In recent years a number of British boxers have challenged a who’s who of p4p world ranked boxers, some of the stand out contests include Ricky Hatton famously defeating Kosta Tszyu before losing to Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao, Kell Brook challenging feared middleweight beast Gennady Golovkin succumbing to a 5th stoppage defeat & most recently Tony Bellew taking on undisputed cruiserweight champion Olexander Usyk , starting very well before being knocked out in the 8th round, this weekend another British boxer dares to be great, dares to attempt to scale to the pinnacle of the p4p rankings as Callum Smith defends his WBA & Ring Magazine super middleweight titles against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez with the WBC title also at stake, ‘Mundo’ is a betting underdog & will be looking to cause the upset in Texas.
Luke caught up with a number of different figures across the boxing world to get their breakdown & predictions for the fight
Erik Skoglund
I believe as Saul Alvarez is such a huge favourite in this fight and even though Callum comes as another world champion, he comes as a huge underdog too.
I do believe that suits him though and I believe that Callum will be confident, relaxed and able to reach his highest potential. With the experience that follows with Joe Gallagher and his corner too, that can be crucial.
Alvarez is the most skilful and technical fighter of the two, but the tactics and preparations of Team Smith is absolute world class. Of that I’m sure and my heart says Callum all the way. GO Team Smith!
Jazza Dickens
Callum Smith by KO, I’m not confident on a round but I can a massive left hook causing the upset!
Fabio Wardley
I think you'll see a lot similarities in this fight to the Sergei Kovalev fight. Where Callum Smith is the bigger, longer guy but Canelo will wear him through and just apply pressure in the first half of the first. Then once he notices Smith slowing he will step on the gas, body shots from Canelo will play a big part as Smith long frame will give openings.
Jon Pegg
I think Calum’s size and footwork are going to give Canelo real problems and could deserve a decision but I don’t think he’ll get it from the away judges. Canelo by unanimous but controversial decision.
Gavin Gwynne
Canelo by stoppage in the later rounds.
Jeff Ofori
I want Callum to win and he could by points if he manages to box and keep Canelo off him.
However I believe Canelo will be forcing the action and a stoppage is more likely to go his way. The experience and opponents he’s faced makes this a tough task for Callum but not impossible.
I go for Callum on a close points win.
Derry Matthews
Callum Smith to win, round 10!
Hannah Rankin
I’m going for a late stoppage win for Canelo, to the body.
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