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5 reasons Canelo-GGG will be Fight of the Year

By Nick Tylwalk

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin go head to head after the Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin boxing press conference at the Landmark Hotel on June 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin go head to head after the Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin boxing press conference at the Landmark Hotel on June 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 19: Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin pose up after the Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin boxing press conference at the Landmark Hotel on June 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 19: Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin pose up after the Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin boxing press conference at the Landmark Hotel on June 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Both men are prepared for a slugfest

Like most world champions, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin both possess plenty of boxing skill, so it’s not like they’re going to come out throwing haymakers like they’re in a Rocky movie. Still, the old adage that styles make fights has been passed down through the generations for a reason, and it applies here to the nth degree.

The knockout rates for Canelo and GGG might hint at terrifying one-punch power, but they’re more likely to wear opponents down with an accumulation of clean punches. They’re both also good but not amazing at the defensive aspect of the sweet science, so they will get tagged on occasion.

That’s why when ESPN’s Dan Rafael checked in with the fighters during the build-up to their bout, they both told him they are preparing for a hard, physical fight — which generally leads to a crowd-pleasing product.

Contrasting styles, like the slick technician versus the headhunting KO artist, tend to excite diehard boxing fans but often end up better on paper than in the ring. Two men both primed for an all-action affair is boxing’s eye candy, and all signs are pointing that way.

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