Legendary Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, who is recovering very well from a diagnosis of COVID-19 that was detected a few days ago, firmly predicted that in a possible third battle, Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez would be able to knock out Gennadiy Golovkin.
He believes Canelo, based on the recent beat down of undefeated super middleweight Callum Smith, is going through the best period of his pro career.
“This time Canelo did convince me,” Nacho told ESPN Deportes. “I really liked the way he got past his opponent's guard, it wasn't easy, the other fighter is always good with the jab and in this fight it was very difficult for him to land the jab, which is one of his best shots. I want to congratulate [Canelo's trainer] Eddy Reynoso because I can clearly see that have improved."
Beristain said that perhaps the only thing Canelo would need to do, is to execute his hook to the liver better, to finish off his opponents even sooner. He believes that punch would not give Canelo's opponents the opportunity to finish the contest on their feet.
"It gave me the impression that if he had thrown [that punch] a little more at his opponent he would have made them stop the fight, but his performance was close to perfection," said Nacho.
Regarding the future of Canelo, Beristain mentioned - “They are talking about the third fight with Golovkin, I think at this moment Canelo would be able to knock him out, and this prediction is coming from someone who is classified as one of his main critics..... although it has not been like that, I just see the fights from my perspective."
Beristáin said the following regarding his COVID diagnosis:
"I was hospitalized for a few days, then they sent me to my house and here I am, resting and recovering, it seems that we already won the fight," Nacho said.
