Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith: start time, how to watch, analysis

CANELO ALVAREZ
VS. CALLUM SMITH

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

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CANELO ALVAREZ BIO

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CALLUM SMITH BIO

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WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

Canelo Alvarez is fighting. That’s reason enough to watch, given that he’s one of the best fighters of his era and a slam-dunk first-ballot Hall of Famer. He will have been out of the ring for more than year, having stopped Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds to win a light heavyweight title in November of last year. Also, a victory over Smith would give the Mexican star a major title in a fourth division. However, Smith is no pushover. He isn’t as skillful as Alvarez – not many are – but he’s a good, experienced boxer who will have significant physical advantages over the Mexican star. This is must-see boxing TV.

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FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Is Smith a legitimate threat to Alvarez? Yes. Alvarez, ranked No. 2 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is the better all-around fighter but Smith is a good boxer who will enter the ring with significant physical advantages – height, reach, natural size — over the favorite.

How significant are Smith’s physical advantages? Somewhat. The 6-foot-3 Smith is seven inches taller than Alvarez and has a 7½-inch edge in reach. Plus, Alvarez will be fighting heavier than 160 pounds for the third time; Smith has fought above 168 11 times.

Will ring rust be a factor? Both fighters are in the same boat. Alvarez last fought on Nov. 2 of last year, when he stopped Sergey Kovalev. Smith is coming off a decision over John Ryder three weeks after the Alvarez-Kovalev fight. The guess here is that both fighters will be fine come fight night.

Is Smith’s so-so performance against John Ryder a red flag? Maybe. Ryder, a significant underdog, gave Smith a much tougher time than expected. Some believe he deserved the decision. Smith was definitely flat. Maybe it was an off night. Maybe it was more than that.

What’s next for Alvarez if he wins? He has many options but Gennadiy Golovkin – who fights on Friday — probably makes the most sense for May. Triple-G remains the biggest name among prospective foes and DAZN, with which Alvarez continues to do business, will push hard for the fight.

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WHY ALVAREZ WILL WIN

He’s the better fighter and has far more experience at an elite level. Alvarez might not have the athleticism of some boxers but he gets the absolute most out of his natural gifts. He’s a master at setting up his power shots, including brutal body work. And while he has always had a good chin, he has evolved into an excellent defensive fighter. Plus, he’s clever. He’ll use his ring IQ and draw from a wealth of experience in big fights to overcome Smith’s physical advantages. He’s simply too good for Smith.

WHY SMITH WILL WIN

Smith is a better, smarter boxer than some people seem to realize. He and former Trainer of the Year Joe Gallagher will devise a game plan to take advantage of his significant height and reach advantages, which undoubtedly will involve keeping Alvarez at a safe distance with his long jab and well-timed power shots. And if Smith has a weak chin, we haven’t seen it. He’s never been down as a pro. If Smith’s strategy works – and if he can stick with it – Alvarez could have some difficult. That’s a big “if” but it’s possible.

PREDICTION

Smith has built a reputation as a fine all-around fighter but he has never faced anyone like Alvarez. Not even close. It helps to be the bigger man but that only goes so far. Alvarez has the edge in every other department, including experience in big fights. To say that Smith is in unfamiliar territory is an understatement. Alvarez will need time to overcome Smith’s height and reach advantages but he’ll figure it out. And when he does, the fight could end quickly. Alvarez KO 9.

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ALSO ON THE CARD