By Vitali Shaposhnikov: According to a new report by Fightnews.com, a current 20 year old freckle-faced worldwide boxing sensation Saul ‘Canelo” Alvarez (35-0-1) is aiming at Manny Pacquiao’s (52-3-2) 154lbs belt. (http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/canelo-wants-pacmans-154lb-belt-75083).
Alvarez is not only making a name for himself in boxing, but is also securing himself as ‘the’ Mexican fighter of the future. Despite the fact that any sport including boxing has no shortage of aggressive critics, who could argue with that? His record speaks for itself, his on-screen charm and comfort level is clearly evident, and his businessman-like approach has been a huge success. Alvarez is not only a partner in numerous Mexican boxing promotions, but is also looking to start his own sometime in the near future. At his age, all this is a terrific achievement.
Maybe I forgot to mention, but Saul Alvarez can also fight. Don Chargin, a very known and respectable promoter had the following to say: “”If there’s no hiccups along the way and he does things the right way, this kid, believe me, in a year’s time, is going to be the biggest thing that ever came out of Mexico” – ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=5962041)
There are a few things that Alvarez needs to improve. His movement is barely fair. Standing and looking for a shot will land him in deep waters against fighters with lateral motion and ability to fire from different angles. His reflexes are lacking as well, as can be seen in his fight against Jose Cotto (31-1-1).
With him being so young, there is definitely more than enough time to improve. Nevertheless, I think that before we can say anything about Alvarez, before we put him in front of someone who is clearly head and shoulders above him, Alvarez needs a good test. I say let’s see how he does against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (42-0-1). Both fighters are pushing the clock, trying to get to the very top of the ladder as fast as possible.
Is there a motive behind Alvarez jumping at Pacquiao’s 154lbs WBC belt? Is he trying to say something about his ability to fight and beat the same men that Pacquiao had recently conquered? Alvarez thinks he has figured out Pacquiao and what needs to be done to beat him:)
I am glad that Alvarez is trying to move forward and make a name for himself. I also give him all the credit in the world for being a great businessman at his age. He has taken the media by surprise, and the fans followed right after. Still, I am not quite ready to board the Alvarez bandwagon. Instead, I will wait and see whether this young boxing hope can bring his utopic self to fruition. Aiming too high can sometimes recoil you to the very ground.
Can Alvarez become the next Mexican boxing sensation?