According to instructor Robert Garcia, the rationale behind Hamzah Sheeraz’s potential to secure a knockout against Edgar Berlanga, yet not against Canelo Alvarez, stems from the Mexican icon’s shift away from actively pursuing knockouts. His primary objective now revolves around securing victories while minimizing physical strain.
“Canelo isn’t prioritizing the knockout as much anymore. In recent contests, we’ve observed him doing just enough to achieve the win. Against Munguia, he managed to drop him, but then seemed reluctant to finish him off,” trainer Robert Garcia remarked to Fight Hub TV when questioned about Hamzah Sheeraz’s hypothetical knockout of Edgar Berlanga in contrast to Canelo Alvarez.
It has been four years since Canelo achieved a knockout victory, when he halted Caleb Plant in the 11th round back in 2021. He was essentially compelled to secure a knockout then because Plant was exerting considerable pressure, employing numerous left hooks. Had Canelo not stopped him, he risked a potential defeat.
“Against Charlo and Berlanga, he conveyed a sense of wanting to coast through the bouts. He’s advanced, although not necessarily in age, considering he’s only 35,” Robert commented about Canelo. “However, his extensive fighting career, starting at the age of 15, encompassing countless sparring sessions and demanding training camps, has undoubtedly taken a toll on his physical condition.”
Canelo regulated his pace against opponents like Jaime Munguia, William Scull, and various others. He seemingly lacks the optimal conditioning required to consistently go all out, aiming for knockouts. Furthermore, those opponents all possessed significant punching power. This factor further influenced his decision not to aggressively pursue knockouts.
“He’s also mindful of his physical well-being. He avoids exerting maximum effort to preserve his body,” Garcia stated regarding Alvarez. “He recognizes the remaining years in his career and the significance of upcoming major fights, prompting him to prioritize self-care and minimize excessive strain. This explains why he hasn’t been able to knock those fighters out, not because he lacks the capability. I believe he does just enough to win.”
Canelo’s restraint isn’t solely attributable to safeguarding his physical condition. It’s also linked to his limited stamina, causing him to tire relatively quickly when he pushes himself too hard. When Canelo experiences fatigue, his recovery period tends to be longer compared to other fighters. Consequently, he moderates his approach, engaging in a more measured style of combat.
“I believe Sheeraz possesses immense power. He’s demonstrated a level of power that many underestimated, and he showcased it convincingly last weekend,” Robert stated.
Berlanga inadvertently facilitated Sheeraz’s knockout by entering the ring out of shape and opting to engage in close-quarters combat. He realized too late the proficiency Hamzah possesses in such scenarios. Had he and his trainer conducted thorough research, they would have recognized the inherent risk associated with fighting at close range.
