Shot fighters don't destroy their younger , fresher and unbeaten top 10 ranked mandatory challengers. Martinez getting battered all over the ring by Cotto , thats what a real shot fighter looks like.
You can't count Kovalev out like that. Yes, he is a lesser version of himself but he isn't anywhere near SHOT. His performance again Yarde was decent enough - plus he won't have time to **** around. I think that probably is in favor of Kovalev when you think about the rumors about his lifestyle. This is one of the best matchups you could ever have in boxing right now - probably the best. Ginger will be put to test. I still favor him, i think highly of him as much as i rate Kovalev.
Yarde abandoned the body attack because he simply could no longer sustain it. He depleted his energy going for the knockout and was unable to fight effectively at that point. It wouldn't surprise me if Kovalev has another fight-ending jab in his repertoire for Banelo.
Kovalev has a versatile jab and he must set the tone early with it. He does that, and fights in the bag. I find it laughable that Canelo is going to get past Kov’s jab to land body shots. Kov isnt going to stand there and allow himself to be punished to the body. Canelo better worry about incoming punches too.
Kovalev’s jab is world class but Canelo has a “granut chun” so he’ll be trying to walk through or hope he’s quick enough to slip and get his way inside to Kov’s suspect body. It’s not gonna be an easy night for either fighter and I honestly cant wait for this one.