WBC and WBA (Super) champion Canelo Alvarez is not wasting time.
After destroying mandatory challenger Avni Yildrim last weekend, a fight that was shown exclusively on DAZN, the Mexican superstar will jump straight into a unification clash with WBO titleholder Billy Joe Saunders that is scheduled for May 8.
Canelo’s dismantling of Yildrim was his second impressive performance in the space of two months following December’s dominant shutout of Liverpool’s Callum Smith. Where some within the boxing industry gave Smith a puncher’s chance against Alvarez due to his power, the Merseyside man isn’t sure whether his British compatriot can hurt his most recent conqueror.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Smith opined: "Billy Joe has got movement, he's a southpaw, a bit awkward and can probably stay out of trouble, but I don't know if he's got anything to keep Canelo off - enough power.
"Canelo is hard to hit clean and I don't know if Billy Joe has enough to get his respect, and put a dent in him. I see Canelo finding a way. Walking him down, starting to land as the fight goes on. I will always back a Brit but I don't think anyone beats Canelo."
Smith, the latest victim of Alvarez in a long line of Brits that includes Matthew Hatton, Amir Khan, and Smith’s older brother Liam, is well qualified when analysing the strengths and weaknesses of Canelo.
After enduring 12 hard rounds against Eddy Reynoso’s most decorated student, Smith, who was highly confident entering the fight, was left bedazzled as Canelo had an answer for everything he attempted.
"He is very clever in terms of the jab. He walks you down," said Smith. "With anybody else, you would jab, but he wants you to jab because he's a counter-puncher. So you don't throw as many jabs and while you are waiting, he closes the space down without throwing anything. Then he jabs and hits you. You think: 'How did that land?'.
"He keeps you guessing all the time. You are hesitant. His best asset was his presence and his defence. He was so hard to hit clean. When I was throwing he was riding them, making me miss. You aren't landing so you stop fully committing to shots. He takes away what you are good at."
Canelo's unification showdown with Saunders takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend and airs live Saturday May 8 on DAZN in over 200 countries worldwide. Check for availability in your location.
Watch here as Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora discuss the fallout of Canelo Alvarez and Avni Yildrim including Billy Joe Saunders’ chances of causing an upset.