This Saturday night in the desert hub of Las Vegas, Nevada, Young Mexican star Saul Alvarez takes on Boxings biggest name, Floyd Mayweather jr.
In an intriguing match up between the younger, stronger, bigger Alvarez and Mayweather, the man many scribes refer to as an ‘ATG’, we have a classic case of student against the old master.
“Canelo” Avarez at the tender age of just 23 has amassed a respectable record of 42 wins from 43 fights with no losses and 1 draw. He is the pride of Mexico, and with talk of this Saturday’s fight possibly breaking the all time ‘PPV’ record, ( Back in 2007, Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya in what became the biggest gate, PPV buys, and PPV revenue fight of all-time ) it’s easy to understand the surging popularity surrounding the young champion.
Mayweather at 36 years of age, is yet to show any signs of slowing down, in his last fight against genuine contender Robert Guerrero, he looked as good as ever in totally dominating his younger opponent from the centre of the ring whilst catching him with blistering right hands most of the night. (so many he needed an X-ray post fight for suspected broken bones in his hand)
With fight night nearing by the hour, the fizz of anticipation amongst the boxing fraternity is nearing its peak, and the pre fight predictions have swung left and right depending on who you talk to. The majority of fans are favouring a Mayweather win and this of course is where the smart money lays, but today I caught up with some boxing people to compare the views from the guys who know best, and ask the question, “Who wins?”
Jamie Moore:
“I think although Mayweather has slowed down a slight bit, and was pushed harder than most thought he would be against Cotto, I still think he’ll be too fast and too evasive for Canelo, who I feel will have success, in parts, but that overall Mayweather will outbox him and not allow himself to be drawn into a physical fight, which I feel will be Alvarez’s best chance of victory”
Lee Selby:
“I think the fight will be highly competitive, in the early stages then I think Mayweather’s class will start to show, as the fight progresses. I can see Canelo tiring and being out-boxed. Mayweather win for me”
Dean Byrne:
“I think it will be a great fight; edge of your seat stuff. Mayweather will be too smart for him and experience will be a key factor, Canelo is not ready for Mayweather just yet. He will give him a good fight as he’s strong and younger but his ‘0’ will ultimately go. “TMT”!”
Louis J Marciano:
“More than any other champion Floyd has perfected the “not to lose style” so you can’t out box him and you can’t slug him outta there with one to three punch combinations.
The only style that would have a chance against him would be a high volume output swarmer, who could sustain a relentless body and head attack throughout the full 12 rounds…
Canelo needs to sit down on his shots to be effective….. I don’t see “Money” letting him sit down….
“Money” holds on and shoulder rolls neutralising Canelo’s ample power while scoring with combinations, in spurts and spots, on way to a lackluster decision….however fans and sports writers alike are once again disappointed because more than winning Floyd manages not to lose….”
Jane Couch MBE:
“Short and sweet but Mayweather – all day long! Far too experienced!”
Dave Coldwell:
“I’ve seen Alvarez up close and personal, when I had Ryan Rhodes, he’s a very, very good fighter, intelligent fighter. He has great ringcraft and great shot selection. He plays the percentage game where he doesn’t really let his hands go unless he’s going to land, but I’m not sure he has the work rate or the high pace that’s required to beat Mayweather. To stand any chance with Floyd you need to set a pace and keep it going and so far in Canelo’s career like I said he’s more a percentages guy, going away from Mayweather’s last fight his legs seemed to be slowing down a bit and he was planting them more which lead to him exchanging more but going back, with his dad, for the Guerrero fight his legs looked fantastic and he looked as good as ever! If Floyd comes to fight in that sort of shape – I can’t see how Alvarez ‘bears’ him but saying that, anything less like the Mayweather who fought Cotto and Mosley; I wouldn’t be shocked to see Alvarez pull it off. Could go either way but like I said if Floyd comes to fight in the form he did last time there is only one winner.”
Billy Morgan:
“I think it will be a Mayweather unanimous points decision, I like Alvarez but Mayweathers just got everything – he’s one of a kind. Alvarez for me starts the rounds too slow and that sort of game-plan won’t work with Mayweather, Floyd will take the early parts and when Alvarez comes on, in the last minute, it will be too late as Mayweather is just too slick. Mayweather wins it.”
Goerge Groves:
“I’m actually going to pick Canelo. I’ve a feeling this is a fight Mayweather didn’t particularly want and in Alvarez a big strong, young, hungry guy; Mayweather may have gotten it wrong this time. It’s about timing and I think Alvarez is getting this at the right moment, not predicting how he wins but I think he’ll get it one way or another.”
