Former WBA super-middleweight champion Callum Smith believes Dmitry Bivol could prove to be a frustrating proposition for Canelo Alvarez at times during their WBA light-heavyweight clash this weekend.
Smith previously faced pound-for-pound king Canelo at the San Antonio Alamodome back in December 2020, with the Mexican claiming a unanimous decision victory.
Smith is backing his former ring foe to conquer WBA 175lbs title holder Dmitry Bivol in Las Vegas on Saturday night, but believes it is unwise to assume there is only one outcome.
“I think it’s a good fight to be honest,” Smith told Boxing Social’s Andi Purewal. “People are just assuming it’s a Canelo win and talking about what he’ll do next. Bivol’s very good at what he does. He doesn’t set the world alight, he’s not exciting to watch, but he’s undefeated.
“He always does enough, and he’s hard to beat. He’ll be a tough night for Canelo. I do think Canelo beats him, but I think it’ll be close.
“Bivol doesn’t take too many chances. I think that could frustrate Canelo. I do think Canelo wins. I’ve seen people assuming it’s an easy night for Canelo though, and I don’t believe it is.”
Click here to watch the full interview with Smith on Boxing Social.