A threat to the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders bout taking place was the last thing it needed. Already, Alvarez is taking a back seat to that which does not necessarily pass for serious boxing action. And even though he is considered to be the biggest “legit” star in the game, it’s difficult not to look at him as someone who, from an excitement point of view, is not on the rise.

That’s not to make a commentary on his ability; Canelo is still young and in the minds of some is becoming a better all-around fighter. But who is around to offer some genuine curiosity and draw appreciable money against him, except for Gennady Golovkin, who he allegedly doesn’t want to fight?

Where to Bet on Alvarez vs. Saunders Tonight

It’s been the hope that England’s Billy Joe Saunders might be the guy who stretches him to his limits. But, from this man’s perspective, Saunders did not come off as the most confident guy in the world judging from a controversy in the last few days that involved, of all things, the size of the ring.

Well, maybe I shouldn’t trivialize that, because for a guy like Saunders who likes to move around and box, the more space he can utilize, the better.

The problem here is that there was apparently no provision for the ring size in the contract. At that point it defaulted to a decision by the Texas commission, as this fight is taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

If there’s a “home team” in this one, it is certainly Alvarez, so maybe it’s not all that surprising that the ring was being set up at 18 feet inside the ropes. That’s on the small side.

Saunders cried “foul,” and he communicated through his father/manager that he would be pulling out of the fight unless he had a 24-foot ring.

I’ve been around a little in this business,and I haven’t come across too many 24-foot rings, so that would be quite a concession on the part of Canelo.

As it looked like there could be an impasse, promoter Eddie Hearn was getting John Ryder ready to come in as Saunders’ substitute. Ryder, not a puncher, had previously lost close decisions to Saunders and Rocky Fielding, and one that was considerably wider on the scorecards to Callum Smith.

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But if they would have had to summon Ryder that would have represented a strikeout on the part of DAZN.

Alvarez agreed to go to 20 feet with the ring. Saunders wanted 22. SOLD. And we had a fight.

Saunders also had a problem with the judges. I’m not saying that’s an illegitimate beef. But he just comes off like a guy who is primarily interested in being able to last the distance.

Alvarez vs. Saunders Betting Odds

WBC-WBA-WBO Super Middleweight (168-lb.) Title

Saturday, May 9 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Canelo Alvarez -680

Billy Joe Saunders +490

Over 10.5 Rounds -155

Under 10.5 Rounds +135

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Saunders is 30-0 with 14 KO’s. He is the WBO super middleweight champion. He is a very educated boxer. He sticks and moves and isn’t the type who is going to embarrass himself.

And with more ring room, he’ll be able to do some of what he wants to against Canelo. But his conundrum is that he just doesn’t possess enough power to maintain respect throughout this fight. Alvarez can methodically close the distance between the two, and he’ll be able to land the more important blows.

But I am going to give Saunders credit for having enough ability to hang in there, and my sense is that he is not going to go out there late in the light and, to use a cliche, throw caution to the winds.

Of course, one factor that works against Saunders is that, as an undefeated fighter, he hasn’t had much occasion to have to hold on for dear life. So if he gets into trouble, there is some uncertainty as to how he’ll work his way out of it.

Be that as it may, he is much more savvy than the kind of opponent Alvarez is used to fighting, so I can see him going the whole distance, or close to it. So I’ll lay the -155 to go “OVER” the 10.5 rounds.

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