Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez will add to the rich history of the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry this Saturday night. Canelo is the young lion hungry for a signature victory. Cotto is the vet looking for respect and a chance to add another name to his impressive resume. This sure-fire, two-way matchup will be broadcasted live on HBO PPV at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
The drama surrounding this fight started in the summer during negotiations. Combine that with Cotto’s disagreement with the WBC has casted a shadow on the anticipation during fight week. It’s strange when and why certain fans choose to bring up the sanction bodies. Don’t get me wrong Gennady Golovkin is the one that’s getting screwed in not receiving his step-aside money.
Many boxing fans and even some media members back a certain fighter and completely disrespect a proven fighter. These days everybody thinks there a matchmaker on Twitter. Or has an excuse for their favorite fighters even when their hero is clearly contradicting. For those wondering Canelo can still win the WBC belt and either way the lineal title is at stake.
This scribe has tunnel vision thru all the distractions sucking some of the hype away. Funny thing is come Saturday night regardless of where people stand it’s what will take place inside the ring that will count. If it’s a great action fight people will flip the script and ask for a rematch.
Canelo comes in as a favorite in Las Vegas and if it’s a close fight it’s safe to assume the scorecards will go his way or at least a draw to ensure a rematch. Canelo is the fresh-faced kid that has a strong fan base to take over as the PPV star post Floyd Mayweather.
Cotto is ten years older than Alvarez and past his prime but still has a great opportunity before him. Under the guidance of trainer Freddie Roach Miguel seems rejuvenated and up for the challenge.
Miguel Cotto wants a rematch with Mayweather assuming he wins instead of fighting Golovkin. That’s sucks for Triple G but doesn’t take away the fact that the Puerto Rican native is a shoe-in for the hall of fame.
Cotto has a sturdy jab that bloodied “Money” Mayweather’s nose and it appears those potent left hooks to the body and head are back. Speaking of Mayweather, he was able to back Canelo into the ropes early and often. So did Austin Trout. If Cotto was able to cut the ring in spots versus Mayweather he shouldn’t have a problem doing it to Canelo. Then again, Trout was able to out move and out land on Cotto. It’s hard to know what Cotto has left at the top level because the lack of top-line opponents in the last few years.
Weigh issues have dogged the Alvarez camp once again so maybe he’s finally ready to move on from the recent catchweight of 155 pounds (No matter what Oscar says). The younger fighter shouldn’t be the one to wear down but it won’t be the first time for Canelo if he indeed is troubled from the weight loss.
The middle of the ring belongs to Canelo and it will be up to Cotto to force the action. That’s not to say Miguel should blindly bum-rush Canelo. Applying smart pressure mixed with subtle movements mostly by pivoting is the winning recipe.
The jab will be important and both men know how to utilize it. Canelo will attempt to land flush punches to open up Cotto’s past wounds. Look for him to use his jab to set up his straight right hand and the uppercut will find a home as well.
Boxing fans will ultimately be treated to a great fight. Will the judges lean towards Cotto as the aggressor or will clean punching by Canelo sway them his way? As a live-dog Cotto is worth taking a flyer out on, a bet that could be covered with the over.
My official prediction is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by Majority Decision.
Side Note: Don’t miss Arthur Abraham vs. Martin Murray and Anthony Crolla vs. Darleys Perez. The AWE Network recently picked up both overseas fights and if you’re a hardcore fan you should check both fights out.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of Rope A Dope Radio blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio