In 2009 a small buzz began circulating around internet boxing forums after Oscar De La Hoya proclaimed he discovered Mexico’s next big star.
Those lucky enough to witness him in action before he hit boxing’s big time described the fighter as being a power-punching flame-haired brawler that simply goes by the name “Canelo”.
Fast forward to the present and here we are. Boxing’s biggest matchup of the year has finally arrived as Saul Alvarez looks to take the crown from the reigning king of the sport, Floyd Mayweather.
Let’s take a closer look at Saturday’s massive showdown between two undefeated fighters.
Saul Alvarez (42-0-1, 30 KOs)
Watching Alvarez the past couple of years has brought us to the undeniable fact that he is indeed Mayweather’s toughest test to date. Aside from being physically larger and stronger than his opponent, “Canelo” also has youth on his side (he’s only 23-years-old). Although he hasn’t faced a fighter reflective of Mayweather’s caliber, Alvarez has a wealth of experience with 43 fights under his belt.
In order for him to crack the code of his opponent’s now legendary defense Alvarez will have to take a page out of the book of former Mayweather adversary Jose Luis Castillo. In 2002 Castillio found arguably the most success against Mayweather as he used a balanced attack that included body work and a sneaky jab – two things Alvarez also has in his possession. Alvarez will have to do his best to push Mayweather against the ropes and attack the 36-year-old with his double left hook to the body then the head (his mentor Oscar De La Hoya found some success with this strategy against Mayweather also).
Keeping the fight in the middle of the ring will be a huge mistake for Alvarez — Mayweather is the faster and more superior boxer of the two. Pressure is the key.
Floyd Mayweather (44-0, 26 KOs)
His boxing IQ is off the charts. His counter-punching is truly a thing of beauty. His defense is nothing short of remarkable. His reflexes are unmatched. Floyd Mayweather has been boxing’s best for quite sometime and if you didn’t know that now you do.
It’s quite simply what Mayweather has to do to win his 45 consecutive fight — be Floyd Mayweather. Sure he might have to move around the ring more than he has in his previous bouts but there is no doubt that Mayweather edges Alvarez in every category except power. If he can keep his opponent in the center of the ring look for Mayweather to use his sharp jab and blinding straight right hand to snap Alvarez’s head back as often as possible.
We don’t expect Mayweather to “play” on the ropes as he did against Cotto and Guerrero. Alvarez is much more fresh than the aforementioned former Mayweather foes and he hits much harder.
The Bottom Line
According to Bodog, Mayweather (-280) is the obvious favorite over Alvarez (+220) and it’s hard to dispute. Mayweather is clearly the better boxer of the two but the real question is who is the better fighter? That ladies and gentleman is why we tune in.
Who are you picking?
Zachary Hutton is the lead boxing writer and an MMA contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can see what he’s up to at his band’s website myunclethewolf.com or also subscribe on Facebook.
