BAN THEM FOR LIFE
I’M of the opinion that fighters who fail drug tests should be banned for life. Let’s face it, the contaminated meat excuse doesn’t wash – Canelo Alvarez is rich enough to be running his own farm! In my view, there needs to be some housekeeping in boxing, as too many boxers have been caught and handed pathetic punishments. In other sports, the punishments are much stricter, and this is in sports where – unlike boxing – the competitors aren’t going in with the intention of doing another human being harm. I for one hope that Gennady Golovkin takes a moral stand and pulls out of the Canelo rematch. He has the world title belts and other options. If the governing bodies don’t take a stand, they are just as guilty. Who will take the lead and enforce some real punishments? Only time will tell. Jamie Ingleby
JOSHUA VS WILDER
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Deontay Wilder can both punch, and both can be tagged too, which is why it’d make for an exciting fight. I’d lean towards Joshua, as he has the better overall technique and skill. As we saw with George Groves’ victory over Chris Eubank Jnr, the value of this cannot be underestimated. Neil Slaney
KOVALEV VS BIVOL
I THINK Dmitry Bivol has the beating of Sergey Kovalev. Bivol was very impressive against Sullivan Barrera, won almost every session and finished the fight clinically in the 12th round. He has fast hands, good footwork, a solid defence and nasty power. He also showed composure after suffering an early cut and swelling to his head. In contrast, Kovalev looked very easy to hit against Igor Mikhalkin, and I don’t think his stamina is that great. Shaun Elvey
BROADEN THE SCOPE
THE neglect of the lighter weight classes is nothing new in boxing, nor is it likely to change in the near future. However, if the TV broadcasters were willing to broaden the scope of their coverage, and show some lower-weight Japanese world championship boxing one Sunday lunchtime, for example, they may be surprised at the interest it piques. Luke Millard
LOOKING GOOD
HAVING watched their three World Series of Boxing fixtures so far this season, I have to say that I’ve been very impressed with the members of the British Lionhearts squad. GB’S prospects look good for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Australia. Hopefully Peter Mcgrail, Ben Whittaker, the Mccormack brothers and co will bring back the medals. Andrew Lane