Boxing’s pound-for-pound king will be crowned this weekend when Kazakhstan’s Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0) takes on Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (49-1-1) in Las Vegas.
The unbeaten Golovkin’s IBF, WBA, WBC and IBO world middleweight title belts will also be up for grabs.
Alvarez has formerly held world title belts at middleweight and light middleweight. The only loss of his career was against Floyd Mayweather back in 2013.
GGG turned pro after winning a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Incredibly, Canelo turned pro when he was just 15!
Golovkin is currently the favourite at $1.65, while Alvarez is $2.16. But there’s good reasons why both fighters can win.
Why Golovkin can win
GGG has a stunning KO record with 33 of his 37 career fights ending early. His average bout lasts just under five rounds.
He’s the naturally bigger man, having fought as a legitimate middleweight for his entire career. Canelo on the other hand has fought the majority of his career at lighter weights.
Though he relies on his punching power, GGG does have boxing skills he can call on if necessary over a 12-round fight, thanks to his extensive amateur pedigree.
Why Alvarez can win
The calibre of opponents that Canelo has fought in his career have been stronger than those faced by GGG. Notable Alvarez victories include Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Erislandy Lara and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Not that you could accuse GGG of ducking anyone. It’s been the other way around, with his KO record often making potential opponents think twice before agreeing to step into the ring with him.
Canelo has never been knocked down and he has a knockout punch himself (34 career KOs). He also has plenty of experience grounding out a 12-round win.
GGG has only been the 12-round distance once in his career, against Danny Jacobs in his last title defence where he scored a narrow victory.
Alvarez is the younger man, arguably in his prime at 27 and very experienced for a fighter his age. GGG is 35.
Prediction
Both fighters to be wary of each other early. GGG will step up the pace in the middle rounds looking for a KO, but I’m tipping Canelo to finish the stronger and snatch a split decision.
Trent
Guest
Yuri, I've been a boxing fan since I was a kid and have followed the sport with a passion since then. In all my years of following boxing your comment "even Daniel Jacobs can beat him" is the dumbest comment I have ever seen, Congratulations! Daniel Jacobs went so close to beating Golovkin as well, not to mention he's an incredible fighter and could beat anyone in the division on his day.
Bigj
Guest
Thats if a pub in Darwin is showing the fight
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Jacobs is a very good fighter too with a phenomenal KO record, he went very close against GGG.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Either way, lets hope its a great fight. Hope you enjoy it Big J.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Hi john nice write up i am tipping a late ko by GGG i think his power will prove to much for Canelo
yuri
Guest
Canelo will be exposed! He's going down. He can't' take ggg's power and unrelenting pressure. Even Daniel Jacobs can beat him.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Absolutely Womblat, no need for either fighter to hype this fight up, their skills speak for themselves and both are a credit to boxing. I think it will be a very even contest.
Womblat
Guest
I'm so looking forward to this fight, what a pair of talented, tough, technically awesome, dedicated professionals. No contrived flair, abuse, MayMac garbage, media blowups or bad-mouthing, just the two best pound for pound boxers in the world today going at it. It'll be a privilege to watch. Anyone who appreciates the sweet science at all will be absorbed.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Should be a cracker Grafter, let's hope it lives up to expectations. I've put a few dollars on Canelo to pull off an upset, I just have a feeling it might be his time. But it's certainly a tough ask against GGG.
The Grafter
Guest
Can't wait John. This is as good as it gets. Both fighters weighed in right on the limit of 160 pounds. I'm sure Canelo has learnt from the Mayweather fight not to overdo the carbs and hydration when he reputably put on close to 14 pounds after weighing in for that fight. Triple G for me. Heavy hands with the machine gun jab that sets everything up for him, and ringcraft that is second to none.