John Ryder did get robbed by Callum Smith But doesn't mean he;s a total bum vs Canelo

Still, only fights big time fights everytime. Unlike Canelo. No, he doesn't. His match against Garcia wasn't in any way shape or form. It was a viable defense. A good solid meat and potatoes title defense against a top-10 contender and former world titlist, 15 months after his accident. It was a definitely impressive return bout, to these eyes, but no "big" superfight. 16 long months later after eye surgery he's in against Ugas in a compelling unification match. He looked very very very good for all but 10 seconds. Terrific, important win. And that is all folks, since his last solid defense against a former titlist and top-5 rated contender, Porter, well over 3 years ago. I think very highly of Spence, but I'm more and more convinced that they are using some trick lighting and mirrors with him these days. And all the fingers in the world can point to cars, bad drivers, poor business dealings "on the other side" or injuries....but for me, in 2023, Spence is but a rumor. The walls are closing in. Canelo? He may just be the hardest working beneficiary of doubt and boxing politics I have ever witnessed in boxing. I will qualify those points now. The guy works his ass off to stay in shape by staying busy. He resides in a PEDs haven, to be sure. Where others have been spanked he has been slapped on the wrist. But he takes chances. Comparing him to Spence in a very real way isn't fair. Canelo had compelling adversaries laying in wait in divisions above and around him. Spence had one, and it debatable if some degree of dropping the ball, even 30%, is due Team Spence. But like Crawford, Canelo chose to seek activity, and to his credit GGG loomed and from it we got two mega-fights chalk-full of bad blood and controversy, suspensions, et al. Canelo ultimately took out the garbage when he doused the still serviceable if not formidable shadow of Kovalev at 175lbs. Before that he edged the talented and dangerous Danny Jacobs and won a crown at 168 against Rocky Fielding. The Fielding win may seem achievement-lite but consider other celebrated titlists that have moved up to win titles against far less talented foes, and how today they are lauded for it. Think hard. The sport and its history are full of such milestones. It helps sell a commodity; Canelo. Activity creates momentum, as Canelo showed us from 2020 up until last September. Six bouts in quick succession. Incredible today given the ongoing COVID narrative The rubber match with GGG should have been a mega-fight however all momentum had waned in the years after their rematch for various reasons and GGG was easily a quart low. We can point to Caenlo's less than spectacular showing in that one but he claims he was somewhat "less-than" given an ongoing injury that has now been addressed. If we have to chew on Spence and his on-going injuries and automotive dramas, then we certainly must respect Canelo's plight, given how much busier the guy is, to say nothing of the risk he has incurred striving to be great. Again, I think the world of Spence but my patience is running out, and I'm not apt to make excuses for him.

But I can use Spence. He's been in soup can for 11 months and counting. Unacceptable! He wants all the belts but what about his duty towards defending them? He's holding up the wheels of progress for the fighters working towards their goal of a title shot, to say nothing of those that have hitched their wagon to him (Jaron), and soon enough the cracks will show. Soon enough his mandatories are gonna force a schedule he's never observed as a World champion, and then the lustre will come off, which is a shame. I think very highly of him, but I'm objective. Soon enough the finger pointing will start. Still, only fights big time fights everytime. Unlike Canelo.

Definitely can't use Spence. But why is Ryder suitable but not Charlo? It's ridiculous. But I can use Spence. He's been in soup can for 11 months and counting. Unacceptable! He wants all the belts but what about his duty towards defending them? He's holding up the wheels of progress for the fighters working towards their goal of a title shot, to say nothing of those that have hitched their wagon to him (Jaron), and soon enough the cracks will show. Soon enough his mandatories are gonna force a schedule he's never observed as a World champion, and then the lustre will come off, which is a shame. I think very highly of him, but I'm objective. Soon enough the finger pointing will start.

Both Bums.

The pendulum swings to extremes, which is why a top 10-rated veteran such as Ryder gets minimized. True discerning fans that understand boxing history may warm to the fact that Ryder is a worthy contender and that every outing cannot be a highly marketable super-fight. As tune-ups go, this is a very good one for a fighter of Canelo's stature. Should Saul emerge unscathed, we'll see him in something bigger four or 5 months later....which is more than I can say for other big names such as Spence, Charlo (take your pick). Definitely can't use Spence. But why is Ryder suitable but not Charlo? It's ridiculous.

The pendulum swings to extremes, which is why a top 10-rated veteran such as Ryder gets minimized. True discerning fans that understand boxing history may warm to the fact that Ryder is a worthy contender and that every outing cannot be a highly marketable super-fight. As tune-ups go, this is a very good one for a fighter of Canelo's stature. Should Saul emerge unscathed, we'll see him in something bigger four or 5 months later....which is more than I can say for other big names such as Spence, Charlo (take your pick).