Former HBO commentator Larry Merchant was on site for Canelo’s light heavyweight title win this past weekend. Check out some of Merchant’s thoughts on Canelo’s move up in weight and what might be in his future...
Merchant on how he would rate Canelo’s power after seeing him at light heavyweight:
“He knocked out a tired guy. And good for him. I don’t know, he’s not a real power puncher but he knocked out an old, tired guy. He stuck in there while he was losing a lot of rounds.”
On what he made of DAZN delaying the main event until the UFC main event had finished:
“Beyond bizzare...one round in two-and-a-half hours. So yeah, I thought it was bizzare.”
On if he’s like to see Canelo stay at 175:
“I think ‘68 is probably his best weight right now. I think a live, young light heavyweight would be a lot for him to deal with. But, listen, you give him all the credit in the world, and against a guy who was once a terrific fighter he showed some drama. People had been complaining that he’s not dramatic enough, he’s not a warrior enough, he’s not this enough — he was enough. That’s why they have 12 round fights. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
On who he’d like to see Canelo fight next:
“I wish he could fight some of the good middleweights but I don’t know if he can fight at middleweight anymore. But given that he’s Canelo and he’s the biggest attraction in the sport, if he comes to ‘68, 160-pounders will say ‘okay, we’ll come up and fight you.’ So, you know, he’s gonna call all the shots, and just like he landed the big shot.