If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
That’s the thinking behind this Saturday’s trilogy bout between two icons of the sport: Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
Five and four years on from their first and second meetings, Canelo and GGG go toe-to-toe for Round 25 inside the T-Mobile Arena, with the Mexican currently holding an unbeaten record against Golovkin courtesy of a previous win and a draw.
Both previous meetings were drenched in controversy, and this third meeting gives the now 40-year-old Golovkin chance for that sweet, sweet revenge. The only difference is the weight: at eight pounds heavier, this fight will be at super-middleweight, rather than middleweight.
Let’s take a look at our top five betting tips for Saturday’s fight, as the pair tussle for the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and Ring super-middleweight world titles.
Canelo Alvarez to win by KO/TKO or Disqualification
After suffering just his second career defeat at the hands of light-heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol in his last outing, Canelo Alvarez is out to prove to the world that he is still an immovable object between 160-168 pounds.
Prior to this loss, the Mexican racked up stoppage wins in four of his last five fights, with three of these KOs coming in his most natural current weight of super-middleweight.
Golovkin has proved his granite chin as a career middleweight but is making his second jump up to 168 and will have to withstand heavier punishment from Canelo.
Canelo is a proven puncher – especially under the tutelage of Eddy Reynoso – and at 8/5 we can see him getting a late stoppage against the older man.
Canelo Alvarez to win in Rounds 7-12
Golovkin has made no secret of his dislike towards Canelo Alvarez over the years and will be fighting for pride and justice in this trilogy fight.
But the truth remains that he is four years older than when the pair last met and is noticeably slowing down in the ring.
Canelo is a master in cutting off the ring and will be able to wear down “GGG” the longer the contest rumbles on.
Once Canelo has felt the fizz of Golovkin in the early rounds, we think the Mexican will be able to turn the screw in style and force the stoppage in the second half of the contest.
Under 10.5 Rounds
We’re contradicting our fifth pick here, but 6/4 offers cracking value for Canelo Alvarez to get the job done quickly and in style.
As good as Golovkin looks on the scales on Friday, there are noticeable miles on his clock, and his competitive nature is the biggest factor in accepting this trilogy fight.
Plus, this opens up value for a shock Hail Mary punch from GGG early in the fight if Canelo over-commits to his attacks.
Saul Alvarez to be knocked down in Rounds 1-6 & then win in Rounds 7-12
This feels like it could be worth a small stake at 11/1.
Sure, we’ve never seen Canelo Alvarez in trouble inside the ring, but if GGG can find his natural power up at 168, a flash knockdown isn’t a crazy thought early in the fight.
Golovkin won’t be wanting to take this fight the whole 12 rounds again, so early pressure may well force a crack in the Canelo armour.
Canelo Alvarez to win in Round 12
If Canelo wants to put a full stop at the end of this rivalry, then he will need to get a win without any question marks.
Even if he is bossing the contest, we’re convinced the 32-year-old will want to step on the gas in the closing stages to the roar of the T-Mobile crowd.
12/1 for a 12th Round KO is tempting.
* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.