Boxing

CANELO ALVAREZ is happy to fight FIVE times a year and is ‘always in the gym’ as Mexican star admits: ‘This is what I love’. The four-division champion is set for his FOURTH bout in just 11 months as he faces Caleb Plant in an undisputed title decider over the weekend.
Canelo Alvarez is happy to fight five times a yearCredit: Ryan Hafey
And if he has it his way, the unprecedented activity in the ring will continue.
Canelo said: “If I have the opportunity to fight three, four, five times [per year], I’m happy.
Because this is what I do, this is what I love. I’m always in the gym, always ready to fight. So for me it’s really good.”
Canelo’s comments follow after wins over Callum Smith, 31, Avni Yildirim, 30, and Billy Joe Saunders, 31, on his road to super-middleweight supremacy.
All three were as a free agent, having terminated his promotional deal with Golden Boy and sports streaming service DAZN.
Instead, he linked up with promoter Eddie Hearn on a short-term basis, and still featured on DAZN.

Hearn plans to still represent Canelo, 31, going forward, but to fight Plant, 29, it had to happen with Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime.
Alvarez’s ability to jump from TV platforms and boxing promoters means he can control his career.
And it allows Canelo to avoid any boxing politics or road bumps, setting a precedent to other champions.
Retired two-weight champion and now BT Sport pundit Carl Frampton said: “It just doesn’t happen in this day and age.
“He is someone who just stays in the gym and gets back in there after each fight, it is great to see really.
“It is great to see a champion like that who is prepared to fight so often.
“I watched something that he has started to take up golf which takes his mind off boxing which is normally 24/7.
“I believe it is a wake-up call to other champions that four fights a year is possible and a good number.
“I liked to have breaks between fights where I didn’t do anything but he is a different type of fighter and he just loves the sport.”

BT Sport Box Office will show Canelo v Plant exclusively live in the UK on Saturday 6th November. For more info go to www.bt.com/sportboxoffice

Canelo Alvarez would ‘love to fight in England’ as promoter Eddie Hearn teases Mexican star headlining at Wembley More

SERGEY KOVALEV has demanded a rematch with Canelo Alvarez – after having just SIX DAYS rest before training for their fight. Kovalev on August 24, 2019, knocked out British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde in round 11 of his gruelling mandatory title defence.
Sergey Kovalev knocked out Anthony Yarde in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
Sergey Kovalev was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But only ten weeks later, the Russian was brutally knocked out in the same round by Canelo, who had jumped two divisions from middleweight.
Kovalev has revealed he did not even have a weeks breather before getting back into camp to face the Mexican superstar – and wants revenge.
He told SunSport: “After the victory in Chelyabinsk, I was not allowed to rest even for three or four weeks.
“On September 1, I returned to training camp in California and started preparing for a fight with Canelo.
“Canelo is strong and smart but let me rest four weeks after the fight and two months to prepare.
“I assure you, the result of the fight would have been different. I’m sure I can win the rematch.”

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Kovalev, 38, was desperate to fight in his hometown of Chelyabinsk and chose mandatory challenger Yarde, 30, as the opponent to do so with.
But before they agreed terms, Canelo, 31, wanted to instead challenge for the WBO title.
He was ready to offer Yarde step-aside money to replace him and fight Kovalev.
But no deal was ever agreed and Kovalev was then rushed back in a quick turnaround after beating Yarde, earning a reported £8.7m to fight Canelo.
Kovalev said: “A month before my flight in Chelyabinsk, I received an offer from Katie Duva to fight Canelo in September.
Canelo is strong and smart but let me rest four weeks after the fight and two months to prepare. I assure you, the result of the fight would have been different. I’m sure I can win the rematch.Sergey Kovalev
“I refused, because for the second time I would have to interrupt my training camp in the middle of my preparation.
“The offer was very interesting, but I could not change the expectations of my friends and family and told Katie that I would fight Canelo after my victory over the Yarde.”
Canelo later vacated his light-heavyweight belt and instead settled in a division lower, where he reigns as unified super-middleweight champ.
And this weekend his faces Caleb Plant, 29, in an undisputed title decider in Las Vegas.
Kovalev meanwhile was due to return against Bektemir Melikuziev, 25, in January but was withdrawn after testing positive for banned substance synthetic testosterone.
He put the failed test down to a tainted supplement and has protested his innocence but has been unable to return to the ring.
Canelo Alvarez shows off ferocious power punches ahead of Caleb Plant fight More

DILLIAN WHYTE may finally get his well deserved shot at the heavyweight world title. The British contender was the WBC No1 ranked challenger for over 1,000 days without getting his crack at their famous green and gold belt.
Dillian Whyte may finally get his well deserved shot at the heavyweight world title.Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Whyte was due to defend his status as WBC mandatory against Otto Wallin, until he suffered a shoulder injury and was withdrawn by doctors.
The governing body have received proof of the injury and could now be ready to call Fury to fight his long-time rival.
But the Gyspy King’s promoter Frank Warren said it will down to the champion who he fights next, meaning Whyte could need back up alternatives, and here SunSport runs down his full list of options.

Tyson Fury
If all goes to plan – which is not always the case in boxing – Whyte will be mandated by the WBC to fight Fury.
Technically, he is a free agent but has been promoted by Eddie Hearn for much of his career and could be represented by the Matchroom boss in negotiations.
Boxing fans will be desperate for the opposing teams to strike a deal and share the promotional and TV rights.
But, as it is a mandatory defence, if terms are not agreed it will go to purse bids, meaning the highest offer will win the rights to the fight.
Frank Warren, Tyson Fury and Bob ArumCredit: Rex

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Otto Wallin
If for whatever reasons fans are robbed of the mega-fight, Whyte, 33, will have to look at other options.
Wallin, 30, was by all means handpicked as a stay-busy opponent, and is not contractually in a position to force the rescheduling of the fight.
But Whyte has a warriors mentality, and is evidently irked by suggestions he tactically pulled out with a fake injury.
If he is not able to get Fury, he could chose to settle the score with Wallin once and for all, to prove any cynics wrong.
Dillian Whyte pulled out of fighting Otto Wallin injuredCredit: Getty
Andy Ruiz Jr
Mexican-American Ruiz, 32, is another ideal alternative to Fury.
The two came close to fighting last year but terms were not agreed, with Whytetwice facing Alexander Povetkin, 42, and Ruiz beating Chris Arreola, 40.
Following his shock win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, despite the rematch loss, Ruiz still remains a big player in the heavyweight division.
His fast hands combined with Whyte’s aggression and power makes for an intriguing match-up.
Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Rex
Anthony Joshua
While possibly not likely, this domestic rematch will always be an appealing option to both.
Whyte beat Joshua, 32, in the amateurs in 2009 but six years later lost the rematch in the pros.
They were in line to fight again in 2019 but it fell through, leaving the door open to a trilogy decider.
The pair have since gained mutual respect for each other but that would not get in the way of them settling the score in a massive British clash.
Anthony Joshua sucked up this punch to beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Deontay Wilder
Whyte’s years of being overlooked for the WBC belt Wilder that held at the time has created massive animosity between the pair.
The Bronze Bomber, 36, is only likely to be motivated to continue boxing by massive fights.
He has spoken about wanting to put the record straight with Whyte before, who will be more than happy to do so.
Fury would be top of Whyte’s priorities, but Wilder could be a close second.
Deontay Wilder was beaten by Tyson Fury in their trilogy boutCredit: Getty More

CALEB PLANT has been training with boxing royalty as he attempts to dethrone super-middleweight king Canelo Alvarez. The American puts his prized IBF title up against Canelo’s WBC, WBA and WBO belts in an undisputed title decider over the weekend.
Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant ahead of their fightCredit: Amanda Westcott
Plant is faced with overcoming the best boxer on the planet right now, but has left no stoned unturned in his training camp.
And here, SunSport exclusively goes inside his ten week preparations with the help of the unbeaten champion’s trainer Justin Gamber.
DURATION
Plant looked set to fight Canelo in September, but talks broke down and terms were later agreed for November.
It meant he had an extra two weeks in camp, but as Gamber reveals, the pair are never usually out of the gym regardless.
He said: “Eight weeks out from the fight we up the ante, this camp was ten weeks. 
“We did two weeks extra, but it doesn’t even matter because we’re usually in the gym anyway.”
Caleb Plant arriving in the boxing gymCredit: BOXRAW

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THE APPROACH
Plant has insisted, despite the facing pound-for-pound No1, nothing has changed in their approach – and Gamber echoes that.
He revealed: “We basically stick to the formula – we added a few unique drills to this camp – but we pretty much always do that.
“We did really treat it like any other camp. But, we’re not just fighting any other fighter.
“There’s a reason that Canelo is considered the pound for pound best, but we didn’t take our approach any differently. 
“We have been working on specific technical aspects of course, but at the end of the day, if Caleb Plant is himself and is the best version of himself, that’s all we need.”
Caleb Plant training to fight Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty
ANDRE WARD
Plant, 29, had fans talking when he uploaded pictures training with Andre Ward, 37, who retired 32-0 in 2016 as a modern great.
The pair spent three days together with Ward’s old trainer Virgil Hunter in LA, enough time to soak in the endless amount of knowledge on offer.
Gamber said: “I know Caleb and Andre are friends, and Caleb mentioned that Andre invited him up there and I encouraged him to go. 
“Andre’s a great boxer, he’s smart, Caleb’s looked up to Andre for years and I encouraged him to go. 
“It was a short thing, maybe three days and it was good for Caleb to get away right before the camp, clear his head and just to be around some good, positive people.
“They had some good ideas and at the end of the day, they’re friends with Caleb, they’re friends of ours and they just wanted to invite him to come and encourage him.” 
Caleb Plant in the gym with American legend Andre WardCredit: Instagram @calebplant
SPARRING
Plant is based in Las Vegas – a hotspot for quality sparring Stateside.
And he took full advantage by sharing rounds with ex-welterweight champ Shawn Porter, who fights undefeated Terence Crawford on November 20.
Gamber revealed: “Shawn was the biggest name, we did a little bit of work with Carlos Adames and we did work with other guys. 
“But Shawn was the biggest name and we’re used to sparring Shawn here and there. It’s been a little while, but we’ve sparred him a number of times. 
“Just like Andre, we’re friends with Shawn and his team and we respect them. He’s got a big fight on his hands with Terence Crawford. 
“And Terence is a little taller than Shawn and it was good work for Shawn and Caleb sparring each other, it was good work.” 
Shawn Porter pictured with Caleb Plant
THE CUT
The fight explosively started early when the rivals began brawling on stage at their press conference in LA.
It left Plant with a cut, which threatened to affect his sparring, but Gamber reassured there were no such problems.
He admitted: “I actually wondered that myself. 
“I wondered if it would put us back a couple of days, I knew it wouldn’t put us back much, if any, but I wouldn’t even call them cuts. 
“They were more like scratches more than anything, but they didn’t actually slow us down any, we didn’t miss a sparring day. 
“He went to the doctors to make sure, but the doctor reassured us everything was fine and it was never an issue.” 
Caleb Plant sustained a cut after brawling with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty Images – Getty
THE TACTICS
Having won titles in four divisions in a 59-fight career which started when Canelo was 15, he has almost seen it all in the ring.
So Gamber knows Plant has to be versatile in his approach, and give Alvarez something to think about all night.
He explained: “You can’t just be a good boxer with Canelo, you’ve got to have the heart, the mind, the grit, you’ve got to have the junkyard dog in you, but you’ve got to be smart. 
“You’ve got to be able to box different ways. You can’t just stick and move, you can’t just go forward, you can’t just counter punch. 
“You can’t do anything one way, Caleb’s going to have to go after him a little bit, he’s going to have to get a little aggressive with him at times. 
“He’s going to have to mix it up – but Caleb has everything he needs to win this fight, I know it.”
Justin Gamber on the pads with Caleb PlantCredit: Esther Lin More

CANELO ALVAREZ and Caleb Plant will fight it out to crown the first-ever undisputed super-middleweight champion. Canelo will put his WBC, WBA and WBO belts on the line over the weekend in Las Vegas, while Plant offers up his IBF strap and unbeaten record.
Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant ahead of their fightCredit: Amanda Westcott
And if the prospect of having all four world titles on the line was not enough, their brawl in the pre-fight press conference ramped up the intrigue some more.
It seems to be a celebration of excellence whenever Canelo steps foot in the ring, but Plant is the next man to have his say in that.
Here, SunSport breaks down how the rivals compare ahead of of the mega-unification bout.
SPEED
Canelo is one of the most destructive combination punchers in the sport, letting fly with beautiful shots in numbers.
But his speed is not always eye-catching, as he instead focuses more on accuracy and timing.
It means Plant may well have the edge in the pure pace of his shots, as the American does tend to put them together nicely.
He sets up his attacks behind his jab, closes the distance and then throws scoring combinations.
Caleb Plant is known for quick combinationsCredit: Getty

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POWER
There is only one winner here, and that is Canelo.
The Mexican has devastating power, which has seen him score 38 knockouts in his 56 wins.
Specifically his left hooks and right hands do the most damage, and it is not hard to see why when you watch his training videos on the heavy bag.
Plant comes into the fight knowing Canelo’s last opponent Billy Joe Saunders was left with FOUR face fractures after a brutal uppercut in round eight.
But the underdog does have 12 KOs of his own in 21 wins, although he has more stoppages than one-punch finishes.
Canelo Alvarez left Billy Joe Saunders with four face fractures after a brutal uppercutCredit: Getty
EXPERIENCE
Not many other fighters can claim to have more experience than Canelo, who amazingly turned professional at just 15.
At 31, while somehow still improving, he is a 59-fight veteran who has won titles from light-middleweight up to light-heavyweight.
He has also shared the ring with some of the best in his era, including Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.
And his only blemish – as a 23-year-old in 2013 – against Mayweather proved a turning point in his career, as he seemed to adapt and improve his style thereafter.
Plant, 29, is also yet to face an opponent of world class standard, despite an impressive win against Jose Uzcategui to win the title in his coming out party.
Canelo Alvarez has won titles in four different divisionsCredit: AFP
RECORD
On the surface, one may look at Plant’s undefeated 21-0 record and take confidence that he does not know how to lose.
But when you look at the names on Canelo’s resume, it is hard to compare it with anyone else’s.
And having beaten the best from 154-168lb, there is not a style Alvarez is yet to come across.
Plant will look at the fact Canelo was beaten by a slick operator in Mayweather, a style he has similarly displayed in his career.
But Saunders was another to have had a good reputation for the sweet science, and he returned home with a busted eye.
Canelo Alvarez drew to Gennady Golvkin in 2017 but won the rematch a year later
PHYSIQUE
Plant carries in a height and reach advantage, standing 6ft 1in compared to 5ft 9in Canelo, and has an almost four inch reach advantage.
But Alvarez has fought as high as 175lb, when in November 2019 he knocked out Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO title.
He has also given away height and reach before and had no problem marching down 6ft 3in Callum Smith in December 2020 to dominate over 12 rounds.
But Plant will need to use every bit of his length to keep Canelo on the end of his jab and avoid the distance being closed down.
Alvarez is also a master at educated pressure, blocking and slipping shots as he walks forward, also leaning his head in as a bait to then counter off.
Caleb Plant has height and reach advantages over Canelo Alvarez More

CANELO ALVAREZ has been described as ‘the full package’ by his former opponent Avni Yildirim who claims: ‘His uppercuts are brutal’. Canelo is boxing’s top attraction, with world titles in four divisions from light-middleweight to light-heavyweight.
Canelo Alvarez beat Avni Yildirim in three roundsCredit: EPA
Avni Yildirim described Canelo Alvarez as ‘the full package’Credit: EPA
He currently reigns as unified super-middleweight champion after three fights at the 168lb division.
Avni Yildirim is one of those to have experienced the Mexican star’s greatness first hand and opened up about the harsh reality of sharing the ring with him.
Yildirim told SunSport: “He is strong. And he’s basically the full package. Hard-hitting, very accurate and fast at the same time.
“Canelo’s counterpunching, his body shots and his uppercuts are brutal. I also mentioned his defensive movements.
“It’s really hard to hit him and you’re very likely to get hit at the same time.”
Canelo, 31, left with the WBC and WBA titles in December 2020 after dominating Liverpool’s Callum Smith, 31, over 12 rounds.

Avni Yildirim thinks Caleb Plant has little chance against CaneloCredit: Reuters
And following a routine three-round stoppage over Yildirim, 30, in February, three months later he faced Billy Joe Saunders, 31, in a unification.
It took Canelo eight rounds to break Saunders down and leave the previously unbeaten Brit with FOUR face fractures.
Alvarez is left needing just Caleb Plant’s IBF title to become undisputed champion for the first time in his illustrious career.
They fight this weekend in Las Vegas, and Plant, 29, will have to do what no man other than Floyd Mayweather, now 44, has done.
Mayweather is the only blemish on Canelo’s 59-fight record, after giving the then-23-year-old a boxing lesson.
He is strong. And he’s basically the full package. Hard-hitting, very accurate and fast at the same time.Avni Yildirim
But Yildirim doubts lightening will strike twice in a cold warning to Plant.
He said: “If Plant could outbox him, he should do it. But it’s not gonna happen. But he’s also not gonna win in a slugfest.
“As I said I don’t give Plant a big chance in this one. I don’t see how Canelo can be beaten at the moment.
“Of course, you can try to fight him from the outside but he will find a way to get close enough to land those hard combinations.
“And if you go in for a shootout you will probably lose because Canelo is so good defensively and an excellent counter puncher. I don’t see how Plant can beat him.”
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TYSON FURY looked dapper as ever as he wore a sharp suit jacket and designer Versace shoes. The Gypsy King is enjoying some down time after his epic trilogy with over Deontay Wilder, which ended in an 11th round knockout.
Tyson Fury looking sharp in a navy suit jacket and Vercase shesCredit: Instagram @johnnyward1
Tyson Fury announced a UK homecoming tourCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101
Fury was recently pictured in the gym with 2-0 boxer Johnny Ward and trainer, former world champion Andy Lee.
The WBC champion was all smiles dressed in a navy jacket, red tie and £560 Vercase medusa head velvet loafers.
Fury’s thrilling win over Wilder, 36, was his fifth consecutive fight Stateside and his fourth in Las Vegas.
But now his promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren are hoping for a UK homecoming on his return.
And that could come against long-time rival Dillian Whyte, 33, who is the current WBC mandatory challenger.
It would see Fury, 33, fight in the UK for the first time in close to four years.

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But the heavyweight hero will reunite with his British fans before then, having announced a UK tour.
Stretching from December 2-8, he will be in England, Wales and Scotland over six nights for an evening with event.
But soon after, his attention with turn to brother Tommy, 22, who faces YouTube sensation Jake Paul, 24, in Florida on December 18.
Fury is set to travel over to Las Vegas to help the 2019 Love Island star train for the fight and then be in his corner.
Their dad John usually coaches Tommy but due to a previous criminal conviction, he is unable to travel Stateside.
It means unbeaten Fury will instead be a voice in the corner for 7-0 Tommy.
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JAKE PAUL has filled his fight contract with Tommy Fury with a number of ‘bizarre clauses’, according to the Love Island star’s dad John.The YouTuber turned boxer will finally settle his beef with the youngest Fury brother in a grudge match on December 18.
Jake Paul and Tommy Fury will throw down in Florida on December 18Credit: Instagram / Jake Paul
Fury and Paul have been going back and forth at one another for several monthsCredit: BT Sport
And Fury’s dad John has claimed the pair’s bout agreement is full of ‘bizzare’ clausesCredit: REX
It’s been revealed that Fury must change his surname if he loses the battle of social media stars, with doting dad John revealing there are a number of ‘awkward’ stipulations.
The 57-year-old told BT Sport: “[Paul’s team] are being awkward.
“The contract has been bizarre. If I was going to go through what they’ve put in the contract, we’d be here all day.
“I’ve said yes to everything; yes, yes, yes, yes, do what you’ve got to do because I know Jake Paul can’t beat Tommy no matter what he does.”
Fury, 22, will pocket a £423,000 bonus if he gets the better of The Problem Child, although he’ll legally be obliged to change his name to ‘Tommy Fumbles’ if he loses.
An excerpt of the pair’s bout agreement which read: “If Fury is declared the winner of the Bout, Paul hereby agrees to pay Fury Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) directly from Paul’s purse as an additional fighter bonus.

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“However, if Paul is declared the winner of the Bout, Fury hereby agrees to (i) commence, within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the Bout, an application process with the Royal Courts of Justice in the United Kingdom to obtain a deed poll legally changing Fury’s name to “Tommy Fumbles,” (ii) change, within twenty four (24) hours of the Bout, all of his social media accounts to reflect the name “Tommy Fumbles:, and (iii) immediately after the Bout utilise the name “Tommy Fumbles” in all forms of media…”
Fury – the half-brother of WBC heavyweight Tyson – has a wealth of boxing experience to his name in comparison to Paul.
And dad John is confident his son will do a number on the outspoken and divisive Youtuber.
He said: “Tommy knows he’s up against a stacked deck, but he should still beat Jake Paul at a canter.
“And if he can’t, there’s no way in the boxing world for him.
“It’s make or break, for both men, but it’ll hit Tommy harder because Tommy’s supposed to be a professional boxer.
“Tommy will work hard, he’ll do what he’s gotta do.
“Has Tommy got the skill to beat him? Yes. Has he got the power to knock him out? Yes.
“All it is with Tommy – he’s young, can he handle the big occasion on the night?

“But I’m sure he’s thought about it many times before and he’s got the king of the ring in his corner.
“Tyson’s gonna be in his corner that night. I think Tyson’s flying out there in a few weeks to help him out.
“Whatever desire he’s missing, Tyson will put there, I’m sure of that.”

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Jake Paul predicts a ‘massacre’ against Tommy Fury in December 18 grudge match More