Tag: callum smith

Gennadiy Golovkin issues warning to Oscar De La Hoya

Gennadiy Golovkin implied that Oscar De La Hoya would regret it if they were to meet in the ring.

Oscar De La Hoya should be careful about what he wishes for.

The 47-year-old former champion, who has talked about making a comeback after 12 years out of the ring, recently said he would match up well against 38-year-old middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin.

“You know how easy GGG would be for me? Oh, my gosh,” De La Hoya told the Boxing Scene website last month. “I always took a good shot and I always took apart fighters like him. In my mind it would be that easy.”

Golovkin provided a chilling response to De La Hoya’s comments.

“You know Oscar, you know how dirty his mouth is,” Golovkin told AFP through a translator. “Everything involving Gennady Golovkin for him is a nightmare. He can say whatever. But let me put it this way: If I got an opportunity to legally kill a person in the ring, I might seize it.”

[lawrence-related id=15746]

De La Hoya is an annoyance for Golovkin, more than anything else. He has more important issues on which to focus.

The Kazakhstani is scheduled to defend his 160-pound title against Kamil Szeremeta on Friday at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (DAZN).

Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) last fought in October of last year, when he defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko by a close decision to win the vacant IBF title at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“It was a long pause,” Golovkin said. “There was enough time to miss boxing and forget certain things. The training was good. I went through my standard training and it went well and I’m ready.”

If Golovkin beats Szeremeta (21-0, 5 KOs), he could be in line to face rival Canelo Alvarez one a third time after drawing and losing against the Mexican star. However, if Triple-G is optimistic about that showdown, he isn’t letting on.

Alvarez is scheduled to face Callum Smith on Saturday in San Antonio.

“I don’t think about this because I’m tired of thinking about it,” Golovkin said. “It’s been over two years that we’ve been throwing this around. It’s not my fault that this fight has not taken place.

“Currently, it’s too early to say, but there is a possibility this fight might never happen.”

Gennadiy Golovkin issues warning to Oscar De La Hoya

Gennadiy Golovkin implied that Oscar De La Hoya would regret it if they were to meet in the ring.

Oscar De La Hoya should be careful about what he wishes for.

The 47-year-old former champion, who has talked about making a comeback after 12 years out of the ring, recently said he would match up well against 38-year-old middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin.

“You know how easy GGG would be for me? Oh, my gosh,” De La Hoya told the Boxing Scene website last month. “I always took a good shot and I always took apart fighters like him. In my mind it would be that easy.”

Golovkin provided a chilling response to De La Hoya’s comments.

“You know Oscar, you know how dirty his mouth is,” Golovkin told AFP through a translator. “Everything involving Gennady Golovkin for him is a nightmare. He can say whatever. But let me put it this way: If I got an opportunity to legally kill a person in the ring, I might seize it.”

[lawrence-related id=15746]

De La Hoya is an annoyance for Golovkin, more than anything else. He has more important issues on which to focus.

The Kazakhstani is scheduled to defend his 160-pound title against Kamil Szeremeta on Friday at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (DAZN).

Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) last fought in October of last year, when he defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko by a close decision to win the vacant IBF title at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“It was a long pause,” Golovkin said. “There was enough time to miss boxing and forget certain things. The training was good. I went through my standard training and it went well and I’m ready.”

If Golovkin beats Szeremeta (21-0, 5 KOs), he could be in line to face rival Canelo Alvarez one a third time after drawing and losing against the Mexican star. However, if Triple-G is optimistic about that showdown, he isn’t letting on.

Alvarez is scheduled to face Callum Smith on Saturday in San Antonio.

“I don’t think about this because I’m tired of thinking about it,” Golovkin said. “It’s been over two years that we’ve been throwing this around. It’s not my fault that this fight has not taken place.

“Currently, it’s too early to say, but there is a possibility this fight might never happen.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith: start time, how to watch, analysis

Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith: start time, how to watch, analysis

CANELO ALVAREZ
VS. CALLUM SMITH

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 19
  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event three-plus hours into show)
  • Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
  • TV: DAZN
  • Division: Super middleweight
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: Smith’s WBA and vacant WBC
  • Odds: Alvarez 4¼-1

***

CANELO ALVAREZ BIO

Canelo Alvarez (right) stopped Sergey Kovalev in November of last year. AP Photo / John Locher
  • Record: 53-1-2 (36 KOs)
  • Current titles: WBA and WBC middleweight
  • Other titles: WBC junior middleweight (2011-13); WBA junior middleweight (2013); WBC middleweight (2015-16); WBO junior middleweight (2016-17); IBF middleweight (2019); WBO light heavyweight (2019)
  • Home country: Mexico (Guadalajara)
  • Age: 30
  • Pro debut: 2005
  • Pro rounds: 402
  • Height: 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm)
  • Reach: 70½ (179 cm)
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Trainer: Eddy Reynoso (also manager)

***

CALLUM SMITH BIO

Callum Smith (left) had a tough time against John Ryder in November. Alex Livesey / Getty Images
  • Record: 27-0 (19 KOs)
  • Current titles: WBA super middleweight
  • Other titles: None
  • Home country: England (Liverpool)
  • Age: 30
  • Pro debut: 2012
  • Pro rounds: 134
  • Height: 6 feet, 3 inches (191 cm)
  • Reach: 78 inches (198 cm)
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Trainer: Joe Gallagher

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

Canelo Alvarez is fighting. That’s reason enough to watch, given that he’s one of the best fighters of his era and a slam-dunk first-ballot Hall of Famer. He will have been out of the ring for more than year, having stopped Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds to win a light heavyweight title in November of last year. Also, a victory over Smith would give the Mexican star a major title in a fourth division. However, Smith is no pushover. He isn’t as skillful as Alvarez – not many are – but he’s a good, experienced boxer who will have significant physical advantages over the Mexican star. This is must-see boxing TV.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Is Smith a legitimate threat to Alvarez? Yes. Alvarez, ranked No. 2 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is the better all-around fighter but Smith is a good boxer who will enter the ring with significant physical advantages – height, reach, natural size — over the favorite.

How significant are Smith’s physical advantages? Somewhat. The 6-foot-3 Smith is seven inches taller than Alvarez and has a 7½-inch edge in reach. Plus, Alvarez will be fighting heavier than 160 pounds for the third time; Smith has fought above 168 11 times.

Will ring rust be a factor? Both fighters are in the same boat. Alvarez last fought on Nov. 2 of last year, when he stopped Sergey Kovalev. Smith is coming off a decision over John Ryder three weeks after the Alvarez-Kovalev fight. The guess here is that both fighters will be fine come fight night.

Is Smith’s so-so performance against John Ryder a red flag? Maybe. Ryder, a significant underdog, gave Smith a much tougher time than expected. Some believe he deserved the decision. Smith was definitely flat. Maybe it was an off night. Maybe it was more than that.

What’s next for Alvarez if he wins? He has many options but Gennadiy Golovkin – who fights on Friday — probably makes the most sense for May. Triple-G remains the biggest name among prospective foes and DAZN, with which Alvarez continues to do business, will push hard for the fight.

***

WHY ALVAREZ WILL WIN

He’s the better fighter and has far more experience at an elite level. Alvarez might not have the athleticism of some boxers but he gets the absolute most out of his natural gifts. He’s a master at setting up his power shots, including brutal body work. And while he has always had a good chin, he has evolved into an excellent defensive fighter. Plus, he’s clever. He’ll use his ring IQ and draw from a wealth of experience in big fights to overcome Smith’s physical advantages. He’s simply too good for Smith.

WHY SMITH WILL WIN

Smith is a better, smarter boxer than some people seem to realize. He and former Trainer of the Year Joe Gallagher will devise a game plan to take advantage of his significant height and reach advantages, which undoubtedly will involve keeping Alvarez at a safe distance with his long jab and well-timed power shots. And if Smith has a weak chin, we haven’t seen it. He’s never been down as a pro. If Smith’s strategy works – and if he can stick with it – Alvarez could have some difficult. That’s a big “if” but it’s possible.

PREDICTION

Smith has built a reputation as a fine all-around fighter but he has never faced anyone like Alvarez. Not even close. It helps to be the bigger man but that only goes so far. Alvarez has the edge in every other department, including experience in big fights. To say that Smith is in unfamiliar territory is an understatement. Alvarez will need time to overcome Smith’s height and reach advantages but he’ll figure it out. And when he does, the fight could end quickly. Alvarez KO 9.

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

  • Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr, 12 rounds, flyweights (for Martinez’s WBC title)

[lawrence-related id=16386,15640,15632,15624]

Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith: start time, how to watch, analysis

Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith: start time, how to watch, analysis

CANELO ALVAREZ
VS. CALLUM SMITH

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 19
  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event three-plus hours into show)
  • Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
  • TV: DAZN
  • Division: Super middleweight
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: Smith’s WBA and vacant WBC
  • Odds: Alvarez 4¼-1

***

CANELO ALVAREZ BIO

Canelo Alvarez (right) stopped Sergey Kovalev in November of last year. AP Photo / John Locher
  • Record: 53-1-2 (36 KOs)
  • Current titles: WBA and WBC middleweight
  • Other titles: WBC junior middleweight (2011-13); WBA junior middleweight (2013); WBC middleweight (2015-16); WBO junior middleweight (2016-17); IBF middleweight (2019); WBO light heavyweight (2019)
  • Home country: Mexico (Guadalajara)
  • Age: 30
  • Pro debut: 2005
  • Pro rounds: 402
  • Height: 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm)
  • Reach: 70½ (179 cm)
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Trainer: Eddy Reynoso (also manager)

***

CALLUM SMITH BIO

Callum Smith (left) had a tough time against John Ryder in November. Alex Livesey / Getty Images
  • Record: 27-0 (19 KOs)
  • Current titles: WBA super middleweight
  • Other titles: None
  • Home country: England (Liverpool)
  • Age: 30
  • Pro debut: 2012
  • Pro rounds: 134
  • Height: 6 feet, 3 inches (191 cm)
  • Reach: 78 inches (198 cm)
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Trainer: Joe Gallagher

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

Canelo Alvarez is fighting. That’s reason enough to watch, given that he’s one of the best fighters of his era and a slam-dunk first-ballot Hall of Famer. He will have been out of the ring for more than year, having stopped Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds to win a light heavyweight title in November of last year. Also, a victory over Smith would give the Mexican star a major title in a fourth division. However, Smith is no pushover. He isn’t as skillful as Alvarez – not many are – but he’s a good, experienced boxer who will have significant physical advantages over the Mexican star. This is must-see boxing TV.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Is Smith a legitimate threat to Alvarez? Yes. Alvarez, ranked No. 2 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is the better all-around fighter but Smith is a good boxer who will enter the ring with significant physical advantages – height, reach, natural size — over the favorite.

How significant are Smith’s physical advantages? Somewhat. The 6-foot-3 Smith is seven inches taller than Alvarez and has a 7½-inch edge in reach. Plus, Alvarez will be fighting heavier than 160 pounds for the third time; Smith has fought above 168 11 times.

Will ring rust be a factor? Both fighters are in the same boat. Alvarez last fought on Nov. 2 of last year, when he stopped Sergey Kovalev. Smith is coming off a decision over John Ryder three weeks after the Alvarez-Kovalev fight. The guess here is that both fighters will be fine come fight night.

Is Smith’s so-so performance against John Ryder a red flag? Maybe. Ryder, a significant underdog, gave Smith a much tougher time than expected. Some believe he deserved the decision. Smith was definitely flat. Maybe it was an off night. Maybe it was more than that.

What’s next for Alvarez if he wins? He has many options but Gennadiy Golovkin – who fights on Friday — probably makes the most sense for May. Triple-G remains the biggest name among prospective foes and DAZN, with which Alvarez continues to do business, will push hard for the fight.

***

WHY ALVAREZ WILL WIN

He’s the better fighter and has far more experience at an elite level. Alvarez might not have the athleticism of some boxers but he gets the absolute most out of his natural gifts. He’s a master at setting up his power shots, including brutal body work. And while he has always had a good chin, he has evolved into an excellent defensive fighter. Plus, he’s clever. He’ll use his ring IQ and draw from a wealth of experience in big fights to overcome Smith’s physical advantages. He’s simply too good for Smith.

WHY SMITH WILL WIN

Smith is a better, smarter boxer than some people seem to realize. He and former Trainer of the Year Joe Gallagher will devise a game plan to take advantage of his significant height and reach advantages, which undoubtedly will involve keeping Alvarez at a safe distance with his long jab and well-timed power shots. And if Smith has a weak chin, we haven’t seen it. He’s never been down as a pro. If Smith’s strategy works – and if he can stick with it – Alvarez could have some difficult. That’s a big “if” but it’s possible.

PREDICTION

Smith has built a reputation as a fine all-around fighter but he has never faced anyone like Alvarez. Not even close. It helps to be the bigger man but that only goes so far. Alvarez has the edge in every other department, including experience in big fights. To say that Smith is in unfamiliar territory is an understatement. Alvarez will need time to overcome Smith’s height and reach advantages but he’ll figure it out. And when he does, the fight could end quickly. Alvarez KO 9.

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

  • Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr, 12 rounds, flyweights (for Martinez’s WBC title)

[lawrence-related id=16386,15640,15632,15624]

Video: Mannix, Mora: Is Callum Smith legitimate threat to Canelo Alvarez?

Canelo Alvarez is around a 4-1 favorite to beat Callum Smith on Dec. 19 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on DAZN, according to BetMGM. That doesn’t mean Alvarez can take anything for granted against the unbeaten super middleweight titleholder from …

Canelo Alvarez is around a 4-1 favorite to beat Callum Smith on Dec. 19 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on DAZN, according to BetMGM.

That doesn’t mean Alvarez can take anything for granted against the unbeaten super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England, who is a capable, experienced all-around fighter and much taller than the pound-for-pounder from Mexico.

In this episode of Jabs with Mannix and Mora, courtesy of DAZN, hosts Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora tackle the question: Is Smith a legitimate threat to beat Alvarez?

Hint: They came to the same conclusion. Here’s what they had to say.

[jwplayer dzRXYpUK]

 

 

Video: Mannix, Mora: Is Callum Smith legitimate threat to Canelo Alvarez?

Canelo Alvarez is around a 4-1 favorite to beat Callum Smith on Dec. 19 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on DAZN, according to BetMGM. That doesn’t mean Alvarez can take anything for granted against the unbeaten super middleweight titleholder from …

Canelo Alvarez is around a 4-1 favorite to beat Callum Smith on Dec. 19 at the Alamodome in San Antonio on DAZN, according to BetMGM.

That doesn’t mean Alvarez can take anything for granted against the unbeaten super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England, who is a capable, experienced all-around fighter and much taller than the pound-for-pounder from Mexico.

In this episode of Jabs with Mannix and Mora, courtesy of DAZN, hosts Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora tackle the question: Is Smith a legitimate threat to beat Alvarez?

Hint: They came to the same conclusion. Here’s what they had to say.

[jwplayer dzRXYpUK]

 

 

Video: Callum Smith: ‘The best Canelo Alvarez is at 160, not at 168’

Callum Smith got his wish. The super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England will tangle with the No. 1 attraction in boxing – Canelo Alvarez – on Dec. 19 at a site yet to be determined. Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is about a 4-1 favorite, …

Callum Smith got his wish.

The super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England will tangle with the No. 1 attraction in boxing — Canelo Alvarez — on Dec. 19 at a site yet to be determined.

Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is about a 4-1 favorite, according to BetMGM. However, Smith, much taller than Alvarez and a capable, experienced all-around fighter, is perceived by many to be a legitimate threat to the Mexican star.

In this episode of Boxing with Chris Mannix, courtesy of DAZN, the host interviews Smith (27-0, 19 KOs) about the advantages he believes he will have in the ring and more.

Here’s what he had to say.

[jwplayer ZCOzdJ1n]

 

 

 

Video: Callum Smith: ‘The best Canelo Alvarez is at 160, not at 168’

Callum Smith got his wish. The super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England will tangle with the No. 1 attraction in boxing – Canelo Alvarez – on Dec. 19 at a site yet to be determined. Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is about a 4-1 favorite, …

Callum Smith got his wish.

The super middleweight titleholder from Liverpool, England will tangle with the No. 1 attraction in boxing — Canelo Alvarez — on Dec. 19 at a site yet to be determined.

Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is about a 4-1 favorite, according to BetMGM. However, Smith, much taller than Alvarez and a capable, experienced all-around fighter, is perceived by many to be a legitimate threat to the Mexican star.

In this episode of Boxing with Chris Mannix, courtesy of DAZN, the host interviews Smith (27-0, 19 KOs) about the advantages he believes he will have in the ring and more.

Here’s what he had to say.

[jwplayer ZCOzdJ1n]

 

 

 

Canelo Alvarez’s return gives boxing a jolt of energy

Canelo Alvarez’s scheduled return to boxing has given the sport a jolt of energy.

Canelo Alvarez made the most of his new-found freedom. And boxing will benefit.

The pound-per-pounder announced only a few weeks after breaking contractual ties to Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN that he will fight super middleweight titleholder Callum Smith on Dec. 19, on DAZN, curiously enough.

The Alvarez-Smith fight isn’t a huge event – a bigger one should come next – but it’s a solid, competitive matchup that fans will buy into, particularly because Alvarez hasn’t fought since November of last year.

Alvarez, who holds a secondary 168-pound title, will have an opportunity to win a real one against Smith. That would give the future Hall of Famer major titles in four divisions.

More important, it’s a legitimate fight on paper. Smith is The Ring Magazine super middleweight champion and rated No. 1 by the Transnational Boxing Rankings, which gives you an idea of how good he is. He has skill, he has power, he has experience.

And the resident of Liverpool, England will have a considerable height and reach advantage over Alvarez. Smith is 6-foot-3 (191 cm) and has a reach of 78 (198 cm). Alvarez measures in at 5-8 (173 cm) and 70½ (179 cm).

Plus, Alvarez is relatively new to the super middle division and above. He fought Rocky Fielding at 168 in December 2018 and went up to light heavyweight to stop Sergey Kovalev in his most-recent fight. However, Smith has fought at 168 or somewhat heavier since he turned pro in 2012.

Critics might point to Smith’s last bout – a competitive fight with John Ryder in November of last year that many scored for Ryder – and say he’s vulnerable. Perhaps. However, it’s not fair to write him off after one sub-par performance.

He acknowledged afterward that he underperformed and presumably will have learned from it. Plus, motivation might’ve been a factor. He certainly won’t be lacking that going into the fight with Alvarez.

In fact, Smith will have a little extra inspiration: Family honor will be on the line. Alvarez knocked out Smith’s brother Liam in a junior middleweight fight in September 2016.

Alvarez is a 3½-1 favorite to win the fight, according to BetMGM. That’s a significant margin but I wouldn’t call Smith a longshot. I’m picking Alvarez to win. I believe he’d beat anybody near his weight, except for a few light heavyweights.

In other words, Smith has about as a good chance as anyone to beat Alvarez.

If Alvarez wins? Anything is possible now that he’s a free agent. And he’ll have extra clout – as if he needs it – as a newly crowned champion.

He could begin the inevitable process of trying to unify the 168-pound titles by fighting Caleb Plant or Billy Joe Saunders. However, some are speculating that he’ll opt to face Gennadiy Golovkin a third time on Cinco de Mayo weekend in what might be the biggest-possible fight for him at the moment.

There is some unfinished business there, as they drew in their first meeting and Alvarez won a close decision in their rematch.

That probably means he’d fight one more time on the DAZN platform, with which Triple-G remains affiliated, although it’s unclear how the streaming service will be able to pay Alvarez what he would command on the free market if he beats Smith.

After that, I presume, he would return to the lucrative pay-per-view model, which would pay him a bundle against the likes of Plant, David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo and possibly 175-pounders like Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol at some point.

If that doesn’t whet the appetite of boxing fans, I don’t know what will.

Yes, it’s good to have the biggest attraction in boxing back. It’s like dark, forbidding clouds have suddenly separated to reveal bright, warm sunlight. Let’s enjoy it.

[lawrence-related id=15632,15624,15496,15410]

Canelo Alvarez’s return gives boxing a jolt of energy

Canelo Alvarez’s scheduled return to boxing has given the sport a jolt of energy.

Canelo Alvarez made the most of his new-found freedom. And boxing will benefit.

The pound-per-pounder announced only a few weeks after breaking contractual ties to Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN that he will fight super middleweight titleholder Callum Smith on Dec. 19, on DAZN, curiously enough.

The Alvarez-Smith fight isn’t a huge event – a bigger one should come next – but it’s a solid, competitive matchup that fans will buy into, particularly because Alvarez hasn’t fought since November of last year.

Alvarez, who holds a secondary 168-pound title, will have an opportunity to win a real one against Smith. That would give the future Hall of Famer major titles in four divisions.

More important, it’s a legitimate fight on paper. Smith is The Ring Magazine super middleweight champion and rated No. 1 by the Transnational Boxing Rankings, which gives you an idea of how good he is. He has skill, he has power, he has experience.

And the resident of Liverpool, England will have a considerable height and reach advantage over Alvarez. Smith is 6-foot-3 (191 cm) and has a reach of 78 (198 cm). Alvarez measures in at 5-8 (173 cm) and 70½ (179 cm).

Plus, Alvarez is relatively new to the super middle division and above. He fought Rocky Fielding at 168 in December 2018 and went up to light heavyweight to stop Sergey Kovalev in his most-recent fight. However, Smith has fought at 168 or somewhat heavier since he turned pro in 2012.

Critics might point to Smith’s last bout – a competitive fight with John Ryder in November of last year that many scored for Ryder – and say he’s vulnerable. Perhaps. However, it’s not fair to write him off after one sub-par performance.

He acknowledged afterward that he underperformed and presumably will have learned from it. Plus, motivation might’ve been a factor. He certainly won’t be lacking that going into the fight with Alvarez.

In fact, Smith will have a little extra inspiration: Family honor will be on the line. Alvarez knocked out Smith’s brother Liam in a junior middleweight fight in September 2016.

Alvarez is a 3½-1 favorite to win the fight, according to BetMGM. That’s a significant margin but I wouldn’t call Smith a longshot. I’m picking Alvarez to win. I believe he’d beat anybody near his weight, except for a few light heavyweights.

In other words, Smith has about as a good chance as anyone to beat Alvarez.

If Alvarez wins? Anything is possible now that he’s a free agent. And he’ll have extra clout – as if he needs it – as a newly crowned champion.

He could begin the inevitable process of trying to unify the 168-pound titles by fighting Caleb Plant or Billy Joe Saunders. However, some are speculating that he’ll opt to face Gennadiy Golovkin a third time on Cinco de Mayo weekend in what might be the biggest-possible fight for him at the moment.

There is some unfinished business there, as they drew in their first meeting and Alvarez won a close decision in their rematch.

That probably means he’d fight one more time on the DAZN platform, with which Triple-G remains affiliated, although it’s unclear how the streaming service will be able to pay Alvarez what he would command on the free market if he beats Smith.

After that, I presume, he would return to the lucrative pay-per-view model, which would pay him a bundle against the likes of Plant, David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo and possibly 175-pounders like Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol at some point.

If that doesn’t whet the appetite of boxing fans, I don’t know what will.

Yes, it’s good to have the biggest attraction in boxing back. It’s like dark, forbidding clouds have suddenly separated to reveal bright, warm sunlight. Let’s enjoy it.

[lawrence-related id=15632,15624,15496,15410]