in my head. I boxed at 165 against Munguia and I only had four weeks notice. I believe I have the character to go and win on the road, a lot of people don’t."

 Material and Photo Courtesy of ProBox TV Used with permission. 

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Zhanibek Alimkhanuly Puts The Middleweight Division On Notice

The story going into the WBO Middleweight world championship fight between undefeated champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly and WBO number four Middleweight contender Steven Butler on May 13th in Stockton,CA was not so much about the fight itself, nor was it about the world championship that was on the line, it was more about whether either fighter would be able to make a statement.

A statement for a fighter in a division that by all accounts appears to be heading towards a period of transition as potentially being the division's next focal point or star attraction. While there was little more about this fight beyond an undefeated world champion in the early stages of his reign defending his title against a top contender, the search for the next star of the Middleweight division as longtime division cornerstone and future Hall of Famer Gennady Golovkin appears to be heading toward retirement, is something that will likely hang over any fight involving fighters at or near the top of the division for a period of time, at least until a fighter can emerge as having made a strong enough of an argument as being that star. 

While this observer did not necessarily expect that fighter to emerge from this fight, it is nevertheless interesting to see fighters vying for that position in the aftermath of an era that was largely dominated by one fighter. What would happen when Alimkhanuly and Butler met at the Stockton Arena can be described as both devastating and too quick.  After an uneventful round one where both fighters seemed to be feeling each other out, Alimkhanuly connected in round two with a short left uppercut followed by a left hook to the head that staggered Butler. The subsequent barrage of punches by the champion put the challenger on the canvas.

Although Butler was able to get to his feet, he appeared in no condition to continue. Despite this, Referee Jack Reiss gave Butler every opportunity he could to continue. It would be mere seconds before Alimkhanuly scored two additional knockdowns on a very "Game," but compromised Butler, which would force a stoppage in the second round. 

To put it simply, there is not much one could write or analyze about a fight that ended so suddenly. While Zhanibek Alimkhanuly's knockout of Steven Butler was sudden and brutal in how the champion executed it in a manner not unlike that of Gennady Golovkin in his prime, it is too early to anoint Alimkhanuly as the division's next star. With Golovkin seemingly on the way out and current WBC world champion Jermall Charlo having been inactive for more than two years, Alimkhanuly has at least succeded in showing that he is an active champion and while this performance does not anoint him as the next star in the Middleweight division, it should certainly put the rest of the division on notice. 

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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Zhanibek Alimkhanuly: The Next Star Of The Middleweight Division?

The 160lb. Middleweight division in addition to being one of the most competitive throughout the history of Boxing is also a division that has been defined by fighters that have through their success in the weight class, have gone on to be stars in the sport with many ultimately being regarded as legends when their careers are over. In recent times the fighter most identified with the Middleweight division has been two-time Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin, who's first reign as champion saw him tie the record set by Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins for most consecutive successful title defenses of twenty.

Throughout Golovkin's reign, which this observer chronicled as "A Path Of Destruction" due to Golovkin also compiling a streak of knockouts in addition to making a run for the record held by Hopkins, I also routinely discussed the parallels between him and another legendary Middleweight world champion, the late great Marvelous Marvin Hagler in that much like Hagler, Golovkin literally forced his way to a position where he was regarded as a star in the sport, despite several fighters who had that star label choosing to avoid fighting him and used his reign atop the Middleweight division to do it. As most know in Golovkin's case, it eventually led to his trilogy with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez where two of the three fights ended in controversial decisions that many felt should have gone Golovkin's way, not all unlike Hagler losing a close and controversial split decision to Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987 and with it the loss of his Middleweight crown.

Following his second loss to Alvarez in September of last year, where he moved up in weight to challenge Alvarez for his Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship, Golovkin appears to be heading to retirement as he began relinquishing world championships that he had once again unified during his second reign, which began in 2019 following his first loss to Alvarez in their second fight in 2018 at Middleweight. Ironically, as one fighter's career appears to be at its end, the vacancies created by Golovkin relinquishing his portions of the World Middleweight championship has given way to a new world champion, who like Golovkin, might be the next star to carry the division.

Enter Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. Alimkhanuly similar to how Gennady Golovkin initially became a world champion, earned his position by becoming a mandatory challenger for then WBO world champion Demetrius Andrade. When Andrade decided to vacate his world championship and move up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division, Alimkhanuly per his holding a mandatory challenger position and with it, an interim champion designation, became the recognized WBO Middleweight world champion. With his reign now recognized, Alimkhanuly now prepares for what will be the second defense of his title when he faces WBO number six rated Super-Middleweight contender Steven Butler on Saturday, May 12th at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA.

The story going into this fight, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ is largely what type of champion Alimkhanuly might be. While this will be his second defense of a reign that initially began under an interim champion designation, Alimkhanuly does have a limited, but impressive resume to this point being unbeaten in thirteen professional fights with nine knockouts. The most recognizable name on the champion's record to date is former WBO Middleweight world champion Hasan N'Dam, whom Alimkhanuly defeated in November 2021 via stoppage.

A recurring theme that will be present at least for a while assuming that Alimkhanuly is able to keep his portion of the World Middleweight championship is he will likely be facing fighters with more experience in terms of professional fights than he has. It is a scenario that he will face in going against Steven Butler.

Butler, a former Canadian amateur champion, has a respectable record of 32-3-1, with 26 Knockouts coming into this challenge for a world championship in what will be the first world title fight in his career. Butler had previously come up short in attempting to secure an interim designation when he was stop by Ryota Murata in 2019. Despite having more experience than the champion coming into this bout, a potential red flag against Butler is he has been stopped in each of his three losses. What Butler does have going for him in addition to having more professional experience than the champion is he has won his last four fights and it will be interesting to see what he brings with him in this fight against a fighter in Zhanibek Alimkhanuly that has yet to be tested thus far in his career.

Ultimately, despite the unknowns that surrounds Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, despite being a world champion, due to his limited experience, what will hang over the Middleweight division at least for the immediate future if Gennady Golovkin does decide to retire, will be a period of transition where both contenders and world champions try to establish themselves as the division's next central figure. Whether Zhanibek Alimkhanuly or Steven Butler are among the fighters who will be vying for that position in the post-Golovkin era of the Middleweight division remains to be seen.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Alimkhanuly vs. Butler takes place on Saturday, May 13th at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:10PM ET/3:10PM PT. ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please www.ESPNPlus.com. 

*Check your local listings internationally.*

*Card and start time subject to change.*

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Alvarez Sets The Stage For Rematch With Bivol

The story of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez' defense of his Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world against WBO number one mandatory challenger John Ryder was not about a fight between two of the best the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division has to offer, but about an event. An event of an undisputed world champion coming home to defend his crown before over 50,000 spectators in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico at Akron Stadium.

In terms of the actual fight, despite being heavily favored due largely to his status as one of the superstars in the sport of Boxing, the last year was not entirely kind to Saul Alvarez. It was at this time last year when Alvarez had moved up in weight to challenge undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol. As most know, in a fight that went the distance, Alvarez was thoroughly out boxed and out worked by a master boxer in Bivol. Although losing one fight should not define a fighter's career, the twelve round unanimous decision loss to Bivol did knock some of the perceived luster off Alvarez in the sport's mythical pound for pound debates as being regarded as the best fighter in the world.

While this observer normally tries to avoid such debates because by it's very mature, the term "Pound For Pound" is subjective, open to interpretation, and seemingly changes month to month depending on who one asks, there is no doubt that when he met Bivol on one night in May 2022, Saul Alvarez did not emerge as the better fighter. The setback against Bivol was followed by a tougher than expected defense of his Super-Middleweight crown against longtime rival Gennady Golovkin in the third and one can assume final meeting between the two future Hall of Famers in September of last year. 

Despite retaining his title via twelve round unanimous decision in that fight, Golovkin who's best days as a fighter, may well be behind him, was able to make the fight close over the second half of the bout and there may be an argument that had he fought all twelve rounds as aggressively as he did over the final six rounds, he may have pulled out a win over Alvarez. Alvarez was also dealing with an injured left hand going into that fight, so there was also the question of how he would perform following surgery after his second win over Golovkin that surrounded this fight against John Ryder.

In previewing this bout, this observer stated that the obvious approach for the challenger would be to establish the tempo of the combat from the outset and make it difficult for Alvarez to get into a rhythm. Despite the fight being fought in a small ring that was said to be eighteen feet, Ryder instead seemed content to box with Alvarez in the pocket. While the eighteen foot ring on the surface seemed tailor made for Alvarez, it would have also benefited a fighter like Ryder, who is typically a straight forward pressure fighter.

Although there were moments where Ryder was able to get Alvarez against the ropes throughout this fight, the challenger's approach was not one that suited him well as the fight progressed. A jab in round three appeared to break Ryder's nose as he began to bleed severely from both the nose and the mouth. Alvarez was able to follow thet by dropping Ryder with a perfectly timed one, two combination to the head in round five.

At this point in the fight, I frankly thought that it would be only a matter of time before it would be stopped. My thought process being not so much that Alvarez was dominating the bout to such a degree that Ryder was in danger, but more so due to what appeared to be Ryder dealing with a broken nose and subsequently looking as though he was having trouble breathing. Despite this and my natural instincts having seen and covered thousands of fights on every level of the sport in having what some might call a gut feeling as to when a fight is likely to be stopped due to an injury like this, Ryder as he has done for his entire career, remained determined, very "Game," and did what he could to remain in the fight with the champion.

It was likely such grit and determination that gave Ryder the benefit of doubt as the fight moved into the middle and late rounds, despite the circumstances he was facing. Perhaps one criticism that some might point to in regard to Alvarez as the fight progressed was even though he appeared to have an opportunity to get a stoppage at some points due to Ryder's condition, he did not force the issue too much to try and end the fight early.

While no one can take anything away from the heart John Ryder showed in this fight, which should endear him to Boxing fans as it was a display of courage that some fighters under similar circumstances might have chosen to bow out gracefully once the injury occured, and keeping in mind that this was the first fight for Alvarez coming off of a surgery, perhaps a reason why Alvarez did not try to force the issue here could be that he was showing respect to Ryder. In that, despite being in control of the fight, Alvarez in a gesture of sportsmanship allowed Ryder the chance to go as long as he could rather than trying to get him out of there quickly.

It is also worth reminding the reader and any potential critics that this was Alvarez' first fight in his native Mexico, and to be more specific, his hometown in over a decade. So in addition to likely developing respect for his opponent due to his valiant effort, the possibilty of Alvarez looking to extend the fight to allow himself and the fans in Akron Stadium to enjoy the moment, also exists. While this by no means is a suggestion on the part of yours truly that Alvarez did not put in a solid performance, did not do what he needed to do in order to retain his championship or for lack of a better term, carried his opponent to the final bell of the scheduled twelve round world championship bout, it is something to keep in mind because there will likely be those who will view this as a sign of decline in Alvarez simply because he did not press the issue to get a stoppage.

In some ways, it reminded me of the November 2010 bout between future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao and controversial former Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito. The fight, which took place in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX for a vacant Jr. Middleweight world championship saw Pacquiao batter Margarito for the majority of the twelve round bout. The effects of the punishment dished out by Pacquiao ultimately resulted in Margarito suffering a broken right eye socket as his face became grotesquely swollen as the fight progressed. Although I felt that fight should have been stopped by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation who oversaw and sanctioned the bout as it was clear that Margarito could not see out of his right eye, a point of view that I made clear in my coverage of that fight, now almost thirteen years ago at the time of this column's publication, Margarito deserved credit for the heart he showed that night and, despite his career being controversial and tainted due to a suspension for attempting to put plaster of paris on his hand wraps prior to his fight with Shane Mosley in 2009, which he served a suspension for by the California State Athletic Commission and because of that, his career accomplishments prior to that have to be questioned, in some way, his performance and bravery did earn him some of the respect he lost due to the controversy prior to his bout with Mosley.

In a similar way as Saul Alvarez would approach the remainder of his fight with John Ryder, Manny Pacquiao, a fighter known for a relentless swarming offensive style, particularly in his prime, did not press the issue and chose to out box Margarito to the final bell in seeming to give Margarito the chance to go for as long as he could or for as long as the officials who were overseeing the bout would allow him to. As Margarito was able to do that night in November 2010 in losing to Pacquiao, John Ryder would go the distance in this fight with Saul Alvarez.

The outcome of this fight ultimately would be academic as Alvarez would win a wide and convincing twelve round unanimous decision to retain his Undisputed Super-Middleweight chamipnship of the world. John Ryder however, was able to perform well down the stretch and should remain in the mix at 168lbs. once he has had the opportunity to heal from his injury.

As for the champion, this fight took care of one mandatory defense obligation amongst the four world championships that Alvarez holds that comprise the Undisputed Super-Middleweight chamipnship of the world. While there are three other challengers representing the WBC, WBA, and IBF that Alvarez is going to have to face in a reasonable time to keep the championship fully unified, he insisted after the successful defense over John Ryder that he wants to move back up to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division to seek a rematch with Dmitry Bivol in September.

If that fight does indeed take place, regardless of the outcome, Alvarez will likely have to make a decision regarding the undisputed championship he holds in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division by the end of this year. Logically, if Alvarez were to lose to Bivol a second time, there are two realistic options for him. 

One would be to commit to the aforementioned sanctioning organizations that are waiting for their mandatories to be fulfilled for the current cycle, to fulfill those obligations throughout 2024 and possibly 2025 assuming he retains the championship in those bouts, or he might want to consider retirement. In his last two fights since his loss to Bivol, Alvarez has gotten the job done convincingly. Styles however, do make fights and based on what this observer saw and covered when he faced Bivol one year ago, Bivol might just be a fighter with a style that Alvarez will always have trouble with and may well be unable to solve Bivol's puzzle. Although Alvarez successfully moved up and won a world championship in the Light-Heavyweight division before relinquishing it to return to Super-Middleweight, he may be at the point where there is nothing left to prove at Super-Middleweight as he is atop the whole division and if he is unsuccessful against Bivol, it may be an indication as most fighters who move through multiple weight classes eventually find out, that they've hit a ceiling and for Alvarez, that puts him in situation where there could be nothing left for him to accomplish as a fighter, which is why retirement might be the only other option if he is unable to avenge his loss to Bivol.

For now, Alvarez has done his part to set up a potential rematch. The question is whether Bivol will want the rematch having dominated Alvarez before, the scenario is slightly different this time. Alvarez is still one of the biggest stars in the sport, but an argument could be made that after what happened last year, it is Alvarez who needs a fight with Bivol more than the WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion needs him.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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Can Ryder Upset Alvarez?

For some fighters, the path to a world championship fight is not as simple as it might seem. Some are able to get their opportunity off of the strength of an impressive win, which in turn serves as the catalyst to drum up support for said fighter to fight for a world title. While this may seem like the quickest path to one getting a shot, there are countless other fighters that must for lack of a better term rely on the structure that be in the sport, which means for a fighter to work their way to a mandatory position to force a shot at a world championship.

This is precisely the path that Super-Middleweight contender and former world title challenger John Ryder has taken, which has seen him fight his way to the number one contender's position in the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) Super-Middleweight ratings, which has now resulted in the native of London, England now being on the brink of the biggest fight of his career. A fight where he will challenge current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for all the marbles in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Ryder's second opportunity to fight for a world championship will not just be for an undisputed championship, but will also come against one of the biggest stars in the sport when he faces Alvarez in Guadalajara, Mexico on May 6th, which can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and DAZN Pay-Per-View here in the United States and in Canada.

By now, this observer does not need to go into a long in-depth chronicle of the career of Saul Alvarez, a fighter known to his fans simply as "Canelo." Alvarez' status as a future Hall of Famer is cemented at this stage of his career. The current Undisputed Super-Middleweight King has however, hit a bump in the road recently when he was thoroughly out boxed when he moved up to Light-Heavyweight to challenge undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol in May of last year. Although Alvarez was able to bounce back from the twelve round unanimous decision loss to Bivol by decisioning Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin in their third meeting in September of last year, there are some who question whether Alvarez has truly recovered from the loss to Bivol from a psychological standpoint.

It may indeed be true that Alvarez was out boxed by a master boxer in Bivol, but this observer does not necessarily feel that, that loss or what proved to be a more difficult fight than some might have expected the third time around against a fighter in Gennady Golovkin, who is closer to the end of his career than he is the prime of his career, necessarily signals a decline in Alvarez, but there is no disputing that 2022 was not the best year for him. Now as Alvarez prepares to defend his crown for the first time in 2023, he will be fulfilling his mandatory defense obligations as far as the WBO is concerned when he faces Ryder in his hometown at the Akron Stadium. What has all the appearance of a "Homecoming Fight" for Alvarez and has even been marketed as such taking place during Cinco De Mayo weekend, this may turn out to be a more dangerous fight than some might expect.

Despite suffering five losses in his career up to this point, John Ryder has only been stopped once in his career and that stoppage came eight years ago at the hands of Nick Blackwell. Ryder has since proven to be quite durable and even in fights he has lost such as to former Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith, in his first attempt at a world championship, there is some argument as to Ryder having been on the bad end of some decisions that could have gone either way. Since his loss to Smith in November 2019, Ryder has won four straight fights that has served to build a wave of momentum including a twelve round split decision win over former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs in February of last year that secured him the number one ranking in the WBO ratings.

In addition to the momentum he has been able to build going into this fight, the challenger may have something else working in his favor. Although there is no disputing that Alvarez is one of the biggest stars in the sport, his position has also afforded him the opportunity to schedule his fights or at least his intention to fight well in advance of when he actually competes. In the current scenario, Alvarez has already stated that he would like a rematch with Dmitry Bivol in September. Therefore, the possibility exists that the champion could well be overlooking an opponent with an eye on avenging his defeat to Bivol.

While it is important to keep in mind that John Ryder will be walking into the equivalent of a lion's den by facing Alvarez in his hometown with a potential record crowd of supporters on his corner, Ryder literally has nothing to lose here and if Alvarez is not taking this fight seriously, it could play right into his hands. How can John Ryder pull off an upset on what will be hostile ground? 

The most obvious approach will be for Ryder to establish the tempo of the combat immediately and make it difficult for Alvarez to get into a rhythm. This can prove to be easier said than done, however, Ryder does have a style where he does come forward and he can make fights difficult on opponents by grinding out rounds where he is able to outwork them in volume of punches, while also making it difficult for his opponent to get his punches off. While the approach is not necessarily the most entertaining to watch, it is effective when Ryder is able to execute it effectively.

What Ryder needs to keep in mind however, in his approach of how he tries to attack Alvarez, is that Alvarez has always been very compact with his offense and in particular is a very dangerous counter puncher in addition to having punching power. Although anything can happen once two fighters are in the midst of battle, there are likely some who feel that John Ryder will essentially have to fight a perfect fight here if he is going to have a chance to win this fight, particularly if the bout goes the distance as every advantage one could point to outside of the matching between the two fighters, also favors the champion from the home crowd advantage, to that advantage possibly being able to influence how a bout is scored, which could prove crucial if there are rounds throughout the fight that might seem close.

Although judges are not supposed to be influenced in any way when they score a fight beyond what is going on in the ring, the atmosphere of a massive and loud crowd does indeed play a role otherwise one is not human. This does not mean to suggest any possible corruption, but the point this observer is making is with what is likely to be a massive and loud crowd in attendance, the possibility that judges might have trouble maintaining focus due to noise is very real, which unfortunately can play a role in the outcome if the fight does indeed go all twelve rounds.

Despite the fact that everything seems to favor Alvarez and keeping in mind that this is a mandatory defense of one of the  world championships that he holds that compromise the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world, a real question that should be asked as this fight approaches in addition to whether Alvarez is looking ahead towards a potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol, is just how long will Alvarez remain in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. At this stage of his career and keeping in mind that he did briefly hold a world championship in the Light-Heavyweight division, it is likely a fight by fight process for him as opposed to committing to trying to have as lengthy and successful reign as champion as possible. Whether John Ryder can surprise many and dethrone Alvarez in his "Homecoming" remains to be seen.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Alvarez vs. Ryder takes place on Saturday, May 6th at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. In North America, the fight can be seen on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $54.99. Outside of the United States and Canada, the bout can be seen on DAZN internationally as part of a standard monthly or annual DAZN subscription and an on demand replay of the bout as well as it's full undercard will be made available following the event. The broadcast will begin at 6PM ET/3PM PT with The DAZN Boxing Show: Before the Bell, which will feature preliminary bouts. The pay-per-view broadcast will begin at 7PM ET/4PM PT. (* U.S. Times Only*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe and verify if pay-per-view access is required in your region for this event please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

For non-DAZN subscribers/users in North America, the card will also be available on traditional cable/satellite providers and PPV.com and the PPV.com app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs, for $79.99. Visit www.PPV.com to order and for instructions on where to download and access the PPV.com app or contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information.

(*Card and start time subject to change, check DAZN.com for local start times internationally.)

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

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

Bivol-Ramirez Preview

In May of this year, undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol entered the to defend his portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the man regarded by many as the best fighter in the world pound for pound, who had recently fully unified the Super-Middleweight division to become Undisputed world champion. Although Bivol went into the fight unbeaten and was a longtime champion, the champion was treated almost as if he were the challenger.

 

This was due largely to Alvarez’ standing in the sport and for better or worse fighters who are fortunate to covet such a position often take advantage of what are seen by some fans as perks, whether it be in contract negotiations and/or in the ability to dictate terms including, but not limited to at times who they fight, when they fight, and unfortunately for the fan/consumer how said bouts will be made available to the public. While some have used such a position to avoid challenges by choosing to not face fighters deemed as competitive threats, to his credit, even though Alvarez hand picked Bivol as his opponent in an attempt to begin the process of trying to unify a second division, he picked arguably the most dangerous fighter the Light-Heavyweight division has to offer both in terms of overall Boxing skill and punching power.

 

As most know, Bivol used those attributes to his advantage as he tactically out boxed Alvarez over twelve rounds to earn a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to retain his championship for the ninth time. While Bivol’s performance was one that was of the tactical/pure Boxing form, he dictated how the fight was fought from start to finish in a bout that this observer felt he dominated.

 

 In some ways, Bivol’s victory over Alvarez reminded me of a fight that I covered in September 2001 between Bernard Hopkins and Felix Trinidad in what was a Middleweight world championship unification bout. It reminded me of that fight for one similarity. Much like Bivol, Hopkins had held his version of the World Middleweight championship for several years dominating most of his opposition prior to facing Trinidad. Despite this, there were several, particularly casual Boxing fans who did not know much about Hopkins and treated him with little regard. This was due to Trinidad being one of the biggest stars in the sport at the time and being more well known outside of the true Boxing enthusiast.

 

When the two met inside Madison Square Garden in the weeks that followed the 9/11 attacks, Hopkins dominated Trinidad before knocking him down in the twelfth round and stopping him. While much like Bivol’s decision win over Alvarez, Hopkins’ knockout of Trinidad was viewed as the best win and a career definer for him, the similarities may not end there.

 

Despite his win over Trinidad and his status afterward as unified Middleweight world champion, it took Hopkins a few more years to get the acclaim and respect he had earned that night in Madison Square Garden. Most would say that it was not until he knocked out Oscar De La Hoya in September 2004 to fully unity the Middleweight division that Hopkins finally was regarded as the great fighter he was and ultimately the Hall of Famer he is today.

 

Although that delayed recognition for Hopkins can be explained as the politics that be in the sport and others including promoters and networks working against him, some might say that decades later, Dmitry Bivol now finds himself in a similar position. While Boxing is truly the theater of the unexpected and the best unscripted drama sports has to offer, in my view, there are likely some who either because of biases related to being a fan of those with other vested interests that would say that what happened when Bivol beat Alvarez that the outcome was not in the long-term plan for the latter’s career.

 

Nonetheless, Bivol did what he had to do, retained his title, and could well meet Alvarez again down the line. Before that can happen however, the undefeated champion will make the tenth defense of his WBA crown when he faces undefeated former WBO Super-Middleweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday, November 5^th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. The fight, which can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN is frankly one of the most dangerous fights that Bivol could have taken following his victory over Alvarez. Ramirez, unbeaten in forty-four professional fights, has thirty knockouts in his career and will enter this fight having scored five straight knockouts. The challenger also goes into this fight as the WBA’s  number one contender.

 

While Bivol had to take this fight per Ramirez’ status as a mandatory challenger, it is commendable that the champion did not spend too much time exploring options to delay this bout from taking place as unfortunately sometimes happens throughout the sport both due to the politics that be in the sport as well as potentially more lucrative opportunities that might be available to a fighter. One could argue that from a public perception standpoint that Bivol ‘s standing in the sport will be further elevated if he can defeat Ramirez.

 

In terms of how this fight might be fought, it is important to keep in mind that both Bivol and Ramirez are boxer/punchers that can do a little of everything inside the ring. What this bout will come down to in this observer’s eyes is whether or not the challenger will be able to bring the fight to Bivol. One thing that stood out in Bivol’s victory over Alvarez is at no point in that fight did the champion appear uncomfortable and not in the position to dictate how that fight was fought. This also was visible by Bivol’s not allowing himself to be baited into exchanges with Alvarez, particularly when Alvarez chose to sit on the ropes and motion for Bivol to step in and attack. The champion instead chose to remain at a distance where he could hit Alvarez, but remain in control of how the fight was fought.

 

Although Gilberto Ramirez is also a crafty fighter much like Alvarez, he will nerd to avoid some of the mistakes Alvarez made throughout that fight. While Ramirez is naturally bigger than Alvarez, the task is largely the same for him against Bivol. He must look to apply pressure on Bivol early and make him uncomfortable. Ramirez must be tactical in his approach as Bivol does have good hand speed and is an accurate counter puncher.

 

Bivol has proven to be quite the tactician in recent fights after beginning his career with a string of knockouts similar to that of current Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin. Even though a pure Boxing style with an emphasis on technique is not always fan friendly, when executed well it can prove to be very effective and difficult for opponents to combat as Bivol has shown in recent fights. Even though the champion still likely has the punching power to get an opponent out of there if an opportunity arises, it is logical to expect that Bivol will try to implement a similar strategy as he has used in recent fights in this title defense against Ramirez.

 

The winner of this fight will likely find himself in good position as 2023 approaches with two realistic options. Option one could be a bout with Alvarez who insists on returning to the Light-Heavyweight division with his eye particularly on a possible rematch with Bivol. Perhaps more enticing however, could be the second option, which would be to try and unify the division. With a lot on the line for both fighters going into this fight and possibly coming out of it, it comes down to two fighters meeting in the ring with Bivol’s WBA World Light-Heavyweight championship at stake. We will see what happens on Saturday, November 5^th.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

 

Bivol vs. Ramirez takes place on Saturday, November 5^th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. The bout as well as it’s full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 10AM ET/7AM PT with Before the bell, which will include preliminary bouts on the card. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT (U.S. Times). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

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

DAZN CONFIRMS 1.06 MILLION BUYS GLOBALLY FOR CANELO VS. GGG III

 

Press Release: By DAZN – September 21, 2022 – As Saul “Canelo” Alvarez ultimately outboxed Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin this past weekend to bring one of the most compelling rivalries in sport to an end, DAZN Group has confirmed the Canelo vs. GGG III fight night saw a global audience in the millions, with more than 1.06 million buys generated worldwide including PPV and DAZN subscriptions.

Credit: DAZN

 

The event - in partnership with Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions - marks DAZN’s biggest fight yet in 2022 both globally as well as in the United States. It also claims the title of #3 biggest boxing event globally on DAZN since its inception and #2 biggest boxing event in the United States since its 2018 launch. 

 

Moreover, DAZN was once again the most downloaded sports app in the world, in addition to being the highest grossing app of any category in the United States. 

Additionally, DAZN saw tremendous growth across its commercial premise partners, including +71% across bars, restaurants, casinos, and cinemas compared to Canelo’s last fight against Dmitry Bivol in May; this included fans all across the nation coming together to watch live in 680+ cinemas in the United States alone. Engagement records were set on social media as well, including TikTok fight night content that was the highest-performing of any DAZN boxing event in history (7.9 million views).

 

Other major upcoming events on DAZN’s global boxing schedule include ‘Born Rivals’ Eubank Jr. vs. Benn on October 8, the legend Katie Taylor returning to the ring on October 29, Bivol vs. Ramirez on November 5, two MF x DAZN: X Series fight nights, and much more.

 

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, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

Alvarez Wins Trilogy, Was It The End Of The Road For A Great Champion?

Prior to the highly anticipated third encounter between Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and two-time unified Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin, this observer asked one question. Would the third fight bring a finale to one of Boxing’s most heated rivalries over the last decade or would the third chapter in the story between the two fighters lead to a fourth encounter?

Depending on one’s perspective, the answer to the question was either a simple or a complex one. Ideally, when one thinks of a trilogy in combat sports, the third fight more often than not serves as a tiebreaker after two fighters subsequently split the first two encounters. There are rare instances where three fights are not enough to settle matters and scenarios where the set up for a trilogy is not ideal. In this case, there was a controversial draw in the first bout between Alvarez and Golovkin and a debated outcome in the second fight where Alvarez was declared the winner by majority decision, but many felt that Golovkin should have won the fight. This won't with the added opinion of many that Golovkin had done enough to win the first fight, and you have a set up for a trilogy that was fast from ideal.

The four years between the second fight and the third fight however, created more questions, primarily surrounding the now forty year old Golovkin and perceived decline he seemed to show in recent fights. Although those questions were fair to ask, I found myself in the days prior to the third fight wondering if, despite his age and seeming decline, if this would simply be ae of the saying that goes hand and hand with the sport of Boxing, “Styles Make Fights.” Perhaps Golovkin's age, assumed decline, and the lengthy period between fights two and three would not matter, and it may have been a scenario where Golovkin's style was something that would always pose problems for Saul Alvarez and result in a very competitive fight that would always be subject to debate.

On September 17th, Alvarez and Golovkin returned to the scene of their previous two encounters the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV for what turned out to be the finale of a great rivalry. Despite the bad blood between the two fighters that had been simmering since before the second fight, the third either l encounter was simply anti-climatic.

This was because of a reluctance of Golovkin, a fighter known for an ability to apply pressure and breaking his opponents down, to engage with Alvarez from the standpoint of letting his hands go consistently.

Whether it was because of his forty years of age, the effects of a long and illustrious career as an amateur and a professional, having only fought twice since the inception of the COVID-19 global epidemic, or a combination of all the above, it was clear that the Gennady Golovkin that entered the ring for the third bout against Saul Alvarez, was not the same fighter who carved out what this observer often referred to as “A Path of Destruction “ through the Middleweight division over the last decade. For the first eight rounds of the scheduled twelve round world championship bout, the combat inside the ring frankly resembled a brisk sparring session simply because Golovkin did not throw enough punches and was not able to make a significant impact with the punches he did throw.

At the conclusion of eight rounds, I had Alvarez winning every round as he was more active and more importantly more effective of the two fighters in an uneventful fight to watch. It was also hard for me not to think as someone who has spent a lifetime covering the sport and having seen many fighters at similar stages that Golovkin was showing in some ways a classic sign of an aging fighter. He likely saw openings throughout the fight, but could not pull the trigger.

Whether it was a combination of the aforementioned issues or not, as someone who has observed fighters of similar age in similar circumstances, it seemed at least to my eyes that the great champion that Golovkin has been throughout his career, simply does not have it anymore. To his credit however, Golovkin was able to show signs of the fighter he was in his prime over the pretty last four rounds to the degree that he appeared to be the more effective fighter down the stretch. Although this rally had me questioning for a time whether Golovkin was playing possum, the burst of activity and a slight de l decline in Alvarez’ output resulted in Golovkin being able to win those final four rounds on my scorecard resulting in an eight rounds to four or 116-112 score in favor of Alvarez, but I will concede that the final four rounds should not be an accurate depiction of what occurred in this fight and my score was simply how things ended up at the conclusion of the fight.

The final verdict of a unanimous decision in favor of Alvarez, unlike the previous two fights was not controversial and if one is objective, should not be debated. Although the third fight between the two f did not produce similar intrigue as the previous two bouts and was underwhelming as many high-priced pay-per-view bouts have tended to be in recent years, ultimately, Saul Alvarez did what he needed to do and retained his undisputed world championship in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division.

While a rematch with WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol, the man who defeated Alvarez convincingly back in May via unanimous decision to retain his WBA crown, remains a goal for Alvarez, the Super-Middleweight champion indicated after his second victory over Golovkin that he likely needs surgery on his left hand and that could result in him being idle for up to a year. This observer certainly does not have to explain the political landscape that Boxing is conducted under and it is logical to expect that the four world championships that Alvarez holds will likely have mandatory challengers amongst the World Boxing Association, (WBA) the World Boxing Council, (WBC) the World Boxing Organization, (WBO) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the time that Alvarez will be out of action and it is debatable as to whether those sanctioning organizations will allow the championships to remain fully unified if Alvarez is out for a longer period of time and/or has intentions on moving back up to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division upon his return to competition.

As for Gennady Golovkin, he still holds three of five world titles in the 160lb. Middleweight division an indicated that he will move back down in weight to resume defending his title there. Although the lure of trying to become an undisputed world champion is a strong one that fighters find it hard to resist if they are a unified world champion in a given weight class, having seen what appeared to be signs of decline in Golovkin in recent fights as well as this performance where he seemed to be simply sharing the ring with his opponent for the first eight rounds, perhaps Golovkin and those close to him need to sit down and discuss his future as a fighter. He is a two-time Middleweight champion of the world and has established a legacy that will one day see him enter any Hall of Fame associated with the sport.

As someone who has chronicled his career for over a decade, I feel he has nothing more to prove, his legacy is secure as a true all-time great champion. If this turns out to be the end of the road of a great career Gennady Golovkin can hold his head high as not only a great fighter, but a credit to the sport.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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Alvarez-Golovkin III Weights From Las Vegas

 

The official weigh-in for Saturday’s third encounter between Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and current unified Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin took place earlier today in Las Vegas, NV. Alvarez, who’s undisputed championship will be on the line in the twelve round bout weighed in at 167 1/2lbs. The challenger Golovkin, who will be making his Super-Middleweight debut in tomorrow night’s bout weighed in slightly heavier at 167 3/4lbs. The twelve round world championship bout will headline a pay-per-view card available on DAZN Pay-Per-View in several countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The card however, will be available as part of a standard subscription to the DAZN digital streaming network in other countries. 

 

*Weights for the undercard bouts are unavailable as of this writing. 

 

Alvarez vs. Golovkin III takes place on Saturday, September 17th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The bout can be seen in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $64.99 for current subscribers and $84.99 for non-subscribers with a one month subscription to DAZN included with purchase. (U.S. Prices Only) DAZN Pay-Per-View is available through the DAZN streaming app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices, platforms, and Smart TVs. The fight will be available in select countries as part of a standard DAZN streaming subscription. Those wishing to not order through DAZN can contact their cable/satellite provider for availability. DAZN will present a full day of coverage leading up to the event beginning with the DAZN Boxing Show at 2PM ET/11AM PT. Preliminary bouts will begin at 4:45PM ET/1:45PM PT. The main pay-per-view card will begin at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (U.S. Times Only) 

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, pay-per-view access/availability in your region, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.  

 

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

 

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

 

Alvarez-Golovkin 3: Finale Or A Prelude To A Fourth Fight?

 

Unless you are a fan with a mere casual interest in Boxing, one would likely say that one of the most heated rivalry that the sport has seen in the last decade has been between two of Boxing’s biggest stars. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady “ GGG” Golovkin. Two fighters that with the exception of two fights against each other have dominated most of their opposition over that span of time.  

 

As is the case with most rivalries, the first fight between the two in September 2017 was much anticipated. While such anticipation can at times be the type that is manufactured in that it is built up in such a way to make a fight appear bigger than it actually is in terms of what is at stake and the ramifications therein for a division and the sport as a whole, the anticipation for the first fight between these two stars was organic and did not need such hype tactics. This was due to Gennady Golovkin carving out what this observer referred to as “A Path Of Destruction” through the 160lb. Middleweight division in not only winning and successfully unifying most of the world championships in the division, but also compiling a lengthy knockout streak that extended to twenty-three consecutive knockouts before he was extended a twelve round distance by former Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. 

 

Even though Jacobs took Golovkin the distance in a unification bout, Golovkin’s reputation as a feared “Knockout Artist” was cemented. For Saul Alvarez, his star had risen as an attraction through two weight classes and he briefly held a version of the World Middleweight championship prior to taking on Golovkin. In some ways, the way Alvarez rose to be one of Boxing’s top stars was reminiscent of his longtime now former promoter Oscar De La Hoya. As De La Hoya had done virtually his entire career as a fighter, Alvarez has built a reputation for taking on the best fighters of his era. Even though such a mentality is not always appreciated among an often fickle fan base, and that did not always work to De La Hoya’s benefit, like his former promoter, Alvarez likes challenges. It was not a surprise to see Alvarez wanting to fight Golovkin as the fight was made in a much shorter time frame as compared to other bouts throughout the history of the sport that had the similar “Big Fight” anticipation. 

 

Another positive in a sport seemingly full of negatives was the actual fight did not disappoint in terms of what happened inside the ring. Fight one had elements of both tactical Boxing as well as two fighters willing to stand and trade punches. I felt the first encounter was largely dictated by Golovkin being able to use a power jab. There were several rounds throughout this bout that his jab was his primary weapon and I felt that it not only served as an effective weapon, but also was what dictated the combat. As the fight went on Golovkin’s gradual pressure as well as seeming to land the harder punches appeared to give him what I felt was a clear victory in a highly competitive bout as I scored it  nine rounds to three or 117-111 in his favor. 

 

While the result of that fight proved to be a draw, many including yours truly felt that Golovkin got the better of Alvarez. Such an opinion coupled with an inconclusive verdict from the three official judges provided the ideal set up for a rematch. As most know, there was a temporary delay in the rematch taking place as the original spring 2018 date was postponed following Alvarez testing positive for a banned substance clenbuterol resulting in a suspension and a delay of the rematch. The suspension, which Alvarez has always maintained was a result of eating contaminated meat in his native Mexico, nevertheless created bad blood between the fighters and their respective camps. The delay would end almost exactly one year following the first fight. In fight two, we saw a different approach from both fighters.  

 

While in fight one Alvarez used his movement to try and evade Golovkin, the second fight saw him willing to stand and engage more. Golovkin meanwhile did not apply the type of consistent pressure that he had done in the first fight. He seemed to implement a more tactical Boxing approach in the rematch and while this appeared to benefit Alvarez, I felt Golovkin still did enough to earn a decision victory by dictating the fight as well as using a consistent jab throughout. Golovkin also seemed to land the harder punches of the two. Although I ended up scoring the second fight 116-112 or eight rounds to four in favor of Golovkin, the tactical pace in which the second fight was fought resulted in many of the rounds being close. The end result was Alvarez being declared the winner via twelve round majority decision. 

 

Despite a victor being declared in the second fight, the result, much like the draw between the two in the first encounter not only left a bad taste in the mouths of many Boxing fans who felt that Golovkin had done enough to win it, it also left matters unsettled. In the four years since their last meeting, both fighters have achieved considerable success. Golovkin would eventually regain a portion of the World Middleweight championship and go on to partially unify it as he had done prior to losing to Alvarez in the second fight. Alvarez meanwhile would win world titles in both the Light-Heavyweight and Super-Middleweight divisions, the latter of which he would ultimately unify to become the first undisputed world champion in the history of the Super-Middleweight division. 

 

Now over five years since their first encounter, Alvarez and Golovkin will renew their rivalry for their long anticipated third meeting on Saturday, September 17th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. A fight that can be seen in many countries on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN as part of a standard monthly or annual subscription or on DAZN Pay-Per-View in select countries including the United States and Canada. 

 

While the third bout comes largely based on the closeness of the first two bouts, there are slight differences this time around. First among those differences is that Golovkin will be moving up eight pounds to the Super-Middleweight division to challenge Alvarez for his undisputed crown. Although he has been unbeaten since the disputed loss to Alvarez, Golovkin is now forty years old and has experienced some difficulty in recent fights that has given an impression at least to some that he might be on the decline. This impression seemed to begin when Golovkin first regained a portion of the World Middleweight championship in a back and forth battle with Sergiy Derrevyanchenko in 2019 when it appeared that Golovkin was severely affected by body shots Derrevyanchenko was able to land throughout the bout. Even though Derrevyanchenko is the only fighter to have gone the distance with Golovkin since he returned to the ring earlier that year in Golovkin’s four bouts since the second fight against Alvarez, the perception among some is that Derrevyanchenko was able to expose a weakness in Golovkin that others have subsequently tried to exploit. This could well be the strategy of Saul Alvarez going into this third fight as he aims for a more conclusive victory. 

 

Perhaps the biggest wrinkle going into chapter three of Alvarez vs. Golovkin is that, despite being considered the underdog going into this fight, it is the champion Alvarez who will enter the bout coming off a loss. As most know, Alvarez failed in his bid to become a two-time Light-Heavyweight world champion when he lost a unanimous decision to undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol in May of this year. Bivol out boxed Alvarez over twelve rounds and, despite the fight appearing to clearly be in favor of Bivol, Alvarez did not respond to the loss well.  

 

With that in mind, there are two things that interests this observer heading into this third encounter knowing the questions that surround both fighters. Will the loss to Bivol influence how Alvarez fights this time, will be more aggressive rather than looking to score points with the intention of trying to win a decision. Will the bad blood between the two also mean that Alvarez will be less tactical in his approach this time around against Golovkin? Did Gennady Golovkin see anything in his two bouts against Alvarez and/or in Alvarez’ loss to Bivol that he can exploit this time? 

 

Having covered the previous two fights, in terms of approach, there is one aspect that Golovkin neglected in fight two that may have been the difference in the outcome. Although I felt that he still dictated the action and generally controlled the second fight, Golovkin neglected to focus a consistent attack to Alvarez’ body and I feel that if he wants to even the score this time he needs to both implement a consistent body attack as well as try to apply pressure and cut the ring off from Alvarez, something he also did not do much of in the second encounter.  

 

One thing that has not been discussed too much as this fight approaches is what will the effect of weight be on both fighters. Alvarez is moving back down to 168lbs. from the 175lb Light-Heavyweight division. Despite that he has moved up and down the weight scale depending on opportunity, the question of what impact that will eventually have on him physically is a fair one to ask. 

 

 By the same token, even though Golovkin still holds three Middleweight world championships going into this fight, the question in addition to his age that should be asked is whether or not what may seem like signs of decline in recent fights might have been due in part to trying to maintain his weight at the 160lb. Middleweight limit. As a fighter ages, it can be more difficult to maintain weight due to both physical changes as well as the wear and tear that often comes with a long career in the sport. This leads to many fighters who are not natural Heavyweights looking to move up in weight as their careers progress in addition to whatever opportunities might be available to them in a different weight class because the heavier weight is often more comfortable physically as opposed to what a body goes through when one tries to cut weight to a weight limit that may not be beneficial for them as they get older. Whether or not Golovkin ends up being more comfortable at 168lbs. remains to be seen.  

 

Despite the criticism of some that the third fight is coming too late as far as the perceived competitiveness that can be expected and from à business standpoint for DAZN choosing to put this bout on pay-per-view when their first offering on pay-per-view the Bivol-Alvarez bout back in May did not perform well with some estimates putting total buys between 300,000 and 600,000 at a $59.99 price point for current DAZN subscribers and $79.99 for non-subscribers, if there is a positive spin one can put on this is that the third fight comes not too far beyond the second fight in that there are some instances where fights that are highly anticipated take several years to make in terms of a single bout as was the case with the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout or many years between fights as was the case with the third bout between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran in December 1989 having taken place nine years after their second bout. In both cases, the bouts failed to live up to the expectations that some Boxing fans had and in the case of Mayweather-Pacquiao created a backlash and in some cases litigation due to that bout being offered at an asinine price point of over $90 on pay-per-view not including taxes and other fees. 

 

While that should have been a cautionary tale for every promoter and network that relies on the pay-per-view model, DAZN has insisted that their use of the model will be sporadic. Although the ills of the pay-per-view model is something that warrants continued discussion and criticism until such time as significant change occurs throughout the entire sport, from a Boxing standpoint, one can hope that this fight will not be a disappointment in terms of what happens inside the ring. Depending on what does happen, one should not discount the possibility of a potential fourth fight between the two, especially if Golovkin evens the score in this fight.  

 

‘And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

Alvarez vs. Golovkin III takes place on Saturday, September 17th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The bout can be seen in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $64.99 for current subscribers and $84.99 for non-subscribers with a one month subscription to DAZN included with purchase. (U.S. Prices Only) DAZN Pay-Per-View is available through the DAZN streaming app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices, platforms, and Smart TVs. The fight will be available in select countries as part of a standard DAZN streaming subscription. Those wishing to not order through DAZN can contact their cable/satellite provider for availability. DAZN will present a full day of coverage leading up to the event beginning with the DAZN Boxing Show at 2PM ET/11AM PT. Preliminary bouts will begin at 4:45PM ET/1:45PM PT. The main pay-per-view card will begin at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (U.S. Times Only) 

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, pay-per-view access/availability in your region, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.  

 

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