Insights on Canelo Alvarez vs. Badou Jack
In an exclusive discussion with World Boxing News, Erik Skoglund, a former world title contender, shared his insights on the potential matchup between Canelo Alvarez and current WBC cruiserweight titleholder Badou Jack. Skoglund expressed that the size difference could play a critical role in the outcome of the bout. He acknowledged that while the idea of Canelo moving up to face Jack is intriguing, it poses significant risks for the Mexican superstar, particularly considering Jack’s successful transition to the cruiserweight class after starting his career in super middleweight.
“Despite Badou Jack’s origins in super middleweight, he has effectively adapted to the cruiserweight division, taking the time to grow into it, unlike what Canelo may attempt to do in just one fight,” Skoglund remarked.
He evaluated Canelo’s recent performances, particularly against Dmitry Bivol, and speculated that Jack could present a size disadvantage that might be too much for Alvarez to overcome, estimating a 60-40 chance in favor of Jack.
When asked if Canelo’s extensive experience and technical prowess could counteract the weight difference, Skoglund pointed out that while Alvarez’s skills would allow him to remain competitive, moving up in weight frequently could pose challenges.
“Canelo has a great skill set, and styles certainly do influence fights, but his frequent shifts in weight and coming from a much lower division might complicate his performance and introduce potential side effects,” Skoglund said.
He further highlighted Jack’s career as a benchmark for successfully navigating weight classes, stating,
“Badou has progressed through his weight classes adequately, whereas Canelo’s back-and-forth might hinder his effectiveness in the ring.”
Badou Jack’s Recent Achievements
Badou Jack, 41, recently made headlines by seizing the WBC cruiserweight title from Junior Makabu, marking him as a three-weight world champion. He has shown interest in facing Canelo for a financially rewarding fight, provided the weight class is agreeable. However, there were previous tensions regarding weight limits, notably when Canelo proposed a 180-pound limit for their potential encounter, which would have forced Jack to drop 20 pounds at nearly 40 years old.
Caution Against High-Stakes Battles
As Canelo contemplates his future following his recent defeat to Terence Crawford, Skoglund cautions against rushing into high-stakes battles like the one against Jack. He remarked that attempting to ascend from super middleweight to the cruiserweight division in a single fight could be one of Canelo’s most ambitious risks yet. This determination to pursue significant milestones is characteristic of Canelo Alvarez, who has consistently challenged himself throughout his career.
About the Author
Phil Jay, the author of this analysis, is an established boxing journalist with over fifteen years in the field, serving as Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. He has extensive experience covering major boxing events and interviewing some of the sport’s biggest names.
