Canelo VS Kovalev: A Technical Summary (breakdown video)

I am not questioning that the fight was scheduled for 147, but the two fighters were below that weight, for whatever reason. DLH was weighting 145 and PAC 142. There is no doubt that DLH was affected negatively. But catchweight or not (on the contract it was welterweight 147, but in practice, DLH forced himself to 145), we are dealing with an entire different story here where Kovalev fight at his natural weight while Canelo jumps 2 if not 3 divisions up.

 

But another problem I see for Canelo is if he steps inside, Kovalev just have to use footwork, one step outside and Canelo is at range for big shots while Kovalev is now out of range. Canelo has three problems to solve at once the whole night. Surviving outside, getting inside, connecting Kovalev that will likely be retreating and then be defensively sound to not get countered by a jab or straight hand. And you never know Kovalev maybe has a plan to use an uppercut when Canelo tries to rush inside. I see lots of problem for him because McGirt is not a noob coach and surely preparing Kovalev with all the basics he needs.

 

I get that, but Pac v. DLH wasn't a catch-weight bout, despite both contestants coming in under. You're spot on with the rest though

 

One thing you are forgetting is that Kova is use to the pace of the bigger heavier LH fighters, I don't think he's going to be able to handle the smaller faster fighter because he's not use to, I see Canelo beating him to the punch since round 1 Kova will be confused and frustrated wouldn't be surprised if he quits or gets stop , Only thing I'm worried about is Canelo getting hit cold like he did against Jacobs.

 

if Canelo couldn't hurt Julio Caesar Chavez Jr, how is he gonna hurt Kovalev? btw, I just put $100 on Kova, 3-1 odds. they are dropping fast. 2 days ago they were 5-1

 

The key for me once he’s on the inside is to exit with a side step. Pulling straight back will see him hit a lot

 

Canelos best bet is to slip the shot when Kovalev lunges forward. Like the vid shows he loves hunting down fighters and stepping into his shots, but when he misses he kind of falls in. Ward punished him that way. Canelo doesnt necessarily have to force his way in every time.

 

Too be honest, I think Canelo will have hell trying to get past Kovalev's jab. If he can somehow manage to not take too much damage early and make it to the middle rounds he could find himself still in the fight as I think Kovalev would become frustrated with his inability to deter the much smaller man. By then Canelo should be able to close the distance and start to get inside and get to the Krusher's body if not he will be in a fight I don't think he's capable of winning and that's an outside fight at range. I like Canelo more so I hope he can pull it off but it will be a tall task to do so.

 

I think this is the key to the fight. In my view, Canelo doesn't have the legs to do it for all 12 rounds; his footspeed isn't Manny Pacquaio's. He's going to eat some shots just getting inside on Kovalev. Also, as he gasses mid-fight, his defense becomes more much sloppy. That is when Kovalev can clip him.

We shall see, I'll give Canelo a ton of credit if he legit wins the fight.

 

Kovalev isnt shot,hes only 36 and has not sustained any knock out loss to the head yet .In his last fight he should've lost that one ,only inexperience from Yarde saved him and that guy didn't even spar for it. Under McGirt he looks better and how is he shot if he arguably has at least one win off paper on Ward ?

Alverarez already has a win over Kovalev...Elieidar, if one Alvarez got him ,look for another to surface ,those Alverez's……….

I'm taking Canelo late stoppage 8/9.

 

Would be kinda ironic if Kovalev's loss record read

Ward 2016
Ward 2017
Alvarez 2018
Alvarez 2019

 

In fact Ward and Yarde had a lot of handspeed (+ we all know Ward is an HoF). Kovalev could have win one match against Ward, ended up losing both with some controversy around what seems to be repetitive improper blows below the belt line. Yarde was beaten convincingly. Jean Pascal was not in his prime but was long regarded as an emulation of Roy Jones Jr. He got easily beaten twice by Kovalev. Kovalev himself has a lot of handspeed.

It is common that boxing enthousiasts see Kovalev as a slower fighter but he always matched the speed of his quickest opponents. I think he will match the speed of a 175 pounds Canelo.

 

Speed is definitely a factor. I think Canelo probably has better timing as a fight goes on though. He relies on it a lot. That's not to say Kovalev has bad timing by any means but he doesn't stay as sharp later in a fight. That depends on how much punishment he takes to the body though.

 

Kovalev by TKO

 

But it is important that Kovalev connects with shots early