Canelo v GGG: Preview and Tips

Background

MayvsMac was the biggest boxing event in history, but this one could go down as one of the best. This highly anticipated bout is set to take place Sunday the 17^th of September at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a combined 88 pro fights between them and 6 belts up for grabs, the hype is very real.

Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin “Triple G” is considered by many experts as one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world. Holding a perfect professional record of 37-0 (34 KO), along with an extensive amateur record that includes a Silver medal at the 2004 Olympic games. Golovkin has been a world class competitor for many years, combining elite level speed and power with a world class chin and incredible heart. His resume speaks for itself, knocking out nearly every competitor who has stood before him and he himself has never been floored inside the square circle.

His opponent Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who is also in the top 10 for best P4P fighters, is just as formidable an opponent. Holding a nearly flawless pro record of 49-1-1 (34 KO), Canelo is a true phenom in the world of boxing. At the ripe age of 27, Alvarez may be closest stylistic matchup for Triple G. His ferociousness, heart and shear punching power have made him a real fan favourite, finding himself compared to Golovkin by many experts. Here, The Wolf will break down what each man brings to the table and key bet predictions.

GGG

Gennady Golovkin is considered to be one of the best boxers in the world for a reason, his hand speed along with brutal power make him one of the most complete fighters in the game. His ability to make elite level fighters look second class is a big part of his success. A great example of this is when he took on Aussie veteran Daniel Geale.  Geale, who is known for his heart and determination in fights, simply couldn’t withstand the offense of Golovkin. Their fight in July of 2014, was over in 3 short rounds after Geale was knocked down from a massive right hand. The look in Geale’s eyes told the story of fighting Triple G.

Another great example of Gennady’s punching power was in his grudge match vs Curtis Stevens. The story before the fight was Stevens talk about Triple G fighting smaller guys. He believed once he met a man of his own stature, his punches just wouldn’t have the same effect. Wasn’t he wrong… in the 2^nd round Golovkin knocked Stevens down and his face told the story. Here the audience could see Stevens feel the true power GGG possesses. Golovkin is the favourite in this fight for the simple fact that he has shown less weakness throughout his career and apart from remaining undefeated, Gennady also has a higher finishing rate than Canelo. Great boxing bouts are about the matchup though and the Wolf knows we have a memorable one on our hands.

Canelo

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is one of the most feared and entertaining fighters in the game today. His KO power and willingness to engage have made him a top pay per view draw. His execution of Liam Smith and James Kirkland are two prime examples of what Alvarez brings to the table. A high paced boxer who throws his shots at 100% while moving forward and on the counter. Much like Golovkin, Saul seems to find greater strength the more he gets hit. His bout against Amir Khan is a perfect example of this. Early on in that fight Khan found great success with his hand speed and level changes, but once Canelo got his timing down he was able to land a right hand that rendered Khan unconscious.

In this bout he must be willing to step into deep waters with the bigger man. If Triple G has shown any weakness it is that he can be susceptible to the counter shot – Canelo needs to stay composed and wait for his openings. Alvarez at the age of 27 has fought an incredible 51 professional bouts, making his pro debut when he was just 15, and his experience will be invaluable for this fight. With the only loss of his career coming back in 2013 to Floyd Mayweather you can be reassured that Saul will be willing to do whatever it takes to come out victorious come September 17^th.

Who Will Win…

Gennady Golovkin vs Canelo Alvarez is a bout set for the ages, two men in the prime of their career competing for 6 world titles. Both men possess lights out punching power and iron chins. Golovkin is the slight favourite but this bout could truly go either way. For Triple G to win he must be willing to take Alvarez into deep waters, use his superior boxing technique and size to frustrate and exhaust his younger opponent. For Canelo he must capitalise on the openings that Gennady presents and stay in the fight. The old saying in combat sports is that styles make fights. This bout possesses the mouth watering battle of a high level boxing chess match combined with brutal force and power. With a rematch clause set in the contract we could be witness to several great fights. This one should go down to the wire, a back and forth bout that will be remembered for the ages. Canelo is tough and will never quit but the Wolf sees Golovkin being too technical and effective for his younger opponent. Triple G by Unanimous Decision or late stoppage.

Recommended Bets

Best: Golovkin WIN ($1.62) 
Other: Golovkin By Points Decision ($4.25)
Value: Both Fighters to be knocked down – YES ($9.00)
Round Bettong: Golovkin wins in round 11 ($23.00)