Back in September of 2013, when he was an undefeated fighter, some people were willing to give Mexican superstar Saul Alvarez a shot at becoming the first man to defeat global superstar Floyd Mayweather Junior. Instead, Canelo was comprehensively outboxed, to the point where a few experts said it looked as though the demoralised fighter was even thinking about pulling a “no mas” and quitting.
Alvarez made it through the full 12-rounds of schooling (even, somehow, getting a draw on one of the three judges’ cards!) but he was a thoroughly beaten, and very tired, man. But now, having picked up further experience and having matured into a serious talent capable of beating excellent fighters such as Miguel Cotto and Erislandy Lara, Canelo wants a second go at solving the Mayweather puzzle.
Speaking with Seen Sport Magazine, the 26-year-old who has won five fights on the bounce since losing his unbeaten record to “Money,” says he feels he now has the combination of experience, skill and power to defeat Mayweather in a rematch. Canelo also says he thinks fight fans would enjoy seeing a sequel.
“Fighting Floyd Mayweather was definitely a learning experience, I have no regrets,” Alvarez told the publication. “I have grown so much from that experience and I feel like a stronger and more skilled fighter. I have since then faced fighters with similar styles [to Mayweather] and have been able to adjust. I’m very open to a rematch, I think fans would really enjoy watching it again. And this time I feel like I would be the better fighter, I have the power and skill to face him.”
It is possible Canelo, 47-1-1(33) has improved in the three years since he lost to Mayweather, and with Floyd being close to age 40 now, maybe Canelo would have a better chance in a return; especially if it took place at a full 154-pounds and not the catch-weight 152 the 2013 bout was contested at. But is there any chance a return fight will happen? Anything’s possible, and Mayweather has many fans convinced he WILL return for a 50th fight. And Floyd would perhaps feel that as he has beaten Canelo once, he would do so again, even at age 40.
It would be a huge fight, that’s for sure; arguably the biggest fight Canelo could sign up for other than one with that guy with three identical initials. And if Alvarez did face Mayweather again, his critics would perhaps cut him a little slack for not yet facing the world middleweight king. If Canelo were to pull it off and avenge his loss to the 49-0 master – and yes, it is a big if – the Mexican star would be an absolutely enormous player in the sport; way bigger than he is already.
