EDIN DZEKO WAS in terrific form for Roma during their Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen midweek, scoring one and brilliantly setting up Mohamed Salah too.
After a difficult start to his debut campaign for the Serie A side, he’s beginning to find his feet and during Sunday’s Rome derby, he scored again as his side beat Lazio 2-0.
Without a number of key players like Dzeko’s compatriot Miralem Pjanic and Daniele de Rossi, Roma were in front after ten minutes in controversial fashion.
The Bosnian attacker was brought down just outside the area but the referee pointed to the spot and Dzeko dispatched to the net.
They had to wait for an insurance goal but they eventually found one after 63 minutes when former Arsenal player Gervinho beat Federico Marchetti at his near post.
The win moves Roma to withing a point of current league leaders Inter Milan.
I watched it without sound so had no dazn commentary in my ear, bivol schooled canelo, the 2 point decision should have been closer to an 8-4 or 9-3. Canelo landed a few uppercuts early but that was it. But the right man definitely won. I don’t see canelo winning a rematch either. The weight is a step too far I think.
@Paddy: To be fair, DAZN gave Bivol credit and even said that the scorecards seemed close after the fight.
@Edmund Spencer: I’m glad the broadcaster called it right, they can often influence the conversation after the fight depending on how their opinions. Sound off suited me for 2 reasons, see the fight for what it is and doesn’t wake up little people :)
All 3 judges had Canelo 4-0 up after 4 rounds. Bivol had everything against him (it was at worst 2-2 after 4) and still managed to win a decision, albeit with criminally close scorecards. A great win for a very humble and likeable champion. I hope he does the same in a rematch.
I think this maybe shows the kovalev win was a bit of a fluke. Kovalev was 37 and well past his best and only 2 months on from his fight with Yarde. LHW is maybe just a level too far for him
@Phil Redmond: Canelo can still be a force at light heavyweight, he just can’t dominate it like he did at super middle. Also, Bivol and Beterbiev are a cut above the people he was fighting at 168, as well as being bigger.
@Phil Redmond: kovalev was slightly passed his best but the 185lb rehydration clause was a big factor. He was weak and weight drained
Good fight. Bivol got a lot of credit for tapping jab into Canelo’s gloves early. I had it even after 8 and even after 10. Bivol won last 2 easily enough.
Canelo looked sluggish throughout and his head movement was a little off,I’d not be surprised if he was carrying injury.
Read earlier in year Canelo had switched to vegan diet before this fight. He was so sluggish towards end I doubt he stays vegan for rematch.
For all the complaining about Canelo, here is guy with over 60 fights and fights 3/4 times a year, fights big names, clears divisions,steps up and down in weight for challenges. Boxing fans should be delighted to have him as I can’t think of anyone in boxing giving the same level of entertainment.
Delighted
@Fergus O’Connor: surely he’ll just increase his steak dosage?
Bivol’s a shrewd boxer, whereas Canelo’s more of a fighter/brawler. Totally out boxed him
@Daithí O’ Donnabhain: stuck to his game plan and remained composed , got in and out picking off his shots, nothing canelo could do when his power wasn’t making a dent or slowing down bivol
He may change his meat supplier