Who wins this matchup if it were to happen? Would it be too far of a jump for Canelo, or would he be too skilled?
Smith Jr. is limited, but he's got big power, isn't afraid to be dirty (slamming Bivol to the canvas), and always looks for the KO. Clenelo should outbox him, but I think Smith Jr. could also put him away.
Clenelo will never seek him out,,this guy is the most dangerous 175 pounder out there ,, a big risk with low reward
Whenever Canelo get hits with a powerful shot he gets on his bicycle and fights on the backfoot to avoid that power. He'll be on the backfoot all night with Smith trying to potshot his way to a victory. Look Canelo only fought Kovalev because he was easy pickings. He has no business at 175lbs because unlike 168, 175 is stacked with powerful strong young fighters like Smith, Bieterbiev, Bivol, etc.. let alone veterans like Bodou Jack who would make mincemeat out of Canelo's new forward style aggression, and jumping on his bicycle won't help either. Which is why he took that easy belt from Kovalev, vacated, and ran back down.
I still fancy Big Red to win on the scorecards as @Rumsfeld pointe out the kid never sinks on scorecards so he just has to avoid a KD. I think he would struggle with any top 10 guy at 175, heck the kid who beat Krusher but lost the rematch might be the only real 175 guy Big Red would touch at this point and Barrera would chase him down most of the night with his come forward style and make Canelo uncomfortable
I think he has a chance at putting Big Red on some weak knees with a perfectly landed power shot but finishing the job would be tough. I would szhit my pants with joy if he put Big Red over the ropes with an uppercut and Canelo land on his head
