Canelo Alvarez v Billy Joe Saunders Odds

Canelo Alvarez is arguably the biggest boxing star in the world right now. Fighting him is the modern-day equivalent to getting the Floyd Mayweather fight, with Eddie Hearn describing it as receiving the 'golden ticket'.

This predominantly relates to the financial benefits of fighting Canelo, with his bouts continuously generating record numbers in terms of PPV revenue and gate sales.

The 29-year-old last fought back in November, when he KO'd WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. Despite entering the ring as the favourite, the Mexican surprised many with his emphatic method of victory. He became just the third opponent to stop Kovalev, impressing spectators with his power after moving up in weight class.

Given Canelo's pedigree, various names were being thrown around as to who the dominant fighter would face next, with both Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith emerging as the frontrunners.

After months of speculation, we now appear to have a decision.

According to ESPNmx, Canelo has agreed to face Billy Joe Saunders on May 2nd at the T-Mobile Arena.

The bout will aired on the live streaming service of DAZN, which is now being introduced into the UK. Many fans will be familiar with the platform, due to the increasing popularity of the organisation in the United States. Youtube stars KSI and Logan Paul fought on the service back in November, with the two internet sensations helping promote the brand's image.

Eddie Hearn, Saunders' promoter, is heavily involved with DAZN, with this fight now being the perfect introduction for English boxing fans to the app. Believe us, the timing of this announcement is far from a coincidence.

Whilst 'Superb's' presence in America isn't too well known, the whole of England will be behind the 30-year-old, even if the betting odds aren't.

On the back of the fight announcement, SkyBet have opened up some early boxing odds for the bout.

Unsurprisingly, Canelo has opened up as the big favourite at 1/5. We have seen the Mexican be heavily favoured by the judges in the past, most notably in his rematch with Gennady Golovkin. Going off this factor, Saunder's best hopes in America look to lie with a knockout, something the Brit isn't exactly identified with.

SkyBet are yet to open up a market on the method of victory though, leaving Billy Joe with an outright price of 7/2. The Englishman is clearly not being given much of a chance, as these odds are rather substantial, given his undefeated record. His level of opponents since David Lemieux back in 2017 haven't exactly been star names, leaving doubts over whether Saunders has had sufficient preparation leading up to this super-fight.

At 25/1, a draw has inevitably been given a big price, with this outcome only occurring once between both these men's professional careers.

Despite us doubting the level of opposition that Saunders has faced over the past couple of years, make no doubt about it, this upcoming fight is of one of the highest order. The Englishman throughly deserves this opportunity, and it promises to be a case of who is the more technically superior on the night.

Throughout his career, Saunders' has gained a reputation for being able to outclass his opponents, moving around the ring and popping the jab to maintain an effective distance. His record of four UD wins in his last six fights support this statement, with 'Superb' often approaching a patient style to his fighting.

This is what makes this bout a potential classic, as Canelo's strengths lie in his counterpunching skills. At 5ft 9inches, the four-division world champion is rarely ever find himself taller than his opponents, but his flash punches and quick head movement make him such a dangerous figure to fight. His ability to slip the jab and work his way inside is almost second to none, and it is a tactic that he utilises time and time again.

Facing off against Billy-Joe, we aren't expecting a different approach from the Mexican. He won't be afraid to come forward and try to close the distance against the Brit, who will actually want the very opposite. It's certainly an interesting match-up, and one we wouldn't be surprised to go the distance.

Both men will be looking to 'put money in the bank', with some early body shots and try and ware down their opponent. When we get to this level of boxing, neither men will try and force the stoppage, so odds on a decision could be one worth keeping an eye.