The debate surrounding the potential clash between Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev has stirred the boxing world once more, especially following Beterbiev’s recent victory over Dmitry Bivol. Though Ryan Garcia recently proclaimed that he now believes Alvarez would prevail over Beterbiev, there are numerous factors at play that complicate this matchup.
Artur Beterbiev, an undefeated champion with a record of 21-0 and 20 knockouts, recently achieved a significant victory over Dmitry Bivol to capture the undisputed light heavyweight championship. However, this match showcased a rather laborious path to victory for Beterbiev, where Bivol employed a tactical game plan focused more on evasion than engagement. Critics, including Garcia, argue that Bivol’s subdued performance highlighted how Beterbiev, while powerful, struggled to break through a defensive style.
Ryan Garcia’s confidence in Alvarez’s ability to beat Beterbiev hinges on this notion that Beterbiev’s win was not as dominating as one might expect from a champion of his caliber. Garcia emphasizes that Canelo must exhibit the courage to move up to 175 pounds and take on Beterbiev directly—a fight that the Mexican star has shown reluctance to pursue in the past.
Canelo Alvarez’s history of fighting at light heavyweight raises eyebrows concerning his motivation to face Beterbiev head-to-head. When he ascended to 175 pounds in 2019, Canelo bypassed the opportunity to face Beterbiev, opting instead for an arguably easier target: the aging Sergey Kovalev. His subsequent move up the ranks in 2022 led him to challenge Bivol—who held only one title—rather than confronting the unified champion, Beterbiev.
This tactical avoidance suggests that Canelo is aware of Beterbiev’s intense pressure and punch power. The potential for a high-octane battle between the skillful Canelo and the ferocious Beterbiev poses an exciting challenge for fans but also poses serious risks for Alvarez. Stepping into the ring with Beterbiev could mean accepting significant damage—something Bivol’s defensive style largely minimized.
While Canelo has proved himself time and again inside the ring, the fight against Beterbiev would not only test his skills but also his resolve. Acknowledging the dangers presents a complex dilemma: should Alvarez confront a fighter who thrives on aggression and punishment, or should he continue evaluating the landscape in search of calculated opportunities? This contrasts starkly with Bivol’s approach, which was more defensive and reserved—meant to avoid confrontation and win by points. The prevailing sentiment is that such a strategy may not suffice against Beterbiev, who inherently seeks out a brawl.
Garcia suggests that if Canelo desires to expand his legacy as one of the best in boxing history, he must confront the toughest opponents without hesitation. Fighting Beterbiev could very well be a chance to elevate his status among boxing’s elite, but Alvarez must weigh the potential rewards against the grave risks involved.
Bivol’s comments post-fight added further intrigue to the discussion. While acknowledging Beterbiev’s power, Bivol pointed out the nuanced distinction between the two fighters’ styles. He claimed Canelo might deliver a harder single punch, yet Beterbiev’s effectiveness lies in his combination punches. This observation highlights the tactical nature of boxing—finding balance between raw power and strategic execution.
Canelo’s body of work reflects a multifaceted boxer capable of exceptional skill, while Beterbiev’s relentless style poses a unique challenge. Fans are left pondering whether Alvarez’s technical prowess can hold up against Beterbiev’s destructive force.
As the boxing community continues to speculate about this potential blockbuster matchup, it remains evident that both fighters are at pivotal junctures in their careers. For Alvarez, stepping up to face Beterbiev could serve either as a crowning achievement or a cautionary tale about the risks of roaming into unknown territory. Only time will tell whether Canelo will summon the courage to face off against Beterbiev—and what that decision will ultimately mean for the future of boxing. The stakes have never been higher.