Mike Tyson has told Canelo Alvarez he should have used his jab to neutralise the threat of Dmitry Bivol.
Alvarez was outpointed by Bivol in Las Vegas last weekend after a punch-perfect display from the light-heavyweight world champion. Alvarez has since insisted he will look to activate a rematch clause in the contract later this year.
And legendary heavyweight Tyson posted a video on social media to demonstrate Alvarez's need to slip Bivol's jab to land his uppercut while using his own to neutralise the aggressive approach adopted by the Russian. "If Canelo was using his jab effectively and hard, the guy wouldn't have been able to come in because he was coming as he wasn't worried about his jab," Tyson said.
"He got more aggressive and brave, as he wasn't jabbing he has no descent. If he's not using the jab the guy is going to walk straight in on him like he did. Next fight use that jab and it is a different fight." Tyson then proceeded to demonstrate a swift jab on the punchbag before unloading combinations on the bag.
He later showed an example of the swift head movement Alvarez should have used to set up the uppercut and further power punches. Tyson then continued: "Keep that jab popping off, when Bivol is jabbing Canelo should be moving looking to slip the jab and unload his own shots. He can then anticipate the combinations of his opponent, because if he was using the jab the guy wouldn't throw the combinations. I believe if he uses his jab it is a completely different fight."
What did you make of Canelo Alvarez's performance against Dmitry Bivol? Let us know in the comments section below
Alvarez looked sluggish towards the end of the fight after being outboxed for large periods, and was unable to establish his usual rhythm. Despite his lack of fluidity, Alvarez was ahead on the judges scorecards' in the ninth round with Bivol needing a strong final round to prevent a draw.
Despite the slick nature of Bivol's display, Alvarez maintained he won the fight after the final bell had rung and believes he is capable of an immediate turnaround in a sequel later this year.
“Personally, I’m feeling good. I’m not giving any excuses. I do feel that I won the fight," Alvarez said during the post-fight press conference. "I think perhaps, maybe I lost four or five rounds, but I definitely didn’t lose the fight. I think I got a little bit tired towards the final rounds, but I felt good. We’ll see what’s next.
“I think, as I said, I think he won four or five rounds maximum. I felt a little bit fatigued going into the final rounds. Perhaps it was because of the fight. But personally, I feel as I said, that he only won four or five rounds. Maybe the weight was a slight issue, and I didn’t feel 100 percent during the fight. ... I’m always looking for difficult fights."
