Canelo On Why Next Foe Is Smith, Not Golovkin

It is perceived in many if not most circles as a foregone conclusion, which is a compliment to Mexican seat filler extraordinaire Canelo Alvarez. Liam Smith simply hasn't been in with anyone within a step of Canelo Alvarez, and thus, heading toward their Sept 17 faceoff, there exists a lack of drama. (Related: Smith beating Canelo would be a Beefy Upset http://bit.ly/2bkjP51) The people didn't call for the fight, as they didn't ask for the Golovkin v Kell Brook bout the week before. “They” wanted the two A sides to fight each other. Team Canelo says they want that, but on their time table.

We at NYF understand a level of marination is acceptable–this is after all the “boxing business”–but find ourselves mildly frustrated that Alvarez seems to be playing a waiting game, perhaps hoping GGG turns into Granpa Golovkin in the next year, or whenever Alvarez feels he is comfortable fighting six pounds heavier. Also, that the Canelo bout is available on pay per view in the US isn't good news for fans who are humble earners or frugal sorts. PPV is ideally suited for extra special occasions, when the market value of the event can suggest a premium be added to the telecast platform. Canelo v Smith on paper isn't that. Fans already purchase premium cable channels and absorb that “tax” to be a pro boxing fan. To ask them to add to that is a short term win for those sharing in the take, not so for everyone else.

The “pragmatic” side of us sees the Canelo and Alvarez fights the same way: we primarily wish to watch compelling fights. We hope that Kell Brook and Smith BOTH over deliver and act like underdogs with pitbull bite.

Props to this questioner for putting the issue front and center on the table.

Canelo Blog Part 1: Tuesday, August 30

Discuss what it will be like fighting at the home of “America’s Team”, the Dallas Cowboys. Why Liam Smith instead of Gennady Golovkin?

“I have always loved fighting in Texas, and the opportunity to fight in front of tens of thousands of fans at such an incredible venue is very special to me.

“When I finished my fight with James Kirkland, I told my team that I wanted to come back to Texas at least once a year, and I am a man of my word.

“As Texas borders Mexico, I expect many of my fellow countrymen to come to the fight, and I am looking forward to putting on a show.

“When I train, I only focus on one fighter, and that is the one in front of me. Liam Smith is undefeated and the WBO champion. He has knocked out many other fighters and is hungry to become a superstar.

“Like always, I am going to work extremely hard throughout training camp, get myself into the best condition possible and hopefully come out with another victory.

“As for the future, I’ll let others do the talking, but I have always said that I fear no man, and when I feel my body is ready, I will take on anyone and everyone in the division that I am fighting.

“For right now, I have only one goal, and that is to be in best physical and mental shape of my life to come in Sept. 17 and perform at the best of my ability for my fans.”

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts Saturday, September 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

Alvarez challenges Britain’s Liam Smith for his junior middleweight crown when Canelo vs. Smith takes place Saturday, September 17 from AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

If you want to read more on Canelo vs. Smith: https://nyfights.com/worldwide/oscar-talks-canelo/