If Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez can employ a similar strategy, he could have a chance at winning at 175 pounds. Former world champion Antonio Tarver believes Canelo might be able to defeat Beterbiev, but a single punch from the Russian could crush the Mexican’s hopes.
“I know one thing. If Beterbiev has a bad night, if he fights like he did against Bivol, I think Canelo has a chance,” Tarver said in an interview with Fight Hype. “If Beterbiev can’t land solid shots, Canelo has an opportunity. If he can avoid heavy punches, just like Bivol did, and take it the distance, he has a chance. But if Beterbiev starts landing clean hits, that will change the fight,” Tarver stated, as reported by Izquierdazo.com.
However, Tarver pointed out that Canelo’s lesser foot mobility could make him an easier target for the unified light heavyweight champion.
Canelo is not as quick on his feet as Bivol; he doesn’t move as much anymore. You hear Bivol say that Beterbiev still has knockout power; the few times he managed to land on Bivol, it was devastating. Just look at Bivol’s face at the end of the fight,” Tarver said. “If Beterbiev had managed to land a few more clean shots, I believe he would have knocked Bivol out before the end.
Tarver wants to see Beterbiev land his best shots on Canelo
It’s important to note that Beterbiev has a significant height advantage over Canelo, standing at 1.82 meters compared to the Mexican’s 1.71 meters. Tarver reiterated that the Russian’s power would be decisive, even more so than the 11-centimeter height difference.
“With a slower, smaller Canelo, I’d like to see how Beterbiev lands his shots on him. Despite the height difference, it might not be that significant because Canelo is very sturdy. In terms of size, they could be looking eye-to-eye, but when it comes to punching power, I just think Beterbiev hits much harder, and that’s a challenge for Canelo,” Tarver added, giving the Mexican some praise along the way.
Canelo will likely enter that fight as the underdog, but he’s a great fighter, an all-time great.
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