Alvarez vs Saunders Preview And Betting Tip

It seems like only yesterday that Tyson Fury was serenading the crowd after his dominant win vs Deontay Wilder Stateside. Now it is time for Billy Joe Saunders to enter the Lion’s Den and just like Fury, he is defending an unblemished record. Mexican legend Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will be standing his way on Saturday night. Unlike Wilder, Alvarez has a lifetime of boxing experience behind him and he is widely considered one of the best ‘Pound for Pound’ fighters in the world. So can Saunders create some gypsy magic? Or will Canelo crush Billy Joe’s challenge?  Find out in our Alvarez vs Saunders preview.

Alvarez v Saunders The Tale Of The Tape

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

It is hard to believe that Saul Alvarez is still only 30 years old. He has had 58 fights during his career and his sole defeat came against Floyd Mayweather on points back in September, 2013. Since then he has taken on all comers and his only blip came in his drawn fight vs Gennadiy Golovkin. He made amends for that result with majority decision win in the rematch, cementing his status as one of the best pound for pound boxers in the sport.

In recent fights Canelo has shown no signs of slowing down. He demolished British challenger Rocky Fielding in three rounds, he knocked out Sergey Kovalev late, he beat Callum Smith comfortably on points and last time, Avni Yildirim retired after just three rounds. When he fought Daniel Jacobs it wasn’t a vintage performance admittedly. However, he probably did just about enough to justify a narrow unanimous decision victory.

This has the potential to be one of the toughest tests Alvarez has faced since Golovkin. Saunders is a slick, quick southpaw and Alvarez will need to try and cut off the ring to try and land his trademark heavy shots. Canelo isn’t a slow fighter but he is methodical and patient and he won’t panic if Saunders starts fast and wins the first couple of rounds. Alvarez knows he has the power to get the job done late if required and he won’t be in any rush.

Billy Joe Saunders

For many British Boxing fans, Billy Joe Saunders has underachieved despite his unbeaten record. Yes, he has won all 30 of his fights but his dedication to the sport has often come into question. He hasn’t exactly been busy in the last few years. Since his signature win vs David Lemieux in 2017, Saunders has fought just four times. His opponents were Adamu, Isufi, Coceres and a well past his prime Martin Murray. For someone who considers himself to be one of the best in the business, he hasn’t been fighting top quality opposition.

However, he is a seriously talented boxer and he has the potential to cause Canelo plenty of headaches. Saunders is a Southpaw and he will draw inspiration from the display of Erislandy Lara against Alvarez. Lara gave Canelo plenty to think about despite losing on a split decision. Saunders will be hoping to emulate that performance and take this fight to the judge’s scorecards.

The 31 year old has courted plenty of controversy outside the ring and to put it plainly, lots of people just don’t like him. Some of his antics have been despicable but this is boxing. Not every fighter is going to be role model material. If Saunders can win this fight it might go some way towards repairing his relationship with the British public. That will be easier said than done though against one of the best fighters of his generation.

Kelly’s Knockout Betting Tip

TXMarkets’ resident boxing expert Kelly Eden has decided to come out of retirement for one last payday. He is expecting a close and tough fight that should go into the later rounds. Billy Joe Saunders is likely to duck, dive and move around the ring as best he can but Canelo nearly always gets his man. If he is going to get the stoppage, it could come between rounds 9-12.

If Billy Joe Saunders produces his very best and the fight goes to the scorecards, it could be very close. Saunders is unlikely to get any favours from the judges on foreign soil so Kelly is also recommending a small bet on the draw at odds of 22/1. Hopefully the fight lives up to its billing and may the best man win!

Alvarez vs Saunders Betting Tips: Alvarez by KO/TKO Rounds 9-12 @ 4/1 Skybet; The Draw @ 22/1 Betfair

Dave Stevos