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Canelo Alvarez has done his best to distance himself from his recent shortcomings.
After pilfering every world at 168-pounds, the Mexican star brazenly made the move seven pounds north. Having competed at the 175-pound weight limit in years past, Alvarez was confident in his ability to face larger men. In his first foray into the light heavyweight division since 2019, the pound-for-pound stalwart took on current WBA titlist, Dmitry Bivol.
Although he got off to a hot start, Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) would suffer just the second loss of his career via unanimous decision. Since then, the 32-year-old has gotten back to his winning ways, coasting to a victory over longtime rival Gennadiy Golovkin.
Now, with their three-fight series behind them, Alvarez is hopeful that Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) will grant him an opportunity at redemption. However, regardless of Alvarez chomping at the bit as he patiently awaits vindication, Oscar De La Hoya, his former promoter, is under the impression that Bivol is simply all wrong for his previous client.
“I strongly feel that Canelo has to change his style,” said De La Hoya to a group of reporters. “He will not beat Bivol with that same style.”
While Alvarez is looking forward to exacting his revenge, Bivol will first be asked to turn back Gilberto Ramirez. The two will officially face off on November 5th, at the Etihad Arena, in Abu Dhabi.
Viewed as a considerable favorite heading in, Bivol has flirted with the idea of giving Alvarez another crack should he defend his WBA crown against Ramirez. Still, even if Bivol and Alvarez swap fists once more, De La Hoya reiterates that unless Alvarez switches styles, or even more drastically, makes a trainer change, defeating Bivol is simply impracticable.
“Maybe he has to change trainers. Everybody changes trainers, everybody gets better. Canelo cannot beat Bivol with that Style. He cannot beat Bivol with that same style being flat-footed. It’s impossible.”