Eddy Reynoso, head trainer of Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez experienced a “teeth gritting, fist clenching” moment when his fighter was accused of fighting and winning a “fixed” fight against Kovalev.
The said match took place earlier this month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Thanks to the lethargic show Kovalev put on during the fight, Canelo managed to move up by two weight divisions and captured the WBO light heavyweight title with an eleventh round knockout.
Video of post-fight Kovalev has gone viral in which he made several controversial statements about losing to Canelo.
Kovalev 36, blamed his defeat at being physically exhausted from back to back training camps. Kovalev defeated Anthony Yarde in a physically punishing match in August, and started training camp soon after to prepare for Canelo in November.
Kovalev further admitted that he doubted he was ready for Canelo, but went ahead anyways since it brought with it a very lucrative payday. Kovalev reportedly was paid a $12 million guarantee.
Soon after Kovalev made such statements, rumors started making the rounds that- Canelo’s handlers paid Kovalev to take a dive or that Kovalev had little or no motivation to win even before the fight began.
Which naturally merits a furious response from Reynoso-
“First of all, I want to clarify, as a coach and manager of Saul, that we do not dehydrate anyone or fix or buy fights or opponents. We have always adapted to the terms of the opponents and even with (Floyd) Mayweather we accepted his agreed upon weight of 152 pounds, It seems that there are dark intentions to discredit our fighter and more than anything, try to minimize his achievements. As true fans and as Mexicans, we should be proud that at this time the best fighter is Mexican.”
