Why Kovalev? Is Kovalev a fight Canelo can Afford to Lose?

[JuniorTorres720]

What up boxing enthusiasts! Quick question and this is a thought that came to mind. I want to see what you all think. In regards to Canelo seeking a fight with Kovalev, I ask myself, "Why?"

We all know that there's a plethora of middleweights and even super middleweights that are willing to face the Mexican superstar. Yet, Canelo is dodging them in hopes of moving up to 175 pounds, a weight he's never fought at, to face the veteran Sergey Kovalev. I know that he doesn't like GGG which could very well be the reason he's avoiding him OR maybe he sees him as a legitimate threat along with the other available options at 160 and 168.

With this being said, Canelo would be moving up to 175 for the first time. I know that Kovalev isn't the threat he once was, but regardless, he's still a threat because he's the naturally bigger man, a hard puncher, experienced, and has fought at light heavy for his entire career. I know that Canelo and team wouldn't enter a fight thinking they're going to lose. BUT! Do you think there's any chance that Canelo and team look at Kovalev and say, "This is potentially a fight we wouldn't suffer as much if we lost."

We look at the recent cases where fighters moved up and "dared to be great." Amir Khan, Mikey Garcia, Kell Brook. And everyone knew coming in that a win would be massive, but a loss wouldn't hurt them as much because they were the ones moving up to challenge the bigger guy. Does anyone here think that maybe this is the mentality in Canelo's camp?

[Vlad_]

Hell no.

Canelo will fold Kovalev with the first jab to the body that he lands.

Or have you not been following NSB?

[lieutenant]

Golden Boy Promotions never seemed too excited about getting this fight done. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to talk Canelo out of taking this fight. I think Canelo himself truly thinks he is the best fighter in the world and losing has not even crossed his mind. He wants to leave a legacy behind that will be remembered for generations. He wants to be a four division champion, so he's going after the biggest name at 175.

[TonyGe]

Depends If he loses and takes a horrific beating then no he can't afford to lose because it would finish him.

[boogbx]

He’s already a 4 division Champ. Destroyed Fielding at 168 who at the time was a belt holder.

He’s chasing 5 and he should. He looked real good at 168 and as opposed Mikey and Rigondesx claiming to have seen holes in either Spence or Loma, everybody knows that Kovalev is flawed.

Very winnable fight for Canelo as well as for Kovalev.

Outside of Spence-Crawford, I’d argue that’s the best fight in boxing. Kovalev- Canelo

I’d pick it over Fury vs Wilder rematch.

[sparda77]

Oh, please... Canelo won't lose, he's the cash cow

[Joe Beamish]

Styles make fights, and Kovalev would likely struggle with Canelo's body attack and head movement.

Plus Kovalev is getting old. GoldenBoy LOVES old opponents for Canelo.

And, it's another belt in another weight division. Meanwhile, GGG is off the list for now -- till he gets even older. And who else is there for Canelo? Not a ton of sexy options out there.

[lieutenant]

He’s already a 4 division Champ. Destroyed Fielding at 168 who at the time was a belt holder.

He’s chasing 5 and he should. He looked real good at 168 and as opposed Mikey and Rigondesx claiming to have seen holes in either Spence or Loma, everybody knows that Kovalev is flawed.

Very winnable fight for Canelo as well as for Kovalev.

Outside of Spence-Crawford, I’d argue that’s the best fight in boxing. Kovalev- Canelo

I’d pick it over Fury vs Wilder rematch.

He's been champion in three weight classes - Light Middleweight, Middleweight, and Super Middleweight. He's chasing his fourth.

[NearHypnos]

What up boxing enthusiasts! Quick question and this is a thought that came to mind. I want to see what you all think. In regards to Canelo seeking a fight with Kovalev, I ask myself, "Why?"

We all know that there's a plethora of middleweights and even super middleweights that are willing to face the Mexican superstar. Yet, Canelo is dodging them in hopes of moving up to 175 pounds, a weight he's never fought at, to face the veteran Sergey Kovalev. I know that he doesn't like GGG which could very well be the reason he's avoiding him OR maybe he sees him as a legitimate threat along with the other available options at 160 and 168.

With this being said, Canelo would be moving up to 175 for the first time. I know that Kovalev isn't the threat he once was, but regardless, he's still a threat because he's the naturally bigger man, a hard puncher, experienced, and has fought at light heavy for his entire career. I know that Canelo and team wouldn't enter a fight thinking they're going to lose. BUT! Do you think there's any chance that Canelo and team look at Kovalev and say, "This is potentially a fight we wouldn't suffer as much if we lost."

We look at the recent cases where fighters moved up and "dared to be great." Amir Khan, Mikey Garcia, Kell Brook. And everyone knew coming in that a win would be massive, but a loss wouldn't hurt them as much because they were the ones moving up to challenge the bigger guy. Does anyone here think that maybe this is the mentality in Canelo's camp?

Brook and Khan literally lost their youth in those fights. Khan has a legit vacant weird look to him since and Brook has glass eye sockets now.

There’s not exactly anyone worth a duck consideration left at 160 and at 68 Callum is a tough fight but not as big a name. 75 kovalev even at this stage is beyond a dangerous fight. Kovalev isnt some slow come forward fighter. He’s an educated fighter who likes to keep his distance and the man has tons of power. Beating Kovalev is quite an achievement and losing to him is no shame. He’s widely considered to have beaten Ward and as is definitely considered top of the food chain the last decade.

This isnt an easy fight for Canelo but it is highly winnable. That granite chin of his could very well crack that far up. Kovalev claimed to have issues making weight some years back and wanted to move up...not a small 75er.

Awesome fight and wouldnt be surprised if Kovalev jabbed Canelo into oblivion.

[Joe Beamish]

Brook and Khan literally lost their youth in those fights. Khan has a legit vacant weird look to him since and Brook has glass eye sockets now.

There’s not exactly anyone worth a duck consideration left at 160 and at 68 Callum is a tough fight but not as big a name. 75 kovalev even at this stage is beyond a dangerous fight. Kovalev isnt some slow come forward fighter. He’s an educated fighter who likes to keep his distance and the man has tons of power. Beating Kovalev is quite an achievement and losing to him is no shame. He’s widely considered to have beaten Ward and as is definitely considered top of the food chain the last decade.

This isnt an easy fight for Canelo but it is highly winnable. That granite chin of his could very well crack that far up. Kovalev claimed to have issues making weight some years back and wanted to move up...not a small 75er.

Awesome fight and wouldnt be surprised if Kovalev jabbed Canelo into oblivion.

Good points, but Ward in the second fight stole Kovalev's soul, and that's why we saw him almost get knocked out against Yarde, who's a nobody. Kovalev is old and broken, Canelo is the perfect picture of athletic youth.