Canelo vs Kovalev fix claims as former world champion boxers accuse Russian of taking a dive
A NUMBER of former world champion boxers have questioned whether Canelo Alvarez's KO win over Sergey Kovalev was a fix.
The Mexican floored his Russian opponent with a right-hook in the 11th round to become a four-weight world champion.
After blocking a series of Kovalev jabs, Canelo caught him with a left punch that saw him wobble on his feet.
Canelo then saw the perfect opportunity to land a right that has his rival scrambling against the ropes as the referee stopped the fight.
But boxing fans believe the entire win was carefully staged.
Replying to LL Cool J's comment suggesting the result was fixed, former world champ Raul Marquez said: "That's first thing I thought. You know boxing."
Another ex-title holder Cornelis Bundrage added: "It did look strange I was tweeting because the fight looked dull then all of a sudden Kov was in La La Land."
Ashley Theophane, a British pro boxer, added: "They couldn’t afford it going to the cards. Canelo was losing that one.”
Another viewer on Twitter wrote: "I call that a well rehearsed fix. Well done Golden Boy. Canelo is so overrated."
There is no evidence the result was fixed.
After the fight Canelo insisted it was his plan to remain patient until landing the crucial blow.
He said: "I provide history and guarantees.
“The plan overall was to be patient. I'm good at waiting. All credit to him [Kovalev].
“He's a great fighter. We have to see for 2020. We have to see what's best for us.
most read in boxing
“Golovkin is not a challenge for me. If it's business, then why not?”
It's not the first time fans have questioned whether a Canelo win has been legitimate.
Fans were left furious in 2017 when controversial judge Adalaide Byrd had awarded 118-110 scorecard in favour of Canelo in his first fight with Gennady Golovkin.
That forced the bout to end in a draw at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the other judges scoring it 114-114 and a 115-113 win for Golovkin.