Odds for 'Canelo went as high as -470 on before settling appearing to settle in. Kovalev's odds have bounced around in the same timeframe; they were initially at plus +319, went high to as much as. GGG vs Canelo 3. Since the second meeting between these competitors, Canelo has scored three more wins, two of them by knockout, including a remarkable 11th-round finish of Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO light heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Golovkin made short work of Steve Rolls in his first fight after Canelo, scoring a fourth-round KO victory.
Canelo Alvarez (L) is aiming to solidify his reputation as one of world boxing’s best fighters.Source:AFP
Canelo Alvarez bids to add another chapter to his legacy on Sunday (AEDT) when he steps up two divisions to face WBO light-heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev in Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old Mexican middleweight king (52-1-2, 35 KOs) is regarded as the betting favourite for what is set to be a clash of youth and speed against Kovalev’s experience and raw punching power.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fight.
WHEN DOES IT START AND HOW CAN I WATCH?
Alvarez and Kovalev are the headline fight on the main card, which kicks off at 12pm on Sunday (AEDT), so the pair should step into the ring a couple of hours after that.
You can watch the fight by ordering it on Foxtel Main Event for $49.95.
WHO’S THE FAVOURITE?
Alvarez is the clear favourite with the bookies. He’s paying $1.25 with TAB in the head-to-head market, or $2 to win by points and $2.80 to win by knockout.
Kovalev’s paying $3.80 head-to-head, $8 to win by points and $5.50 to win by knockout, while the draw is paying $26.
Canelo Alvarez (L) Sergey KovalevSource:AFP
$500 MILLION MAN’S RISKY CAREER FIRST
Alvarez is fighting for the first time since a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs in May while Kovalev successfully defended his belt with an 11th round knockout of Britain’s Anthony Yarde in Russia in August.
Although Alvarez has fought at multiple weight divisions, he has never before fought beyond the super-middleweight limit, where he battered Britain’s Rocky Fielding into submission inside three rounds last year.
Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) is likely to prove a tougher nut to crack. Even allowing for the fact that the 36-year-old has shown clear signs of ageing in some of his recent outings, the Russian remains a heavy-handed threat.
“He’s the best in his division, he’s one of the best, that’s why we chose him, to make history by fighting one of the best,” Alvarez said this week.
“I feel comfortable, I feel good, we’ll see how it all goes but I feel good. I trust my endurance, my strength.”
Although Alvarez has already shown his ability to absorb punishment, most notably in his two bruising battles with Gennady Golovkin, Kovalev’s power could cause him problems.
For Alvarez, the fight is later in the year than his normal Mexican Independence weekend bout in September, and against an opponent who wasn’t the first choice of boxing fans or his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. They wanted him to fight a third bout against Golovkin but Alvarez refused, believing his business with GGG has already been settled.
Faced with having to find a name opponent to satisfy his 10-fight, $AUD500 million deal with the streaming service DAZN, Alvarez turned to Kovalev instead.
“Obviously I wanted to fight in September but couldn’t,” Alvarez said. “Things just happen.”
Alvarez’s schedule may be out of whack but he’ll be hoping his punches are times to perfection.Source:AFP
KOVALEV OUT FOR REDEMPTION
Kovalev meanwhile sees his fight with Alvarez as an opportunity to resurrect his career in the eyes of the boxing world.
The Russian lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in back-to-back defeats to Andre Ward in 2016 and 2017, but regained a share of the title after beating Colombia’s Eleider Alvarez in a rematch in February.
“I’m happy,” Kovalev said. “It’s nice that this is the biggest call in my boxing career, and to face Canelo, I’m happy.
“This is a big test for me — to prove one more time, I’m the best light heavyweight in the division.”
Kovalev Vs Canelo Stats
Kovalev said he expects Alvarez to adopt an aggressive tactical approach, and plans to meet fire with fire.
“This fight is going to be very interesting and very difficult for both of us because we never step back, never give up,” he said. “My goal is to break his strategy and use my strategy in the fight.
“We’re two great champions, and right now we respect each other inside and outside the ring. We will be fighting, never step back, never give up, we’ll make a great fight 100 per cent.”
Canelo Kovalev Fight
Kovalev (R) is eyeing redemption after losing his belts to Andre Ward.Source:Getty Images
THE CARD
Saul Alvarez vs Sergey Kovalev (light heavyweight)
Ryan Garcia vs. Romero Duno (lightweight)
Seniesa Estrada vs Marlen Esparza (flyweight)
Blair Cobbs vs Carlos Ortiz Cervantes (welterweight)
Evan Holyfield vs Nick Winstead (junior middleweight)
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Jorge Fortea (junior middleweight)
Tristan Kalkreuth vs Twon Smith (cruiserweight)
Meiirim Nursultanov vs Cristian Olivas (middleweight)