Get ready for another boxing megafight. This Saturday, undefeated middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin will defend his unified title against Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. It’s an epic matchup between the sport’s most feared puncher and it’s most exciting fighter. To most boxing fans, this is the biggest, most competitive fight that could be made.
While it won’t pull in May-Mac numbers, Canelo has a massive Hispanic fanbase every bit as rabid as McGregor’s Irish countrymen. The fact that he’s going up in weight to challenge a fighter that most boxers wanted gives this fight a larger-than-life appeal - and fits perfectly into Canelo’s warrior persona.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Odds at BookMaker.eu
Gennady Golovkin -156
Saul Alvarez +131
Over/under 9.5 rounds, over -225, under +190
Fight Preview
The main thing here is that Golovkin is the bigger, more powerful fighter. He’s not just a knockout artist - the native of Kazakh does his damage with brutal technical combinations that drain the life out of his opponents. Prior to his last fight against Daniel Geale, “GGG” racked up an extraordinary 24-fight stoppage streak that literally sent most of his potential opponents running.
But Alvarez is basically walking a bulldozer - built to take punishment in stride. He’s never been knocked down and has only been rocked a few times in over 50 fights. Both diverse and dynamic, Canelo has outboxed bigger opponents and bullied smaller, faster fighters. Typical of Mexican fighters, Alvarez is tough and gritty, but he also has a skillset that makes him one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
This pairing might have been much more favorable to GGG a few years ago - his peak was likely 2014-2015. Now 35, Golovkin appears to be declining physically. Fortunately, his game has improved with age and experience. He proved against David Lemieux that he could win behind ring generalship and a stiff jab.
The question here is how Canelo will weather and counter Golovkin’s power. So far, GGG has visibly hurt everybody he’s fought. There’s no doubt that Canelo will take his licks, but he is better equipped to respond than all of the GGG’s previous opponents. Canelo’s defense is excellent, as is his counterpunching.
At just 26, Canelo is in his prime: quick, agile and powerful. His hand speed and combinations com blazingly fast, and he throws a wicked uppercut - a punch that Golovkin has proved vulnerable against.
Boxing Betting Tips
In a strict skills vs. skills comparison, Canelo comes out ahead. He is younger, faster, more sound defensively and remarkably durable. But the biggest difference-maker in this matchup is Golovkin’s power - it’s simply impossible to bet against it, especially against a smaller fighter. It’s not going to be easy win, but GGG should find a way to come out on top.
At -160, Golovkin’s price is very affordable. The safer play is the rounds over - both men can take a ton of damage - but it’s far more pricey than betting GGG straight up.
Boxing Odds Pick: Golovkin to win at -156
Bet on boxing odds at BookMaker.eu now
With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Golovkin vs. Alavarez takes place on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight card airs live on pay-per-view starting 8 p.m. ET.
