Canelo-Golovkin II - Big Drama Show?

I definitely agree that it will be risky and open GGG up to more counters, but I think that's a chance Golovkin is going to have to be willing to take. Because while he opens himself up to more counters, he also affords himself more opportunities - kind of like Ward-Kovalev, even though most people tend to view that as the reverse situation for other reasons.

But where I mainly disagree with you IsaL, is I don't think Canelo can do much to improve his stamina at this stage. When Canelo first started becoming an obscure name, I remember thinking that he fought with incredible poise and patience for a young fighter (which was largely true). But I also found, as time passed, that Canelo wasn't blessed with a naturally gifted gas tank. He's always had stamina issues, and needed breather rounds.

What Canelo has gotten good at, is finding ways to bide his time during those moments he's looking to slow things down. I honestly think he did about as well as he can do on THAT particular front. He can do better in other areas, but I tend to think Canelo is basically maxed out there.

 

Farmy, you've honestly convinced me. I'm actually going to give that number a call next week and tell them just that.

 

You made a good post. You would have to concede, however, that an 8-4 scorecard in favor of Canelo represents a significant minority view point. Not there is anything inherently wrong with holding the minority view. For instance, I had Ward beating Kovalev in their first bout. So holding the minority view doesn't disqualify your view, but honestly, I think you're wrong about this. The Byrd score was outrageous, and there was a reason I harped on THAT scorecard, and not the draw verdict in this episode

The scorecard I posted was from my original viewing, the night of the fight. I will say, however, that the more episodes I have done on this bout (and I've done quite a few), the greater my appreciation has become of some of the really good work Canelo was doing. But I knew he was doing a lot of good work at the time. I still never got the impression he was ever being as effective after round 3 - his best work came in those first 3 rounds (and that strong stretch in round 12).

Looking forward to seeing how the rematch pans out, and I do have a good feeling that it might just produce a big drama show.

 

Yes. I am incredibly curious how they will respond.

 

I tend to agree with mosy of this, although I'm not sure the magnitude of the event or the weather will be big factors that impact Canelo. Alvarez has that big fight experience. In fact, I think that's partially what allowed him to get off to a fast start. Gennady was the one who seemed uncharacteristically cold and sluggish at the onset, and he is the one who appeared a bit overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event.

But your greater point about Canelo's stamina being at its max cap - I definitely agree with that.

 

I would have had them at about even in terms of ring IQ going into the first fight. But I thought Canelo definitely fought the smarter fight that better maximized his chances. I don't think Golovkin utilized the best tactics to maximize his chances, and because of that, I'm inclined to think Canelo's got the edge here now.

 

I don't think that's true. We'd learn more about BJS if he fought either of them, then we would about either of them.

But a rematch with Canelo and GGG should give us something new to learn. If nothing else, we'll learn if Gennady is more relaxed and not overwhelmed by the big spotlight in the early rounds. We'll also know if either guy was able to make any key game-changing adjustments for the rematch, something we've never seen either of them have to try.