Former England cricketer Monty Panesar, a huge boxing fan, gives his verdict on Mexican great, Saul Canelo.

 Credit: Creative commons - Origin = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJbxzk2SKOM&t=1370

Legendary Mexican boxer Saul Canelo lost only the second fight of his career at the weekend – a shock given a record that has made him the richest active fighter in the game.

The Russian, Dmitry Bivo, a naturally much bigger man, came out on top in the WBA light heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas.

The outcome of the unanimous points decision leaves Canelo's dream of moving up in the weight divisions, perhaps taking on some heavyweights to cash in to the tune of millions, in tatters.

Bivol turned out to be too big, too strong and too fast. As a result, former boxer and analyst, Johnny Nelson, argues Canelo should 'stay in his lane'.

It is time now for Canelo to think about his legacy rather than dollar signs. And it is important to remember that he is still the best pound-for-pound fighter at his natural weight.

A good big fighter will always beat a good little fighter and it is clear the light heavyweight division was a step too far for the Mexican.

Canelo has said he wants a rematch, but, if he does, he will need to drastically re-think his approach.

The former undisputed world heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson, had some advice for the Mexican legend, suggesting he get behind his jab, which he seemed to have largely abandoned against Bivol.

While the fellow boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya said: Canelo Alvarez needs to rededicate himself to Boxing. If he wants to beat Dmitry Bivol

"I have Bivol winning 9-3 or 8-4, and it was not close. Bivol totally dominated Canelo, outboxing and wearing him out."

It may be that Canelo has been spending too much time playing golf between training, while his dedication appears to have waned.

In the background, talk has emerged of a possible third fight against Gennady Golovkin, following two earlier explosive battles.

If that does happen, Bivol has shown the path to victory and it is clear Golovkin should move away from single power shots to Bivol-style combinations.

The evidence from last weekend suggests Canelo's counter-punching form breaks down when opponents attack him with sustained combinations.

He shells up and is incapable of countering when attacked like this.

There could be the possibility that a Golovkin fight could take place before the rematch with Bivol. If it does, this would still be a massive fight especially since Canelo is the third highest-paid athlete on the planet. I think fans would love to see that happen.

According to Canelo's promoter, Eddie Hearn: "The Golovkin fight has become bigger now because people give Golovkin a chance to win."

Money is always a motivator and Canelo's earnings are $73 million for 2022 the highest paid fighter.

There is a real chance that he might lose to both Golovkin and Bivol over the next 12 months. However, while that would leave a bloody stain on his legacy, the potential of collecting a total of $100m may soften the blow.