Boxing writer Anish Parekh shares his thoughts on Canelo vs Saunders
Boxing has struggled over the past year. The business model implemented by boxing with numerous promoters, sanctioning bodies and TV stations has always made it difficult to make the most significant fights, but the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated this problem.
Whilst there has been an effort by promoters to keep the show going, many fight cards have been lacklustre and failed to grab public attention. It was in great contrast to the UFC whose biggest names not only fought but appeared numerous times against top competition.
This week however, I have been filled with anticipation for the super-middleweight unification bout between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders.
Canelo is the biggest name in the sport and whilst other top names seem to have placed themselves into a prolonged self-isolation, the Mexican superstar has been active with this weekends fight being his third in seven months.
He dismantled the unbeaten Ring Magazine champion, Callum Smith and then dispatched of the overmatched Turk, Avni Yildrim. Both opponents handled with consumate ease.
Billy Joe Saunders presents a different problem. Although he has displayed questionable character traits in the past, with numerous out of the ring transgressions, one thing that can't be questioned about his character is his unshakeable confidence.
The man they call Cinnamon has developed an aura retained by only the greats of the sport, but Saunders looks unperturbed and has attempted to pierce through the thick skin of Canelo with numerous verbal barbs throughout fight week.
Following the sound of the first bell the Brit will aim to breach the seemingly impregnable defence of Alvarez with his pinpoint southpaw jab, whilst using his slick footwork to evade the crisp counterpunches that the Mexican has become famed and feared for.
This is a truly intriguing matchup between contrasting styles.
The brash, slick Brit against the classy, counterpunching Mexican. Both at the peak of their powers, ready to appease the first large audience - 70,000- since the pandemic.
This Cinco De Mayo weekend generously serves up a fine fistic feast to satisfy boxing fans that have long craved to witness world-class displays of blood and guts, craft and guile - and I for one can't wait.
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