Times sports live chat on the Canelo vs. Yildirim fight - Los Angeles Times

Boxing Live Chat: Canelo vs. Yildirim

Join us for live commentary from boxing experts and Times staffers during the Canelo vs. Yildirim fight.
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    And that's it for us folks. Thanks for joining us! Till next time.

    8:32 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Good night everybody!

    8:32 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The best need to fight the best!

    8:31 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Boxing isn't dead, but it does need a good jolt.

    8:31 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Final thought: Canelo is best boxer in world. Thank you all for having me on as well. Goodnight

    8:30 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Thanks for having me on, guys.

    8:30 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    That does without saying, Roberto.

    8:30 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Good night Dylan. No boxing is dead, before you go?

    8:30 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Yep, time to wrap this up. Great chat. Albert and Roberto, any final thoughts?

    8:30 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Good night Dylan!

    8:29 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Alright, folks, I have to entertain my children. It's been fun. Until next time.

    8:29 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Tailor*

    8:29 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Not major, unless Berlanga develops substantially. Berlanga is taylor made to get countered by Canelo

    8:28 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Benavidez has the power and length to land some nasty stuff on Canelo.

    8:28 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Do you guys see Edgar Berlanga being a major rival for Canelo 3 to 5 years down the line?

    8:27 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Charlo at 168, I think possess particular problems for Canelo because of movement. Benavidez, because of style and intelligence.

    8:27 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I think Canelo handles Saunders and Caleb Plant fairly easily.

    8:26 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Jermall*

    8:25 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The guy is only 30, at 30 Chavez was ready to go.

    8:25 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    yes. I think those boxers are David Benavidez and Jarmall Charlo at 168

    8:25 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    And could run into another major threat that can help his legacy.

    8:24 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    But he still is young.

    8:24 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    That's really what hurts Canelo's legacy when trying to pass Chavez as best Mexican boxer ever

    8:24 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    In talking about GGG fight, by the way.

    8:23 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    He, or Golden Boy, delayed fight for year and half. Then tested positive for banned substance before rematch. And arguably lost both fights.

    8:23 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    If he would have beaten Mayweather fairly, he moves up to the top two spots.

    8:23 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    should say big IF

    8:22 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I think Mayweather fight is forgiveable because he wasn't going to beat him. It's the GGG fights that alter the conversation.

    8:22 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I mean, then he's a totally different fighter

    8:22 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Chavez wasn’t a mindless brawler, he was good at cutting off the ring and setting up his punches, but Canelo just operates in a more efficient manner.

    8:22 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Beaten or drawn Mayweather? Hahahahaha

    8:22 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    If Canelo had beaten or drawn with Mayweather, how different would this conversation be?

    8:21 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I miss the XFL and we need more boxing on Sundays

    8:21 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Anyone who thinks Chavez mindlessly wandered forward is selling him way short.

    8:20 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I should say that Canelo's adversity was GGG. Both fights were close, arguable decisions in both.

    8:19 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Canelo doesn’t take the punishment Chavez did, he has developed into a hell of counter puncher, just like Juan Manuel Marquez.

    8:19 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Yeah, he was a ready made star.

    8:18 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    What made others legends was facing adversity. Canelo really hasn't had that. Part of that isn't his fault.

    8:17 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I am going to say it again, Canelo is elite but his efficient and intelligent style just does not make the fans go crazy.

    8:17 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Chavez was a monster, man. Relentless, highly underrated ring IQ.

    8:17 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo may only fight his entire career, being underdog once. Against Mayweather. That's part of reason he isn't thoroughly embraced by Mexican crowd, I think.

    8:16 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    But in terms of the intangibles, I don't think he will ever be in the Top 5.

    8:15 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    This isn't about resume. Salvador Sanchez died at 23. Part of this is an eye test.

    8:15 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    If Canelo picks up one more or two signature wins, I think he can very well surpass Chavez in the pantheon of Mexican greats.

    8:14 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    His main argument is resume. But that isn't what made Chavez great, alone. It was a specific era of Mexican and Mexican Americans that added to Chavez becoming a national hero

    8:14 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Mannix is missing the context of who Chavez was and era in which he fought.

    8:13 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    For as hard a time as we gave Sergio Mora earlier on, his response to Chris Mannix's claim that Canelo could become the Mexican GOAT was pretty funny—"Well you're not Mexican."

    8:12 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I also see it going the distance, and I see it possibly having a disputed ending like Canelo vs. Lara in 2014.

    8:12 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I think Canelo vs. Saunders goes distance. Canelo wins fairly easily. A fight that will be very much like Canelo vs. Jacobs.

    8:11 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Eddie Reynoso has likely solidified best trainer in world. And that has before tonight, since this wasn't much of a fight.

    8:10 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    8:10 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    What are your early predictions for Canelo vs. Saunders?

    8:10 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Overall, it was good to watch Canelo fight. Any top boxer that fights more than once or twice a year, will have to fight a few soft touches.

    8:09 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    There's no way Canelo hasn't scouted Andy Ruiz, who trains alongside him. Of course, Ruiz doesn't have title. But I think Canelo has wondered.

    8:06 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Eddie's stable is the NWO of boxing, that is why!

    8:06 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    No chance; if you move up that much, you better have footspeed. Jones had it, Canelo doesn't.

    8:06 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    If Canelo were to have a juicy opportunity for a heavyweight title like the one Roy Jones had against the tame John Ruiz, do you think he goes up to heavy?

    8:05 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching Canelo beat Saunders, who is really dislikable person

    8:05 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    's boxers are getting so many tatts

    8:04 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    We need an investigation on why Eddie Reynoso

    8:03 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Yea, 168 is it for him.

    8:03 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I don't think Canelo Alvarez understood that "peaking" question

    8:03 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I think he stays put at 168, his frame is too small to take on the legit threats at 175.

    8:03 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Here's that knockdown from DAZN's twitter account

    8:03 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    8:03 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo might be most lethal fighter in world and he's 5'7"

    8:01 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    WBC likes to give out a lot of stuff, they are like Oprah.

    8:00 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo with the leather swap meet hat

    8:00 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Pretty much a participation medal that the WBC gives out.

    7:59 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Canelo with that Mexican dad combo of tacky t shirt and hat.

    7:59 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Canelo’s next two big fights should be against Saunders and Plant, he said he wants to unify the 168 division.

    7:59 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I should wear a medal after I don't win a Pulitzer this year.

    7:59 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I was about to ask the same thing

    7:59 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Why is Yildirim wearing a medal?

    7:59 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Hilarious listening to Mora criticize Yildirim. This isn't Yildirim's fault. He is who he is. This is on the WBC.

    7:58 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Benavidez, by the way, is Mexican American from Phoenix. Young, aggresive, naturally bigger, and intelligent.

    7:58 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Well that was a solid workout for Canelo, hopefully now he moves on to Saunders.

    7:58 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo has said he won't fight Mexican boxers. I wonder if that includes ethnicity. Because that would exclude David Benavidez, who I think is one of few boxers that can actually challenge Canelo.

    7:57 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Final numbers - fight lasts 9 minutes. Entrance walk was 7 minutes 12 seconds

    7:55 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Good job by Joel Diaz to protect his boxer, unlike what we saw last week from another corner

    7:55 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    In a sense, it's good that these fights are on DAZN. Beats paying $100 for a PPV fight

    7:55 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Canelo is putting in some work, he could have finished this already. Lands every power shot at will.

    7:55 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    And fight's over.

    7:55 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Canelo can afford to be extremely measured with his punch output. This looks like sparring.

    7:54 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    DAZN goes out again.

    7:53 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I should be paid overtime for having to watch this farce.

    7:53 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Yildirim is done

    7:53 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    7:52 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Who had a better entrance. Canelo or....

    7:52 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    And there it is, first knockdown

    7:52 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo opening up more in this round with the power shots

    7:52 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Everything is universal now, look at Bad Bunny, he is the world’s biggest Pop Star and most of his music is in Spanish.

    7:52 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Not speaking English has also been perceived as a marker of "authenticity" for some boxers. Tito Trinidad, Chavez probably best known recent examples

    7:50 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The big stars do not need English to crossover, Pacquaio did it first.

    7:49 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I mean, Canelo has his own hashtag on Twitter.

    7:49 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I wonder how much the Internet has helped with that

    7:49 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Part of Chavez's lack of appeal outside the Mexican fan base was his inability to speak English. That hasn't hurt Canelo at all, even though he speaks it, he doesn't much do it

    7:48 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    One thing that we should appreciate, is that he hasn't needed to learn English to become as marketable as he is. That's never happened before, that I know of. Definitely not in boxing.

    7:48 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Yildirim's nickname is 'Mr. Robot' is that supposed to be flattering?

    7:47 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    No surprise after first round, no chance for Yildirim to win this

    7:46 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Canelo standing completely flat-footed; he has no respect for Yildirim.

    7:45 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The body is WIDE open for Canelo.

    7:45 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    He used to be a notoriously slow starter and would also fade during parts of fights. He really has improved substantially in last several years

    7:44 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo isn't waiting around.

    7:44 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    back

    7:43 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    And the DAZN feed goes out

    7:43 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    here we go

    7:43 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Buffer has made more money from boxing than 99% of boxers.

    7:43 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    7:42 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    By the way, Nusret Gökçe, aka "Salt Bae" is at the fight. He's Turkish, so it makes sense that he'd be rooting for Yildirim, right?

    7:42 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I wonder if Michael Buffer still earns a million bucks every time he yells his catchphrase at a fight?

    7:42 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I'll finish corn nuts by 3rd round

    7:41 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo KO 4th round

    7:41 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Okay, so before fight starts. Predictions. I think we're all expecting a KO. What round though?

    7:41 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Roberto, do you think you'll have enough time to go through your entire bag of corn nuts?

    7:41 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Michael Buffer has a great job

    7:40 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    So Yildirim needs to get to 3rd round to beat that ring walk time.

    7:40 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Btw, Pitbull is busy right now with NASCAR.

    7:39 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    No. Just fight time

    7:39 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Are we counting the minute break between rounds?

    7:39 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Not sure. Just kept track of it to see if it lasts longer than fight.

    7:39 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    What is the over/under on the ring walk lasting longer than the fight?

    7:38 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    7 minutes and 12 seconds of ring walk

    7:38 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Everybody hating on this ring walk, you mean?

    7:37 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    This might be a top 5 greatest moment of Latino unity .

    7:37 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    or Bad Bunny. With appearances on WWE's Royal Rumble and SNL, el conejo malo has proven that he makes any broadcast better.

    7:37 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I saw Pitbull before he became famous; he can actually rap

    7:37 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The best entrance I have seen live is Cotto coming out with Residente from Calle 13 for the Mayweather fight in 2012.

    7:37 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I wonder where Pitbull is watching the fight

    7:36 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    No doubt. minute 5 now

    7:35 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    This entrance will take longer than the actual fight

    7:35 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Bring back Hamed riding in to Wu-Tang!

    7:35 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Before I forget replying to Dylan's response to my Lopez comment, he fought in an era where the flyweight division was buzzing with guys like Gonzalez and Carbajal—the first guys to fight in a million dollar match in that weight class-- he could’ve easily gone up.

    7:34 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    At least get a unicyle

    7:34 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Why is there a guy on a bike?

    7:34 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Bring back Prince Naseem. This entrance stinks.

    7:33 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    7:33 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Manouk, who's running our live blog, already posting memes

    7:33 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    El Komander should be performing. That's all I'm saying

    7:33 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Who is this limpia for?

    7:32 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I'm counting that first song as part of Canelo's entrance time - we're up to almost 2 minutes

    7:32 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    They're bringing out the sage!

    7:32 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Canelo's face looks like he's thinking "que fregados fue eso?"

    7:32 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    That song was horrible

    7:31 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Haha, no cursing allowed.

    7:31 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    God, this looks like a bad Cristian Castro music video

    7:31 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I think Canelo puts in some work and takes him out by TKO by RD 8.

    7:31 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Not sure if we can curse on here, but it would be a song from Los Razos

    7:30 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    If you guys were boxers, what would your ring walk music be?

    7:30 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    My final prediction - Canelo KO in 4

    7:30 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Is the over/under still at 2.5 rounds?

    7:30 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The best anthem performance for me before a big fight has been Tom Jones singing “God Save the Queen" before Mayweather vs, Hatton in 2007.

    7:29 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    This entrance for Canelo is supposed to be amazing, according to Eddie Hearn, the best they'd put on.

    7:29 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    They're legit making Yildirim go on the cat walk. This might be the saddest ring walk ever.

    7:29 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    She's got that cooking carna asada in middle of summer glow to her

    7:27 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    This is a choice for the "Star-Spangled Banner"

    7:26 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    No era penal.

    7:26 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Christian Nodal before GGG2 - but that wasn't even televised.

    7:26 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    No need to slander El Tri like that, Roberto.

    7:26 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    When was the last time someone famous sang the Mexican National anthem for a Canelo fight?

    7:25 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo has helped the Mexican anthem sang during sporting events. It used to be that you hear Mexican national anthem and you're about to see the national soccer team disappoint. Now it's the prelude to Canelo being one of best boxers in world

    7:25 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    For those unfamiliar, the "Death Star" would be Allegiant Stadium, new home of the Las Vegas Raiders— that still feels weird to say.

    7:25 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Raiders stadium is being talked about for the Cinco de Mayo fight, Canelo is interested.

    7:25 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Reminder: Yildirim didn't make it out of the third round against Chris Eubank Jr.

    7:24 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    The "Death Star"

    7:23 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer
    is taking a lot of heat for fighting a guy like Yıldırım, but these types of fights are not unusual for boxers who plan to be busy. In between his major fights, the great Chavez fought guys like Marty Jakubowski and Bruce Pearson.
    7:23 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    If Canelo fights on Cinco de Mayo, what venue do you think they'll use?

    7:23 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Other than that, we know who Yildirim is.

    7:22 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    If you are looking for one unknown about Yildirim, is that he's been training with Joel Diaz who is one of best trainers in world.

    7:22 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Yeah, he is a good interview.

    7:21 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    50 wings?!?!

    7:21 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Ruben Guerrero was the best part of that fight

    7:20 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Covering fights in Vegas is something else, a colleague and I ate 50 wings at Hooters after Mayweather vs. Guerrero since the fight was very boring.

    7:20 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor
    7:20 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    AK and Barak are close to just calling Ryan Garcia a liar

    7:18 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    There's certainly nothing like fights in Vegas. I live 10 minutes from AT&T Stadium. And while I enjoy sleeping in own bed when the big fights are here in Arlington, they aren't same atmosphere as Vegas.

    7:17 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Depends on crowd restrictions, I assume

    7:17 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    So Eddie Hearn teased a Canelo fight on Cinco de Mayo. That has to be in Las Vegas, right?

    7:15 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I think that might be why Canelo says he won't be going to 175 anymore

    7:14 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Since DAZN talking about Canelo's fight against Kovalev, I had Canelo losing that fight by wide margin before the knockout.

    7:13 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Re: Lopez, I don't hold it against fighters for not moving up in weight. Generally, it makes them worse. I actually prefer they remain at their optimal weights. Unfortunately, fighters these days have to move up to find signature fights because of the thinning of the talent pool.

    7:12 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    It's cliche also, but at least its Mexicans singing a Mexican song. Sweet Caroline is Brits singing a song about JFk's daughter

    7:10 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I mean....

    7:09 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Is ‘Cielito Lindo’ the Mexican ‘Sweet Caroline’?

    7:09 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    A few fights ago Canelo just started wearing pajamas during fight week. Showed up wearing panda pajamas. He's kept up tradition.

    7:09 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    It’s seems Matchroom boxing has a better budget than Golden Boy, Canelo’s entrance for the Smith Fight was top notch, like the stuff Anthony Joshua does and the Klitschkos did.

    7:08 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Sorry.

    7:07 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    So good! So good!

    7:07 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    If I hear "Sweet Caroline" I'm throwing my corn nuts across the room.

    7:06 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I'll admit, I'm not entirely sure what the whole pajama discourse is about. Can someone enlighten me?

    7:06 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Canelo's ring entrance might last longer than actual fight. We should keep an eye on that

    7:06 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    IMO, Lopez is highly overrated, not top 10, he was complacent. Stuck around at straw weight for too long fighting Thai teenagers.

    7:06 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    We're in the pajama talk portion of the evening.

    7:06 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez Ruben Olivares are only ones I'd argue belong in there without question. There's a bunch of 7 others that I can be talked into putting into top 5 - Lopez, Saldivar, Canto, Zarate, Morales, Barrera, Marquez

    7:04 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    For me the top Mexican fighters of all-time are: 1. Chavez, 2. Sanchez, 3. Olivares 4a. Morales, 4b. Marquez 4c. Barrera.

    7:04 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I'm open on 4 and 5

    7:03 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist
    1. Salvador Sanchez; 2. Chavez; 3. Ricardo Lopez
    7:03 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    DAZN really desperate to fill up the time until the fight starts. Eddie Hearn is being interviewed.

    7:03 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Outside of 20 seconds against GGG, Canelo hasn’t really captured the fans imagination. His highlight reel Ko’s came against outmatched opponents like Kahn and Kirkland.

    7:01 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Ok, since we've got time. What are your top 5 Mexican boxers

    7:00 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    That's also not type of boxer Canelo is. He's a defensive fighter much more than just about any great Mexican boxer - I think that works against him a bit

    7:00 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    For me right now Canelo is in the top 10 of all-time Mexican fighters. But he lacks wow moments like guys in the top 5. He hasn’t done anything like when Chavez ate Rosario’s best punches to take it to him.

    6:59 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    If you're setting up DAZN for your parents your more likely to think Canelo is better than Chavez. If your child is setting up your DAZN, you think there's no way Canelo can match Chavez

    6:58 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Canelo as Tim Duncan. That's quite the take, Albert.

    6:58 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Generational divide over the perception of how good Canelo is, I should clarify

    6:57 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    It think there's a generation divide over how good Canelo is. Which doesn't just happen with Canelo, by the way. Still, Canelo is a polarizing figure, not sure he's changing many minds over who he is anymore

    6:57 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Speaking of Michael Nunn, he spent 16 years in prison for buying a kilogram of cocaine from an undercover officer – for $200. His story is a reminder that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    6:56 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Canelo is like Tim Duncan; you can’t deny their greatness. They just do not have sizzle.

    6:56 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I get why boxing writers are trying to hype Canelo as an all-time great; their livelihood depends on the sport surviving. But come on. Michael Nunn would’ve beaten him and I don’t see anyone calling Michael Nunn an all-time great.

    6:56 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Canelo's best win, in terms of quality of opponent and decisiveness of victory, was over Danny Jacobs.

    6:56 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    This brings me to something you were tweeting about earlier this week, Albert. You were making the claim that Canelo doesn't really have that signature fight, and you also drew that comparison to Julio Cesar Chavez.

    6:55 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    What's this nonsense about Canelo being the greatest Mexican fighter ever? Very good fighter, deserves credit for his professionalism, but he's no Salvador Sanchez, he's no Julio Cesar Chavez.

    6:54 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Or as Eddie Reynoso calls him, "Rriyan"

    6:53 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Canelo knows Yildirim very well, he was his sparring partner for the second match against GGG. So, he should be able to take him down with ease,

    6:52 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Ryan Garcia sighting

    6:52 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    He's delusional.

    6:52 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    According to DAZN, Canelo said he's fighting for all Latinos. As the only non-Mexican in this chat, do you feel like Canelo is fighting for you Dylan?

    6:51 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    For me, this just a showcase fight. Canelo says he plans on having a busy year that includes possible fights with the other champs at 168--Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant--so this is just a logical tune-up coming after the Callum Smith match.

    6:50 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    If he attacks Canelo, he'll be gone in the first round.

    6:49 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Actually, I'd assume Canelo would have more difficult sparring partners

    6:49 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Yildirim has said he's going to attack Canelo, if he does, this fights lasts 3 rounds. If he doesn't, and is defensive minded, this fight last until middle rounds. It'll be glorified sparring session.

    6:49 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    So Yildirim isn't just bad, he's also shot.

    6:48 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Yildirim was never particularly impressive to begin with, but I seriously think he hasn’t been the same since he was knocked out by Chris Eubank Jr. Has looked a step closer since.

    6:47 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    So yea, no shot for him.

    6:47 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Albert and Roberto, what are your expectations for this fight? To reiterate what Dylan said, I don't think anyone is really giving Yildirim much of a chance.

    6:47 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Tyson vs. Buster Douglas is generally considered biggest upset in boxing history, one of biggest in all of sports. Yildirim is a bigger underdog than DOuglas was that night.

    6:47 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    That's the boxing business for you.

    6:47 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    The only other recognizable fighter Yildirim has beaten is Aaron Pryor Jr., who is recognizable only because he shares the name (but not the talent) of his late father.

    6:46 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    I enjoy talking to Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, but holy smokes, how can his sanctioning body designate Yildrim as a mandatory challenger? His last fight was in February of 2019 when he lost to Anthony Dirrell. His best win might be over a 46-year-old Glen Johnson and that was almost six years ago.

    6:46 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    You would think winning the first season of "The Contender" would have gotten him used to being on television.

    6:45 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Just to be clear: Yildirim has absolutely no chance of winning. None. Zero. He’s slow. He has no defense. He has only 12 knockouts in 23 fights. He’s more than two years removed from his last fight

    6:45 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    That is one of my main gripes with DAZN, there are much better guys than Mora.

    6:45 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    Sergio Mora seems like a really nice dude. But it makes him a terrible commentator.

    6:44 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I'll take the over, especially since there's plenty of time to kill until Canelo fight starts

    6:44 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I will bet the house on that!

    6:43 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Going to set the over/under on Dylan declaring boxing dead tonight at 2.5. Any takers?

    6:43 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    Rodriguez wasn't expecting to fight until about a day ago. Late replacement for Julio Cesar Martinez. Rodriguez looks like he's on way out of this fight

    6:43 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    Well, that is what you get with last minute replacements.

    6:43 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    I got a whopper, which is more than we can say for this Abraham “Choko” Rodriguez vs. McWilliams Arroyo fight.

    6:42 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    What about you Fidel?

    6:39 PM
  • Roberto Jose Andrade Franco Writer

    I got my ranch corn nuts and a beer from local brewery in Dallas.

    6:39 PM
  • Albert Perez Writer

    I am snacking on some BBQ ribs right now, but usually some carne asada.

    6:39 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    And we're off. Dylan's got braised short ribs. Robert and Albert: What's your go to fight snack/food?

    6:38 PM
  • Dylan Hernandez Columnist

    In normal times, a Canelo fight would mean carne asada with the in-laws. Tonight? Braised short ribs.

    6:37 PM
  • Fidel Martinez Sports Audience Engagement Editor

    Hello folks. This is Fidel Martinez, sports audience engagement editor. Join us today at 6:30 PM as I moderate a live chat with Times columnist Dylan Hernandez and writers Roberto Andrade Franco and Albert Perez for the Canelo vs. Yildirim fight.

    5:48 PM