Can Avni Yildirim Upset Canelo Alvarez?

Pound-For-Pound star, Canelo Alvarez, will take on his WBC mandatory challenger, Avni Yildirim, on February 27. The Mexican superstar goes into the fight as a firm favorite. However, let’s look at his challenger’s chances at an upset.

Yildirim comes into this fight on the back of a decision loss to Anthony Dirrell. However, the Turk gave an excellent account of himself in the bout. He showed his power and his ability to box. Thus, it will not be an easy outing for Saul.

Last weekend served up one of the biggest upsets in the past couple of years. 22-year-old Mauricio Lara beat former featherweight champion, Josh Warrington, with a stunning knockout. ‘The Leeds Warrior’ went into the fight as the favorite and had already begun planning for future unification fights.

However, those plans took a major hit with his defeat. Yildirim will hope he can do the same with Canelo Alvarez. Despite his fairly average record of 21-2, the Turkish boxer possesses power and at 29, has adequate experience.

Although, other than Dirrell, Yildirim has fought no one of note. So, this is his first major test, and he will have to pull off something special to get the victory.

READ: Avni Yildirim: A Look Back at the Losses of His Pro Career

Is Canelo Alvarez overlooking Avni Yildirim?

Just like Josh Warrington, Alvarez has already started planning for the future. He has taken this fight on short notice to accommodate the other unification fights later in the year. Moreover, reports suggest the Mexican has already agreed on a deal with Billy Joe Saunders and is in talks with Caleb Plant.

Therefore, it appears Canelo Alvarez and his team are looking beyond Yildirim. Another example of this was when DAZN revealed the official fight poster. Yildirim features in the background, while Canelo Alvarez is in the center.

This is a small indication of just how much the experts favor the Mexican. However, it is also justified as Canelo Alvarez is a modern-day great and can do it all in the ring. Therefore, if Yildirim is to win, he will have to put on a performance worthy of the gods.

In a sport like boxing, anything is possible as all it takes is one punch. Therefore, we will not rule out a shock win for Avni Yildirim.

What do you make of this fight? Do you think Canelo Alvarez is overlooking Avni Yildirim?

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