Why Canelo Can’t
Its Mental
Canelo hit GGG with everything but the kitchen sink in the last bout and GGG stood there and took it. A first for Canelo. Add to that, no one has hit Canelo the way GGG has. That has to affect a fighter’s psyche. Canelo’s demeanor has been different this go around, perhaps it the PED scandal or GGG trainer Abel Sanchez constantly mocking Canelo. Either may have had an effect thus far. The last thing a fighter wants going into a bout of this magnitude is something or someone in his head. If that’s the case, it could be a short night.
The Juice
This is a tricky one. The official position of Canelo’s camp is that the failed tests are a result of contaminated meat. Many believe this rationale does not pass the laugh test. This leads to further questions. Has this use of PED’s occurred in the past? If so, for how long? For what bouts? The current failed tests call into question past accomplishments. Also, if Canelo was juicing prior and he is not now, what mental effect will that have on him coming into the bout. It could create a crisis of confidence. Which is simply not a good look.
Precedent
Just as there is precedent for a victory in a rematch, there is precedent for a loss. The annals of boxing history are littered with instances where the man who was dominant in the first bout, is even more so in the second. Chavez-Taylor II, Pacquioa-Marquez II; Mayweather-Maidana, etc. The rationale, the victor in the prior match knows his opponents style. The opening round of the rematch is essentially Round 13.
Win, lose or draw, one thing we can all be certain of is it will be slugfest on Saturday night.