AN intriguing fight takes place Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez jumps up two weight classes to challenge Sergey Kovalev.

Well, technically it’s not really two weight classes anymore because Alvarez already made a previous appearance at the supermiddleweight division, but the size difference is still quite compelling.

KOVALEV. At 6 feet tall, Kovalev is a true monster at the 175 division. Previously its undisputed king, he was dethroned by Andre Ward in 2016 and subsequently suffered his first stoppage loss in a rematch.

He bounced back nicely with two consecutive wins but got derailed again in his second career stoppage loss to Eleider Alvarez.

However, he avenged that loss in a rematch and in his last fight defeated Anthony Yarde via stoppage.

CANELO. Alvarez’s move to light heavy is an attempt to win a 4th world title in as many divisions.

The oddsmakers seem to be quite bullish on that attempt too, making him a prohibitive favorite.

Previously, living legend Bernard Hopkins achieved that same feat, defeating light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver in 2006 after he lost the middleweight titles to Jermain Taylor.

Can Alvarez do it?

MY TAKE. Hopkins stood at a lanky 6’’ 1” and was thus able to take in the added weight comfortably when he defeated Tarver. Alvarez (52-1, 35 Kos), on the other hand, is only 5”8” so it remains to be seen how he assimilates the added bulk.

Kovalev ‘s calling card has always been his sheer toughness and durability thus the moniker “Krusher.”

But that veneer of brutality lost much of its sheen in the two ward losses as well as the Alvarez kayo.

Still, Kovalev remains to be among the Top 5 in this division and with Alvarez coming up in weight and with how he struggled against Gennady Golovkin, a fighter who probably hits as hard as Kovalev, this Last Rounder is bewildered at the disrespect shown to Kovalev by the pundits.

Alvarez did quite well against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. who is of the same height as Kovalev. It shows he can handle himself quite well against taller but slower opponents.

But Kovalev (34-3, 29 KOs) is no Chavez and so it will all boil down to Alvarez being able to outbox and outthink Kovalev.

It will be a close, nip and tuck and affair, with Alvarez early and Kovalev late. I see Alvarez winning via split decision in a controversial battle.

LAST ROUND. It’s on one of my best buddies from SHS-B , batch 89, Marcelino Co who celebrates his birthday this week. Cheers!