I think he might have gotten it tonight if he had pushed for it. He showed Canelo a lot of respect and definitely was getting busted up in his left arm. That said, I think a more desperate Canelo might open up earlier next time and be there for the taking. Question is whether Bivol takes the risk. Problem is that he can't really fight any better than he did this time, and he still only got 7-5 scorecards.
Maybe, maybe not. No point taking the risk, why give Canelo any opportunity to throw a meaningful punch. Just stick to the same, get the W and then fight Beterbiev/Smith Jr winner
That's the thing, tho. He barely won a decision this time. He got handicapped by 2-3 rounds and in a closer fight absolutely would get robbed.
I believe Bivol was not 100% today, not even 80%. He can get better, but Canelo for sure was 100%, he was trying everything and anything, but nothing worked.
This. Bivol figured Canelo out. Canelo has always had a bad habit of waiting too long for openings to counter when against top competition. Bivol also used his size advantage and mobility really well and kept beating Canelo to the punch, which had Canelo hesitating the whole fight. Bivol would’ve been a fool to try and force a stoppage when he was cruising to a pretty wide decision win.
Canelo has fallen in love with his power and his slick head movement. That's his game and obviously he's great at it. But he went up against someone who could neutralize his offense and didn't make mistakes. Mind you, Canelo has lost plenty of rounds over the years. He fights for a big payoff, which makes his bouts exciting! But Bivol had him figured out from the opening bell and once he got going dominated.
I think he let Canelo off the hook, Canelo didn't buzz Bivol even once. Canelo was a sitting duck last 3 rounds
7-5 x3!! Not wide officially, as Canelo's Vegas scoring almost bailed him out again. The fact that such a performance would produce those scores argues in favor of going for a KO, imo. But on the other hand maybe Bivol will get more scoring respect now.
Bivol can take Canelos power. My bet Is that Canelo boxes and moves and comes slicker in the rematch. Bivol will train for the KO I think.
Yes He needs to get more physical and dirty but the referee will dock him immediately Another bought agent for Canelo
I thought he might go for an ODLH stoppage. Lots of short straight punches with a tired fighter on the ropes and force the referee to step in. Bivol's power definitely got Canelo's respect.
