CALLUM SMITH has again entered himself into the Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez sweepstake after Billy Joe Saunders pulled out of the running.
Mexican superstar Canelo, 30, is searching for an opponent with a planned ring return for September.
Saunders, who he was due to face in May before the pandemic, ruled himself out citing an inability to train properly, but fellow champion Smith is not giving up on the fight.
His trainer Joe Gallagher told Sky Sports: Canelo has got no excuse now, but to fight Callum Smith.
“Callum is in the gym, he is training, he’s been back a couple of weeks now, and if that date and opportunity is put to Callum Smith, he’s ready to go.
“He’ll take that and I can’t see no reason why Canelo – when they said all along it was between the two of them – Billy Joe Saunders is out, let’s do Callum.”
Smith would be defending his super-middleweight title, with Canelo desperate to become a fully fledged four-division champ, having only won the WBA’s ‘Regular’ title.
Here SunSport details how the duo compare.
CANELO
Alvarez has cemented himself as a pound-for-pound superstar since his first world title win in 2011.
The Mexican can do it all, but shines with his combination punching and accuracy.
He is also one of the best body punchers currently and has lightening fast hands.
Since his only loss – against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 – Canelo has vastly improved his defence and head movement.
His common fault in fights comes through footwork, believed to be a slow mover as he instead opts to plant his feet and let shots fly.
Gennady Golovkin was able to answer Alvarez’s punch selection in their double header, as he too has less nimble movement.
But Canelo’s timing and power makes him a dangerous opponent to trade blows with and should you chose to box around him, he’s equally capable at walking down opponents – as Sergey Kovalev found out.
Canelo Alvarez has won belts in four divisions Credit: Getty – Contributor
SMITH
The WBA champion, at 6ft 3in, towers over almost anyone in the super-middleweight division, yet often fights on the inside.
For his stature, Smith is an incredible inside fighter and uses his size to outmuscle opponents in close.
He also has a potent lead left hook which he uses both as a single counter or to set up a right cross.
Despite having a height advantage, it proved to be his downfall against John Ryder last year.
Ryder excellently backed up Smith and landed shots over the top, something Canelo has proven capable of.
Smith is most effective on the front foot, closing his opponent down and sinking in heavy hooks or uppercuts.
Callum Smith has put himself in contention to face Canelo Credit: Getty Images – Getty
FIGHT OUTCOME
Canelo would enter the fight, and pretty much any other, as favourite.
He proved against super-middleweight Rocky Fielding in 2018 that he can overcome a size disadvantage through lethal body shots and well timed hooks.
If Smith was to close the distance and Alvarez was able to land a combination and quickly get out of range, then he could frustrate the Brit.
Smith’s best hope is to walk down the Mexican, plant his feet and trade punches – the same remedy Golovkin used despite being unfortunate not to win either fight.
Canelo would be expected to outbox the Scouser at range through quicker hands and counter punching, meaning the fight would need to be taken to him.
But Smith would do so at a risk of being overwhelmed with combinations and the pinpoint accuracy of Alvarez.
Boxer Canelo Alvarez shows off punch power as he prepares for September ring return
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
