He already proved that he can beat 175lbs beating Kovalev. And I'm sure he could beat lesser fighters like Joe Smith, and possibly cause some trouble for Beterbiev and win on the cards. I really think it's more Bivols superior boxing and durability, combined with size that prevailed. But size alone would not have won him this fight. Canelo being the cash cow can go after the winner of Smith - Beterbiev, and he has a chance beating either one guy. But he wouldn't be able to handle Bivol in rematch, too much skill. As terrible as it sounds, Canelo vs Smith/Beterbiev winner could happen ahead of a 4 belt unification at 175 given that Canelo brings all the cash. Either way, Canelo should stay at 168 and fight Benavidez and Andrade and Charlo, have 3rd GGG fight. All of which he will be favorite to win.
He has **** stamina at 175, we saw what happens when he cant dictate the pace, from round 6 he fights for 1 minute and rests on ropes till the end of round, lol. Weight-wise he isnt super small, but 168 is more natural for him. I wont use Kovalev fight as measuring stick, Kovalev was drunk, unmotivated and not fully recovered from Yarde fight and still was winning rounds against Canelo.
Beterbiev punches far harder than Canelo and ha a longer reach, coming forwards against him is not a good idea.
Canelo still landed on Bivol, who has great distance control and footwork. If he fights Smith, he will be in front of him all day long, meanwhile Joe won't be able to land telegraphed bombs on Canelo. Just saying, one loss against a top boxer at 175 doesn't disqualify Canelo from winning another title at this weight.
Canelo could beat Joe Smith. He could also get absolutely, shockingly KTFO by Joe Smith. Canelo hasn't fought a guy with put you to sleep power since GGG and that was two divisions south. If you think getting outpointed by a highly decorated Russian amateur now top technician pro in Bivol is a bad look, imagine getting flattened and KO'd out of the ring by a Long Island construction worker in Smith. It's a different type of risk and frankly Joe Smith keeps getting better and is huge at 175. It's just not the division for Canelo.
