Saúl Álvarez vs. Cotto, Margarito, Mosley or Mayorga

By Boxing News - 12/20/2011 - Comments

Image: Saúl Álvarez vs. Cotto, Margarito, Mosley or MayorgaBy Tommy Graves: When considering Saúl Álvarez, the phrase ‘don’t believe the hype’ comes into mind but as I am an open minded person and would like to think I could neutrally and fairly analyze a boxer.

It is easy to see ‘El Canelo’ is naturally talented and has great potential but studying his professional record of 40 fights 39 wins (29 via KO) and only a draw shows at 21 years of age very slow work is in progress. Although yes barely even a full grown man, some would say he is young so why not continue as he is doing so and then gradually progress in boxing as he gets older but considering Álvarez has already captured a ‘real’ world title, The WBC light middleweight belt which has been around the waist of several greats such as Thomas Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jnr, surely the young red headed Mexican should be mixing it with the level of competition which world title contention exists for.

No doubt Álvarez has fought some strong opposition but no-one who could really test him, the names on his professional record demonstrates the level of a talented prospect which is what he is, but as he is an official world champion who has defended his crown three times, I hope for his career’s sake and boxing that Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions steps his competition up a notch.

In previous fights you have seen Álvarez overcome some hard men like Baldomir, Rhodes and Lovemore N’dou but for the next stage in his career I propose that he faces one of the following four world class veterans boxers; Cotto, Margarito, Mayorga or Mosley.

A clash with Cotto would be the most attractive match-up.

Cotto looked sharp and hungry in his recent Victory over Margarito and holds the WBA (Super) light middleweight title.
Both Cotto and Álvarez are boxers and like to tear it up during their bouts, their styles would mould nicely and would create an interesting battle mixing pure boxing talent with toughness.

Although losing to Cotto, ‘El Tornado de Tijuana’ is a one of a kind warrior always coming forward and never fails to put up a fight, versus Álvarez a class all Mexican slugfest could occur. Margarito, still looks and trains himself into great condition, his mental ferocity could force Saúl into the fight of his life.

Some people criticise Mayorga for his boxing skill level, which I cannot defend, but you cannot deny his attitude and character sells tickets and makes for a good scrap, never has the Nicaraguan been in a dull fight. Nearing forty years of age, Mayorga produced an exciting performance against Cotto although losing. A match up versus Álvarez could be a great pay-per view event. Some may also argue Mayorga is not world class, I would disagree, although not world class skilled he has mixed it with some of the elite; Cotto, Vargas, Trinidad, Forrest and De La Hoya.

Last but not least Sugar Shane Mosley, although disappointing in his last few fights, it’s overstated but styles make fights and at light-middleweight, Mosley’s experience, speed and power could cause the young Mexican some problems. Of course Mosley is forty years old but he himself has expressed interest in continuing to box and why not
for a chance for another world title.

Either of the four against Saúl Álvarez would prove to be a great fight, I’m sure it won’t be long until we find out who is the next opponent, could it be
Cotto, Margarito, Mayorga or Mosley?



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