Canelo Pursues Another Title
“Greatness never rests.” It is with this credo that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to capture his next light heavyweight title as he faces WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Alvarez, to no surprise, is a sizable favorite on the boxing betting odds. But Bivol, who Canelo himself has admitted is a tough opponent, could rise to stardom if he somehow upsets the world’s top pound-for-pound boxer.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports and boxing odds for Canelo vs Bivol. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Canelo has Slain Giants Before
This is not Canelo Alvarez’s first rodeo at 175 pounds. He moved up in late 2019 and destroyed Sergey Kovalev to capture the WBO title. Similar to that fight, Alvarez will be a 5-1 favorite in this fight with Dmitry Bivol. But this unbeaten Russian is in his prime and has not tasted defeat nor has he looked vulnerable.
But Alvarez always welcomes a challenge. This is why he was aiming for a cruiserweight fight with Ilunga Makabu, who recently defended his WBC belt in January. Alvarez has proven in the past that a size difference does not deter him. Kovalev was four inches taller and had a two-inch reach advantage.
Against Bivol, Alvarez is facing a boxer of similar size who has proven he can be a clinician with his range control. This will be a test of how quickly Alvarez can get within his range. He has sometimes had issues against middleweights with a potent jab, so a light heavyweight may present a bit more of a challenge.
Bivol Proven Despite Under-the-Radar Status
Dmitry Bivol will be an underdog for the first time in his professional career and against a smaller man –even if this man is the great Canelo Alvarez. Bivol, despite not being known, has been arguably the most dominant boxer in his weight division.
While Bivol is a decision machine, the way he’s getting these decisions speaks volumes. He has hardly lost a round and has often outclassed his opponents to the tune of 120 or 119 scorecards. In drawn-out championship fights, being able to consistently win rounds has its advantages.
The 31-year-old uses an effective jab to keep his opponents at bay. He has powerful straight shots and can throw flurries in a hurry. Even if he hasn’t knocked anyone out in his last six bouts, a clean shot from Bivol could stagger even the iron-chinned Alvarez. There is plenty to like in this underdog on the sportsbooks.
Canelo vs Bivol Head-to-Head
Canelo Alvarez will be giving up a size and reach advantage here. But one thing to note is the disparity in pro fights between the two. Despite both being 31, Alvarez has 28 more knockout wins than Bivol has bouts, though the champion has an extensive amateur background with a 268-15 record.
Canelo vs Bivol Fight Information
- Fight: Canelo (c) (57-1-2, 39 KOs) vs Bivol (19-0-0, 11 KOs)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena
- Day/Time: Saturday, May 8, 10 p.m. ET
- Canelo vs Bivol Live stream: Box Live
Canelo vs Bivol Betting Lines
Canelo vs Bivol Prediction
If you’re one of a few who have been looking to bet online against Canelo Alvarez, you may need to wait a bit longer. Yes, the +350 price tag (and climbing) on Bivol is tempting, but he lacks the power and aggression to keep Alvarez honest.
Bivol will be fighting tactically, which would likely win him the first few rounds. Ultimately, Alvarez will be the more active boxer and even if he is not landing as much or dominating Bivol, the pro-Mexican crowd in Vegas will sway the judges in the event of a close decision.
Pick: Over 10½ rounds (-280)
Pick: Canelo Alvarez -500
