Ellerbe Downplays Bivol’s Greatness, Praises Canelo, Charlo On Canelo

In today’s boxing news latest headlines, Leonard Ellerbe has downplayed the achievements of Dmitry Bivol. 

The latter is the current WBA light heavyweight champion, who remains undefeated. And as part of that process, he has beaten some stellar names including Canelo Alvarez and Zurdo Ramirez.

That has kept Bivol on course to face Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed titles at 175 pounds. Although that may be the case, Ellerbe felt that Canelo’s opposition was a lot tougher.

That is understandable since Alvarez has beaten more world champions, as well as having become a four-division world champion. 

Ellerbe On Bivol

“The level of opponents that he’s faced haven’t been the elite fighters. Bivol is a solid guy. No disrespect, he’s not an elite fighter. He’s a solid fighter, he’s good,” Ellerbe stated

Nevertheless, those comments have to be read in light of the following. Canelo’s recent three-fight deal with the PBC has naturally placed him in a favorable light when it comes to Ellerbe.

In addition, the boxing community did recognise Bivol’s achievements as he walked away with the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Year award in 2022.

But for all the praise that was coming Bivol’s way, it is important to remember that he has not been active of late. Therefore, Ellerbe expected Canelo’s fight with Jermell Charlo to show that he is still one of the best. 

Ellerbe On Canelo

“Canelo is coming to that fight with a chip on his shoulder. He’s coming off an injury and that explains why his last couple of performances haven’t been what the public would expect. I think with this fight right here, he’s gonna lay it on the line. I think we’re gonna see the best version of where he’s at right now,” Alvarez 

And yet, Canelo ultimately failed to run things back with Bivol. The failure to agree on the terms of the weight meant that both fighters went elsewhere.

Bivol was adamant about challenging Canelo at 168 for all of his super middleweight belts. Meanwhile, Alvarez was intent on avenging the loss on the same terms.

But the fact that Bivol was willing to come down to 168, suggested that the fighter was targeting greatness. And that is still the case as Bivol expressed his desire to face Jermell Charlo if the American did beat Alvarez at super middleweight. 

Bivol On Charlo

“Yeah, if [Jermell] Charlo wins [against Canelo Alvarez], I would like to fight him. It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want to fight against someone at 168.’ No, I prefer to fight in my weight class [light heavyweight]. If someone wants and we have a good offer to move down for [super middleweight] belt, I will do it, but I prefer to fight in my weight class,” Bivol stated 

With that being said, Charlo did expand on his chances of beating Alvarez moving forward. The American highlighted how the Mexican has trouble against fighters who can box and move, something which Bivol managed to do so successfully.

But in order to do that, Bivol managed to gain Canelo’s respect with the power that he was generating from his punches. Charlo is also known for his stoppages, as shown by his record.

He has managed to secure four knockouts in his last five fights, suggesting that Alvarez will have to be wary. And by the looks of it, the 154 undisputed champion has a clear plan in place. 

Charlo On Canelo

“When Canelo gets a little frustrated, he gets careless. He’s ready for the fight to just be over with. He don’t like motherf—— that move a lot. I still have to train hard. The weight is going to fall off like nothing. It’s almost like Caleb Plant was going straight backward. He didn’t give any angles. I’m going to move more, but I ain’t going to tell everybody what I am going to do,” Charlo said 

Ultimately, styles do make fights. While Canelo may have come up short against Bivol, his resume is a whole lot more impressive.

And that is the same when it comes to comparing it with Charlo. But in order to be great, you must beat the best. And there is no getting away from that.