Canelo Accused Of Ducking, De La Hoya Backs Charlo And More

David Morrell Jr. has accused Canelo Alvarez of avoiding the big fights. 

Alvarez is no stranger to being in world title fights having become a four-division world champion. And as of now, he holds all the belts at super middleweight having beaten numerous champions in the process.

This included wins over Billy Joe Saunders, Caleb Plant and Callum Smith, all of whom have been world champions. Although that may be the case, Alvarez has been accused of ducking the big fights.

David Benavidez has been a WBC mandatory for over a year, and yet, a fight has not been made as Canelo chose to face Jermell Charlo on September 30th, 2023.

In addition, a rematch with Dmitry Bivol broke down after the latter was keen on facing him at 168 for the chance to win all the belts. 

Meanwhile, Morrell Jr. has also spoken previously about wanting a shot at Canelo. The Cuban is undefeated with a record of 9-0, 8 KOs, showing just how much of a destructive puncher he can be. But now it appears that the same thing Morrell possess has gone from Canelo. 

Morrell On Canelo

“Canelo is different from the Canelo of three years ago. Canelo doesn’t want to fight anyone dangerous,” Morrell Jr said 

This is understandable since the Mexican is entering into the latter part of his career. And at the age of 33, Alvarez cannot be expected to have the same approach than he had a few years ago.

Regardless of what you may think about Alvarez, the Mexican has put himself in a position to control his own career. And that must be applauded. 

De La Hoya On Canelo-Charlo

Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya has given Jermell Charlo a chance of defeating Canelo Alvarez on September 30th, 2023. 

The American will move up two weight classes in an attempt to win all the belts at super middleweight and become undisputed in a second weight class. The odds are clearly in favor of Canelo, but De La Hoya did give a blueprint on how to defeat Alvarez.

The Golden Boy promoter highlighted how Dmitry Bivol’s style of using his jab, controlling the distance and earning Canelo’s respect with his power was enough to keep Alvarez at bay. And that is something he encouraged Charlo to adopt. 

“I did hear Charlo’s trainer say that he has to go to the body. That’s something he can take advantage of absolutely, but the style that you give to Canelo that is similar to a Bivol. Anyone who stays on their toes, flicks a job in front of his face, anyone that knows how to keep the distance just like Bivol did, Canelo will have trouble because the bottom line is he walks on quicksand. That’s just what he is,” De La Hoya

Ellerbe On Canelo

Nevertheless, Canelo’s performance against Bivol did have a question mark hanging over it. Following the loss, the Mexican underwent surgery on his wrist, which suggested that he may have been compromised during the fight.

In addition, Charlo and Bivol are different fighters as the latter is at a bigger weight class. And yet, Leonard Ellerbe expected a tough test for Alvarez.

“He’s coming off an injury. He says he’s 100%, and I think we’re going to see the best version of where he’s at right now in him. He’s got a tough task with Jermell Charlo. Jermell is hungry. There are many people who aren’t giving him [Jermell]a chance, which I think that is the toughest crap ever. Jermell does a lot of things well, and one of his best attributes is his confidence. One thing you talk about with Jermell Charlo is he’s a winner,” Ellerbe

A victory for Charlo would have serious repercussions for his future. The American will unlikely return back down to 154 pounds where he is the current undisputed champion.

This is particularly since he will be stripped of his WBO 154 pound belt once the fight with Canelo begins. Instead, Tim Tszyu will become the full champion, no longer leaving Charlo as undisputed.

As for a Canelo win, it does nothing to change his legacy given that he is expected to beat Charlo. So the pressure moving forward is all on Canelo. Can he deliver? Time will tell. 

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