Rehydration: Another Controversial Issue in Canelo vs Jacobs

When analyzing the successful career of the Mexican boxer Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez, we must specifically acknowledge his promoters and the masterful job they’ve done in choosing the most convenient opponents or contractual terms that have allowed for the smoothest career path possible. This is not to undermine his quality of boxing nor his accomplishments inside of the ring.

As a result of his success, “Canelo” Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) is currently the biggest draw in boxing, commanding the throne previously occupied by Floyd “Money” Mayweather, who like King Midas, turned everything he touched to gold.

But just as with Mayweather Jr., Canelo’s opponents must conform to the requirements made of them if they wish to secure the massive purse that comes with facing the Guadalajara born champion. Because of his champion status and potential to bring in vast amounts of spectators, Canelo is the “A” side in this matchup. Jacobs, being the “B” side, is forced to accept contractual conditions that only serve to provide the champion with advantages.

The politics behind protecting “Canelo” have now led to a conversation about a controversial topic that neither boxing organizations nor scientists can agree upon: Rehydration.

JACOBS COMPLAINS ABOUT THE LIMITS ALLOWED

For the unification fight between the Mexican Saúl Alvarez and the American Daniel Jacobs at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions included a clause in the contract which does not allow a gain of more then 10 pounds in the middleweight division (160) in the second weigh-ins, which take place the morning of the fight.

Alvarez will put his WBA super world middleweight title and WBC world middleweight title on the line, meanwhile “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2-0, 29 KOs) risked his IBF World Middleweight Title, which he acquired in his last bout against the Ukrainian Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko, last October 27^that the historical Madison Square Garden in New York.

When referring to the demands made by Golden Boy Promotions regarding rehydration, Jacobs, 31 years of age, stated that in the beginning they wanted to fine him $250 thousand dollars per additional pound gained, but later on agreed to a $100 thousand dollar fine, with the intention being not to allow his body the proper rehydration it requires, thus benefiting the Mexican, who is four inches shorter in stature.

Jacobs found himself obligated to sign the contract with said restrictions in order to have the opportunity to face “Canelo”, in a fight which would bring him monetary gain like no other. “I don’t know if we would’ve gotten the fight if we didn’t accept the terms that Golden Boy set out,” said the man who went to war with and defeated cancer, thanks to his unbreakable will and help from science.

WHO IS BENEFITED BY SIZE?

Due to his larger size and body mass, Jacobs has had to sacrifice the most in order to comply with the contractual demands. “The Miracle Man” at the very least will need to rehydrate in the last 24 hours if he is to show up in optimal conditions. And it would not be irrational to suspect that Golden Boy Promotions set these rehydration clauses to force Jacobs to enter the ring in a weakened state with less physical ability, making it more difficult for him to endure the rigorous contest.

This will likely lead to Jacobs implementing a lot of movement, establishing his jab, staying on the outside, and attempting to land counterpunches to the Mexican’s body in the beginning rounds. But as the fight goes on and the American begins to slow down (due to being unable to rehydrate properly), “Canelo” will implement his game plan and take control of the fight’s rhythm, taking advantage of his superior physical condition to neutralize Jacobs movement and proceed to cripple him with body shots. Once this begins, Jacobs minutes will be counted, and the Mexican’s victory secured.

“We are the two best fighters at 160 pounds and that’s the truth. He is a world champion, he is a great fighter and making the fights between the best against the best is my goal,” stated Canelo who views Jacobs as being a more complete fighter than Golovkin. “He is a difficult opponent to see his weaknesses because he is a complete fighter, who thinks in the ring, who knows how to handle the ring, has two guards, but obviously we are going to cover all of our bases,” explained Canelo. “Eddy knows what we’re going to do and I just have to obey his orders and if I have to improvise then I’ll improvise.”

JACOBS HOPES THAT “THE JUDGES WILL BE FAIR”

Experts, as well as the general public, believe Jacobs will need to accumulate a significant advantage throughout the 12 rounds if the cards are to lean in his favor. It should not be questioned that Jacobs will ultimately depend on the knockout, if not he runs the risk of leaving it in the hands of the judges who often times lean towards the wrong side.

Jacobs, 31 years of age, stated with vehemence that the star from Kazakhstan won both fights against Canelo, the second being the first and only defeat for the European, who lost his WBA Super World Middleweight Title, WBC World Middleweight Title, and IBF World Middleweight title.

“Let’s hope the judges are fair. I’m definitely one of the strongest opponents Canelo has faced. ‘GGG’ is not as fast as me. I am taller, I have more range, and I think I’ll win, I’ll use my best attributes, and I’ll win by decision or even by knockout,” Stated Jacobs. “I am a completely different athlete, I am multifaceted, I do not have to study what Golovkin did (against Canelo), it is not new for me to achieve the impossible, I won the opportunity and I am proud, my legacy is at stake.”

“If he (Jacobs) is thinking about the judges’ work, it’s just an excuse for the loss he’s going to experience the 4^thof May”, affirmed Canelo when referring to the comments made my Jacobs. “That mentality favors me, but I’m going for the knockout, I always go that route”

Translated by E.G. for J.J. Alvarez of Boxeo.tv

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