The boxing world eagerly anticipates the colossal showdown between pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez and the formidable Terence Crawford. While this clash promises fireworks, it also reignites discussions about past hypothetical matchups, particularly one involving a “what-if” fighter who once achieved a feat even beyond Canelo’s reach against a mutual adversary.
Canelo Alvarez, with a storied career spanning 67 professional bouts, is deep in preparations for his 68th, a highly anticipated defense of his undisputed super-middleweight crown against Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford in Las Vegas this September. This fight marks a significant challenge for Crawford, who is making a considerable jump of two weight divisions, leading many analysts to believe Canelo’s natural size advantage will be a decisive factor.
However, the mention of “what-ifs” in boxing history inevitably brings up the name of Dmitry Pirog, a Russian pugilist dubbed the ‘Russian Mayweather’ by fans and pundits alike. His career, though relatively short, is etched in boxing history as one of its biggest unfulfilled potentials, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the matchups that never materialized, including a potential clash with Canelo Alvarez.
Dmitry Pirog’s defining moment arrived in 2010 when he stepped into the ring against the then-undefeated Daniel Jacobs. At 16-0, Pirog faced a highly touted Jacobs, who boasted a perfect 20-0 record and was considered a future star. This bout was anticipated to be the toughest test of Pirog’s nascent career, a true acid test of his capabilities on a global stage in boxing.
Yet, what unfolded in the ring defied all expectations. Pirog delivered a stunning performance, systematically dismantling Jacobs before ultimately flattening him in the fifth round to claim the vacant WBO middleweight world title. This decisive victory stood in stark contrast to the later struggles Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin faced against Daniel Jacobs, both of whom were taken the full distance in their respective battles.
Fans remember Dmitry Pirog not just for his singular triumph, but for the tantalizing possibility he represented. The ‘Russian Mayweather’ retired from the sport with an immaculate 20-0 record, including 15 knockout victories, choosing to walk away at the peak of his powers. This early retirement cemented his status as boxing’s preeminent “what-if,” a fighter whose full potential was never truly realized in boxing history.
Though a fight between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Pirog now belongs solely to the realm of fantasy, the mere thought of such a contest continues to fascinate boxing purists. It serves as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the legendary careers that, for various reasons, left fans yearning for more. The potential clash remains one of the greatest fights to have never occurred in the middleweight division in boxing history.
