Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez can further enhance his hugely impressive reputation when he takes on Billy Joe Saunders in Texas on Sunday.
The unification bout, which takes place in front of 70,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium, is set to be the biggest boxing event of the year so far.
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Canelo puts his WBA (Super), WBC and The Ring Super middleweight titles on the line against WBO champion Saunders.
The Mexican, who is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter, has won 55 of his previous 58 trips to the ring, losing one and drawing two.
Saunders, meanwhile, is yet to taste defeat in 30 professional fights and has earned 14 of his victories via knockout.
Top Dog Canelo to Shine
Canelo made his professional debut in 2005, earning a TKO win, and he has gone from strength to strength over the following 16 years.
The Mexican, who will be eager to impress on Cinco de Mayo weekend, is the heavy 1/8 favourite to come out on top in Arlington, Texas.
It’s no surprise with the only defeat on his record coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather in 2013, having lost to the American great via majority decision.
Saunders has been an active pro since 2009 and he hasn’t experienced a loss during his career but he’ll face his toughest opponent to date this weekend.
Punters can get behind the two-weight world champion to pull off an upset at 17/4.
Canelo to Outscore Saunders
Saunders is clearly a smart fighter, demonstrated by his unblemished record, and he’s capable of mixing up his style to suit the opponent.
The 31-year-old has earned 14 victories via knockout and 16 courtesy of decision and it might be costly if he goes hunting for Canelo this weekend.
He’s spent plenty of time training with heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and has picked up some tricks in trying to be elusive.
However, Canelo is quick, precise and powerful and should eventually be able to win the tactical battle.
The majority of Canelo’s victories have come by knockout (37) but four of his last seven wins have come via decision and there’s value in backing the 30-year-old to win by Decision or Technical Decision at 6/4.
Saunders Must Strike Early
Saunders’ best hope of coming out on top is by making a fast start and trying to place Canelo on the back foot from the outset.
Canelo is far too experienced and skilled to be drawn into a brawl, especially the longer the bout goes on, and landing some early damage is key for the underdog.
The Brit is priced at 20/1 to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification, something no fighter has ever achieved when taking on Canelo.
It’s an unlikely outcome but probably Saunders’ best route to glory.
*All odds correct at time of writing