Analyzing Canelo Alvarez vs. Krusher Kovalev on DAZN November 2
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
One of Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev’s opponents, Roman Simakov, died after fighting Kovalev in the ring. Since then, Kovalev has dedicated his career to Simakov’s memory. The ultimate test is now scheduled to take place, to be streamed worldwide on DAZN live.
Sergey Kovalev, 34-3-1 with 29 knockouts, Sr. Petersburg, Florida, by way of Kopeysk, Russian Federation, will defend his World Boxing Organization World Light Heavyweight title against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, 51-1-2 with 34 knockouts, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in a scheduled 12 round this reporter predicts will never go the distance. Kovalev is 36 years old, while Canelo will turn 30 years old on October 89, 2019. Canelo has youth, speed and talent. However, Kovalev is the ultimate master of the 175 pounds division. Other lower weight fighters from Sugar Ray Leonard to Thomas Hearns to Felix Trinidad have tried moving up in weight, with varying degrees of success. Fighting in different weight classes is a tricky business.
Canelo is predicted to knockout Kovalev anytime from the ninth round on, but who knows? A decision could favor either combatant in a close bout. One fighter could simply have a better night than the other. At 6’0” tall, Kovalev has a four-inch height advantage, and with a 72-inch reach, Kovalev also has a ½ inch reach advantage. Canelo must take the fight to Kovalev for sure. Kovalev, on the other hand, must outbox Alvarez and try to stop him in the later rounds or outpoint him. This feat has yet to be accomplished. As Mikey Garcia could tell you, you can dominate one weight class, but not necessarily the next one.
Canelo could win this bout by breaking Kovalev down, or forcing Kovalev into a survival type bout. Kovalev must take chances and trade power shots with Canelo. Kovalev’s chin is suspect, having been stopped twice by Andre Ward and Eleider Alvarez. Canelo did not look the better of the two combatants in his first bout with Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin. Canelo is the betting and box office fan favorite for sure, and Kovalev gets his first big payday. Expect Kovalev to go for broke and look for the knockout after he falls behind on points. That being the case, someone must go, and the end in this bout, however, it does end, predictable or not, is sure to end with a bang! Canelo has both power and technical skill. To win, Kovalev must use his height and reach advantage to his favor, and prevent Canelo from getting inside. Canelo will put crazy pressure on Kovalev. On November 2, 2019, fight fans will see who will handle the pressure better. Canelo has the edge, Kovalev the height, reach, and superior divisional experience. It’s a fascinating matchup. Hold onto your seats!
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