In previous encounters against Gennadiy Golovkin in 2017 and 2018, the betting world viewed Canelo Alvarez as a slight underdog. However, with nearly a half decade passing by since they last shared the ring against one another, oddsmakers have shifted their line of thinking.

Officially, the Mexican star has been pegged as the slight favorite heading into their September 17th, showdown. Although Tim Bradley isn’t exactly a betting man, he’s incredulous to how close the betting odds actually are. While he respects Golovkin and everything he brings to the table, at this point in his career, Bradley simply isn't convinced that he can be competitive with his much younger and skilled opponent.

“Canelo is gonna beat the brakes off GGG,” said a blunt Bradley to a group of reporters recently. “Canelo coming hungry bro.”

Since suffering the first defeat of his career against Floyd Mayweather nearly a decade ago, Alvarez was seemingly on top of the boxing world. With countless wins spread across numerous weight classes, Alvarez had permanently planted his flag, at least in the eyes of many, as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Nonetheless, following his recent defeat to Dmitry Bivol just a few short months ago, Alvarez was apoplectic by the unexpected outcome. In an attempt to prove that his shortcomings against Bivol were nothing more than an anomaly, Alvarez has been spotted working tirelessly on his craft, something Bradley has taken notice of.

Considering the magnitude of his upcoming bout against Golovkin, Bradley is of the belief that Alvarez’s lofty standing amongst boxing’s elite, could be in the balance.

“He working his tail off, he can’t afford another loss,” continued Bradley. “Two back-to-back losses? His stock will definitely plummet.”

Golovkin, 40, is anxious to push Alvarez further down boxing’s totem pole. Originally, in September of 2017, the Kazakhstan star grinned widely following 12 hard-fought rounds against Alvarez. Although the Mexican native made things relatively uncomfortable for Golovkin, many believed that he had done more than enough to secure the victory.  

Ultimately, however, Golovkin was left dumbfounded as he was forced to settle for a majority decision draw. In their immediate rematch one year later, Golovkin once again rose his arms in triumph, only to be left disappointed as Alvarez was handed a majority decision victory.

Since suffering what he categorizes as unjustly decisions, Golovkin has reeled off four consecutive victories. Earlier this year, Golovkin would celebrate his 40th birthday with a knockout win over former Olympic gold medalist, Ryota Murata.

Still, despite Golovkin continuing to rack up the victories, Bradley is under the assumption that he’s slowed down considerably. In the end, while the former two-division world titlist expects Golovkin to be durable, rough, and rugged, he believes that Alvarez will eventually find the fight ending blow before the sound of the final bell.

“I think he will be tough if he gets past the first four rounds. He gotta get past those first four rounds. Canelo is going to come out I believe hot, fast, and he’s gonna pour those combinations on him. I think he’s gonna break his ass down to the body. I’m saying Canelo stoppage late, or a straight up beatdown for 12 rounds.”