Article by Ciovanti GMONEY Mohamed

If styles make fights, Billy Joe Saunders’ style might serve to confound Canelo Alvarez in their upcoming showdown.

On May 8th 2021 the boxing world anticipates a big unification showdown between the pound-for-pound super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (WBA/WBC champion), who will square off against champion Billy Joe Saunders (WBO champion). A lot of people in the boxing world are quick to write off the slick Gypsy southpaw Saunders. 

That may be a big mistake for people to do here. 

Rightfully so, Canelo Alvarez is the favorite heading into this fight. Las Vegas oddsmakers have Billy Joe as a 7/1 underdog heading into this unification showdown. That goes to show that not many people are giving him much of a chance. 

Let’s talk about why the world shouldn’t be so quick to write Saunders off in this fight. First off, Billy Joe has attributes that Canelo hasn’t faced in many years: 

• He is a very crafty, slick southpaw. 

• Billy Joe has tremendous footwork 

• He has superb defense that nullifies opponents offense;

•  He’s gifted with a very high boxing IQ. 

All those things that he has in his arsenal have proven to cause Canelo a lot of trouble with other fighters in the past. The last opponent that Canelo has faced that has similarities to Billy Joe was Erislandy Lara. 

Many people feel Lara should’ve gotten the victory over Canelo. To Canelo’s credit, he has improved so much since that fight in every aspect and is undoubtedly, in my opinion the number 1 pound for pound fighter in the world. 

However, I personally feel that Billy Joe is gonna be a much more difficult fight than most people think. Billy Joe is the type of fighter that rises to the occasion, just like he did years ago against David Lemieux. 

This is the pinnacle for Billy Joe and he knows it doesn’t get any bigger than facing Canelo Alvarez. Look for this to be a highly skilled chess match between 2 masters. 

It may not turn out to be the most entertaining fight but true boxing fans who love the sweet science will be in for a treat come May 8th. The boxing world has 2 weeks remaining before we see this Super Middleweight Unification fight. 

After this, the winner will probable take on IBF champ Caleb Plant for all the titles. Don’t forget to tune in Saturday May 8th. It goes down in Texas! LETSGOCHAMP! #THEBRAWLERSSPORTSBOXINGSHOW

LETSGOCHAMPS!