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The first thing everyone thinks about when you say GGG-Stevens is that infamous GIF of Curtis' "WTF" face after the knockdown.
Which is unfortunate because Stevens actually had some success throughout this fight. GGG didn't look great against Brook and Jacobs, but neither of those guys can be compared to Canelo from a style and physical standpoint. Stevens, to me, is the GGG opponent that most resembles Canelo's short, stocky frame, tight guard, counterpunching ability, fast hands, combos, and head movement.
Annoyingly necessary disclaimer: Stevens is LEVELS below Canelo. I'm simply saying they have a very similar skill set, frame and style. Still, I saw some things in this fight that seemed to bother GGG at times.
Early on in the fight, Stevens backs up GGG by pushing forward with the high guard, and GGG looked lost fighting off the back foot. Clearly, he's uncomfortable when he's not dictating the pace. Canelo likes using the high guard, but he hasn't necessary been one to push the pace.
Also, when Stevens was caught on the ropes, there were moments where GGG just seemed complacent with his dominant position and got caught with some good counters. Curtis landed 5 punches in a row on GGG in the 4th round while countering off the ropes. I can see Canelo having success off the ropes, if GGG doesn't mix in some body shots to drop Canelo's hands.
In the middle of the ring, GGG's slow, methodical style can be exploited by quick counter punchers, and that's exactly what Stevens did. Standing head-to-head in the middle of the ring, fighting on the inside, Curtis was landing uppercuts and hooks. The left hook that wobbled GGG happened when GGG tried throwing with Stevens in the middle of the ring. If Stevens can have the success he had, Canelo can tag GGG if he keeps it in the center.
GGG eventually just wore Stevens down with constant pressure and imposed his size on the smaller fighter. However, I don't see GGG being able to out muscle Canelo and pressure him into mistakes. In essence, Canelo is a bigger, stronger, faster, smarter Stevens. I can see Canelo eeking out a decision if he fights the perfect fight. Personally, I have GGG by late stoppage, as Canelo's fatigue due to his added muscle mass might prevent him from keeping up the punch volume needed to keep GGG off him.
What do you guys think?
Which is unfortunate because Stevens actually had some success throughout this fight. GGG didn't look great against Brook and Jacobs, but neither of those guys can be compared to Canelo from a style and physical standpoint. Stevens, to me, is the GGG opponent that most resembles Canelo's short, stocky frame, tight guard, counterpunching ability, fast hands, combos, and head movement.
Annoyingly necessary disclaimer: Stevens is LEVELS below Canelo. I'm simply saying they have a very similar skill set, frame and style. Still, I saw some things in this fight that seemed to bother GGG at times.
Early on in the fight, Stevens backs up GGG by pushing forward with the high guard, and GGG looked lost fighting off the back foot. Clearly, he's uncomfortable when he's not dictating the pace. Canelo likes using the high guard, but he hasn't necessary been one to push the pace.
Also, when Stevens was caught on the ropes, there were moments where GGG just seemed complacent with his dominant position and got caught with some good counters. Curtis landed 5 punches in a row on GGG in the 4th round while countering off the ropes. I can see Canelo having success off the ropes, if GGG doesn't mix in some body shots to drop Canelo's hands.
In the middle of the ring, GGG's slow, methodical style can be exploited by quick counter punchers, and that's exactly what Stevens did. Standing head-to-head in the middle of the ring, fighting on the inside, Curtis was landing uppercuts and hooks. The left hook that wobbled GGG happened when GGG tried throwing with Stevens in the middle of the ring. If Stevens can have the success he had, Canelo can tag GGG if he keeps it in the center.
GGG eventually just wore Stevens down with constant pressure and imposed his size on the smaller fighter. However, I don't see GGG being able to out muscle Canelo and pressure him into mistakes. In essence, Canelo is a bigger, stronger, faster, smarter Stevens. I can see Canelo eeking out a decision if he fights the perfect fight. Personally, I have GGG by late stoppage, as Canelo's fatigue due to his added muscle mass might prevent him from keeping up the punch volume needed to keep GGG off him.
What do you guys think?
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