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What’s Next for Avni Yildirim?

Published 02/28/2021, 8:00 AM EST

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‘Mr. Robot’ Avni Yildirim succumbed to one of his most dreadful career losses against Canelo Alvarez. It was just his third professional defeat, but it has certainly left a huge stain on his boxing resume. Yildirim, a true underdog in this fight, had every chance in this world to take the combat sports fraternity by storm. However, he lacked intent and the hunger to claim that win.

Right from the first bell, the Turk rarely threw any punches and went into an abrupt defensive mode. On the flip side, Alvarez landed bombs and magnificent uppercuts.

The fight was done in the third round itself when Canelo dropped his opponent with a powerful shot. He ate several big hits from the veteran, but failed to respond in kind.

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According to Compubox, ‘Mr. Robot’ landed just a single shot in round 1. He landed just 6 and 4 punches in the second and third rounds, respectively. Not only in defense, but Canelo overpowered him in every vertical in this fight and retained his titles.

The 29-year-old fought after 2 years and ring rust was certainly visible in those 9 minutes of the fight. A huge chunk of the fans supported Alvarez, but many even assumed Yildirim would put on a show at the Hard Rock Stadium. More than anyone else, Yildirim may be disappointed with himself for not abiding by the game plan.

Read – McWilliams Arroyo Batters Abraham Rodriguez to Claim the WBC Interim Flyweight Title

Can Avni Yildirim revive his career after this loss?

Yildirim, 29, still has a vast career ahead of him. Despite suffering a loss in the biggest fight of his life, ‘Mr. Robot’ still has a long way to go. He can only put his career back on track if he rediscovers his old hunger to win and reaches the summit of the 168-pound division.

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That said, Yildirim should root for constant fights from hereon to maintain an active run in the division and shake off the ring rust. Given the fact that he fell in a title bout, he can have a considerable number of opponents line up for the chance to box against him.

A bout against the upcoming star of the division, Alexis Espino, or a veteran in form of Caleb Truax, might help him push ahead and stay relevant. In fact, a rematch with Anthony Dirrell would be the ideal fight for the Turkish boxer, as he has some unfinished business with him.

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For now, he will have to dig in real deep and immerse himself in a gruesome workout regime. It’ll be interesting to see who he gets lined up against next.

Who do you think Avni Yildirim will touch gloves with next and when will that bout take place?

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Written by:

Prathamesh Singh Chauhan

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Prathamesh Singh Chauhan is a Boxing Author at EssentiallySports. He is a graduate from the International Institute of Sports Management who combines his love for sports, particularly combat sports, and his flair for writing and analysis to help him in his day-to-day work. He has prior professional experience with sporting organizations such as Star Sports, Khelo India, and NBA.
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