Per odds released by Bovada immediately after their first rematch in September 2018, Canelo would start at
-130 favorite. Hence, a successful $130 bet on the Mexican would net $100. Golovkin, the slight underdog, comes in around
-105.
If the early odds hold, Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin would likely be the underdog for the first time in his career should he face his Mexican rival a third time.
So, what's going on?
The odds are well-placed because it seems GGG can't win a decision against Canelo. Unless GGG knocks out his defensively savvy foe or scores several knockdowns, it's difficult to see Golovkin winning.
Secondly, Canelo performed better in the rematch, leaving many to believe he's getting better while the 37 year old Golovkin is slipping a bit. (That's not written in stone but boxing history tells us the A-side fighter
almost always gets the benefit of the doubt in close rounds and fights)
Also,, because Canelo will enter their third fight as champion and, perhaps, an even stronger A-side than in their first two meetings, he will likely get the benefit of the doubt in close, hard-to-score rounds
And lastly, whether fair or unfair, there was another element that worked in Canelo's favor - Style.
Throughout most of the fight,
Canelo Alvarez simply looked like the stronger, fresher fighter and his style of fighting was "sexier" than Golovkin who, despite his effectiveness, was more workmanlike and less aesthetically pleasing.
The great George Foreman once compared judging fights to beauty contests. And, believe it or not, there are some similarities.
Canelo, even when missing, looked to be breathing fire while Golovkin sometimes appeared to be punching back just to keep the aggressive Alvarez at bay. Yes, Golovkin was landing well and may have deserved to win the fight, but appeared to lose in the "presentation" aspect.
Even if you believe GGG is unofficially 2-0 versus Canelo, it should be easy to understand why Canelo is the early favorite for Canelo vs GGG 3. That stated, betting against Golovkin is always a risky endeavor.