By Jeff Aronow: Canelo Alvarez says he likes the concept of going as much as 175 to tackle IBF/WBC mild heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev if he efficiently defeats Caleb Plant to develop into the undisputed champion at 168 on Saturday night time.
It’s been talked about Canelo (56-1-2, 38 KOs) making the leap to 175 just lately in giving him a brand new objective of attempting to develop into the undisputed champion in that weight class.
If Canelo defeats IBF & WBC 175-lb champion Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs), he could have executed probably the most difficult a part of changing into the undisputed champion within the mild heavyweight division.
From there, it will be all downhill for Canelo, as he would solely have to defeat these two fighters to develop into the undisputed champion at 175:
- Dmitry Bivol – WBA
- Joe Smith Jr – WBO
“Not but, we’re 100% centered on this struggle, after which we’ll see,” mentioned Canelo about what’s subsequent for him if he defeats Plant.
“No, not loopy. I like the concept. I like challenges,” mentioned Canelo when requested if he’d be concerned with combating Beterbiev at 175.
“I like [to fight bigger guys] as a result of I do know what to do in there, so it’s simple for me,” mentioned Canelo.
It could be a troublesome struggle for Canelo as a result of Beterbiev is a giant puncher, and he’s harmful on the within. Canelo must be prepared to place himself in danger for him to attain a knockout.
Beterbiev would doubtless goal Canelo’s physique somewhat than waste lots of power attempting to hit a transferring towards. Canelo’s higher physique and head motion are too good for Beterbiev to land persistently if he focuses on aiming his photographs upstairs.
Beterbiev proved towards Oleksandr Gvozdyk to be a wonderful physique puncher, and we’ll most likely see him use that strategy towards Canelo.
For the Canelo-Beterbiev struggle to occur, Beterbiev might want to win his subsequent struggle towards #1 WBC Marcus Browne (24-1, 16 KOs) subsequent month on December seventeenth on the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
The best way the 36-year-old Beterbiev appeared in his final struggle towards Adam Deines final March, Canelo has a greater than common probability of beating him.
Beterbiev wasn’t spectacular in defeating Deines, and he was fortunate he was combating a fringe-level contender somewhat than one of many proficient guys.
“We don’t know if it’s going to be in 2022, however I might like to struggle within the UK,” mentioned Canelo.
The one affordable choice for Canelo to struggle within the UK is Joshua Buatsi, however he’s not prepared for a match towards the Mexican star. Buatsi remains to be a contender at this level. Apart from Buatsi, the one different choices for Canelo for a struggle within the UK is towards Craig Richards or John Ryder, and people guys aren’t price Canelo losing his time.
