BENAVIDEZ NEXT, NOT ‘GGG’
ANOTHER great performance by Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez proving once again that he is the best boxer on the planet. And as usual the talk turns to his next opponent.
People seem keen on a trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin but I believe that would turn out to be very one-sided. “GGG” will soon turn 40 years of age and has only fought once in two years. That level of inactivity, at that age, against a fighter of Canelo’s quality would almost certainly mean another KO victory for the Mexican.
While there are some real challenges for Canelo at light-heavyweight I believe there is one more fight for him at 168. David Benavidez could provide a real test for Álvarez as he appears to possess knockout capability. That kind of power – which that Caleb Plant lacked – is needed. Otherwise Canelo just walks through them. Chris Strange
COME BACK STRONGER
LET us not forget how far Canelo has come since he lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2013. With that in mind, a fight like the one that Caleb Plant just endured against the Mexican will only make him stronger in the future. These are the fights that give you championship experience and, even with defeat, take you to another level. Without the loss to Mayweather, I doubt Canelo would be as good today. It was nice, also, to hear Canelo speak so kindly of Plant in the aftermath. He knew he had been in with a world-class fighter. I look forward to seeing how far Plant can now go. Mike Cramer
DON’T GO OVERBOARD
CANELO is great, says everyone. But is he? Wins against unproven fighters like Caleb Plant do not make him great, it makes him very good. The jury is still out. Alison Kelly
HATS OFF TO THE BOXXERS
HUGE respect, admiration, and thanks to all eight men who took part in Saturday’s Boxxer event in Liverpool. A really enjoyable evening. Far away from the million-dollar pay cheques, these brave warriors were fighting not for meaningless baubles or worthless titles but for personal pride, and in some cases the championship of each other, as much as the £40,000 at stake for the winner. It was great to see every hard-fought encounter finishing with a handshake or hug and mutual respect between boxers and trainers alike. While congratulating Cori Gibbs on his success, we should salute the honesty, integrity and sheer will of all those taking part on the night. The entertainment that they provided was exceptional. Take a bow, gentlemen. If I had the wealth to give all eight boxers the £40,000 prize money for their efforts I certainly would. Tim Farmer