Most know that Canelo Saul Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions top brass Oscar De La Hoya did not exactly part on good terms. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the retired boxing champion has some reservations if the Mexican pug decides to face previous conqueror, Dmitry Bivol.
Alvarez lost via unanimous decision to the Russian boxer in May. Both were disputing the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.
In the eyes of De La Hoya, considering a rematch with Bivol is a bad idea. That is unless the 31-year-old Mexican brawler changes trainers.
âIf you look at Caneloâs losses, which are only with Maywaeather and Bivol, he lost because of his footwork. He lost because the other guys' being light on their feet and him being too heavy on his feet. If he does change trainers, he has a shot at beating Bivol,â De La Hoya said in a report by Boxingscene.
Some may argue that De La Hoya may still be sore at his failed work relationship with Alvarez. But given that the Mexican did have a hard time against the Russian, there is no denying that work is needed â particularly the footwork of Alvarez.
âIf Canelo fights Bivol again, itâll be worse,â De La Hoya said. âThatâs the bottom line. Styles make fights.â
It remains to be seen if a rematch with Bivol is in the cards for Alvarez. Had he won, the Mexican would have been in an elite class after ruling several weight classes already.
For now, Alvarez is preparing for another joust with Gennady Golovkin.
Both Alvarez and Golovkin are set to clash for the third time on Sept. 17, 2022, with the former defending the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles.
The last time they met, Alvarez won over GGG via decision. Their first encounter ended in a draw.
