Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith: It’s More Than Belts and Legacy for the Britisher

Following a controversial one-year layoff, Canelo Alvarez will return against Callum Smith on December 19, with a dream to grab Smith’s WBA and the vacant WBC super-middleweight titles.

If we look at the odds and analysis, Smith is clearly the underdog against a mighty Canelo. However, it’s not just about defending his title. UK-born Smith might have something else on his mind.

He was on the ring-side four years ago when Canelo Alvarez brutally outpointed his brother Liam Smith in 2016. ‘Mundo’ had just begun his career then.

Although he was a beginner, Callum Smith still had a dream to reach the top of his division. Well, it’s 2020, and he is the unbeaten WBA super middleweight champion, boasting a clean record of 27-0 (19 KOs).

Despite all the accomplishments, Alvarez’s experience, resume, and in-ring IQ make him the favorite. He is not just an attacker, but also a defensive master who can dance around without being hit, making him even more treacherous.

But Callum Smith saw the flaws his brother Liam displayed against Alvarez, also knowing the price he paid.

So, Callum Smith’s win can also be seen as revenge for his brother’s loss. Although ‘Mundo’ hasn’t appeared to see it like that, it will still be a statement for the boxing fans.

Liam Smith appeared confident and smart against Alvarez in their clash in 2016. He commendably performed for the first six rounds, having umpteen close moments. But Alvarez’s brutal body shot took him down in round seven. It followed in round eight and nine until ‘Beefy’ was done.

As a young ‘Mundo’ saw it happen live, he had a chance to keep his world title and avenge the loss.

Callum Smith is confident against Canelo Alvarez

The unbeaten Brit has taken blueprints from all of Alvarez’s fight as he prepares for his career’s biggest test.

He believes the Mexican isn’t invincible as Sergey Kovalev displayed his flaws in the fight. Although Alvarez knocked out Kovalev, Smith still pinpointed mistakes in his game.

Ahead of his own battle, he connected with Matchroom Boxing to open up on his mindset.

‘Mundo’ said, “He (Canelo) is a very good fighter when he is on form, but he switches off, and he can’t lose rounds, and I have just got to take that confidence that I can do even more than Kovalev did. I am not 37, I am young, I am in my prime years. I am a world champion and I just got to get tactically right, which I believe Kovalev was doing early on.”

The nail-biting fight will be a perfect end to 2020. It will determine the future of the division and the expectations from 2021. It is no surprise; it thrills boxing fans to see the matchup.

Do you think Callum Smith can beat Canelo Alvarez?

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