Tale of the Tape: Canelo vs. Bivol

We look at how Canelo Alvarez, the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, stacks up against the undefeated Russian champion Dmitry Bivol ahead of their light heavyweight title fight on Saturday in Las Vegas on DAZN.

Alvarez ran roughshod through the super middleweight division in 2021 en route to becoming the division's first-ever undisputed champion. With all of those titles strapped securely around his waist, Cinnamon aims for Bivol's WBA light heavyweight title.

Alvarez is moving up seven pounds to take on ESPN's second-ranked light heavyweight, who not only has an undefeated professional record but went an eye-popping 268-15 as a decorated amateur. The jump in weight isn't new for Canelo, who knocked out Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO light heavyweight title in 2018.

Bivol, meanwhile, has been on a roll, riding a 19-fight win streak. The 31-year-old was 2-0 in 2021, though his competition wasn't stiff as he picked up unanimous decision wins over Craig Richards and Umar Salamov. However, he does have an impressive victory over Joe Smith Jr. on his resume.

Alvarez has notably become a showman when he fights in front of pro-Mexican crowds and seems to feed off the energy, which usually yields positive results. He's got the punching power to stop Bivol, like he did Kovalev, to go along with his savvy in-ring work.

Bivol could pose a problem for Alvarez, however. He's bigger than his opponent and possesses a superior reach. He also doesn't spend much time in front of his competition, using solid footwork and an above-average jab to keep his distance. Historically, Alvarez has had more success boxing fighters who come straight at him.

Saturday's main event should be fantastic, no matter the outcome. Either Canelo adds another title to his collection during his illustrious career, or Bivol shocks the world and cements his own legacy as just the second fighter ever to beat the Mexican sensation.