Canelo vs. Trout: When the Dust Settles

By Donald Crisp - 04/19/2013 - Comments

canelo02By Donald Crisp: The match that many of us have been waiting for is upon us.  In just a few hours, Austin Trout will set out to prove two things:  (1) he is the rightful, undisputed King of the 154 lbs division, and (2) Saul “Canelo” Alvarez can be stopped.

Before we discuss the viability of Austin Trout’s objectives, let’s get one thing clear:  no matter who wins or loses, both fighters are worthy opponents.  While this may seem like a lackluster statement, it merits discussion because many seem to think that just because one good fighter loses to another good fighter, the losing fighter must be no-good.  That is not the case here.  Both fighters, win or lose, are top, world-class fighters.  A loss doesn’t eviscerate that accolade.

Can Austin Trout stop Canelo Alvarez?  Yes.

Can Canelo Alvarez stop Austin Trout?  Yes.

Any persistent, nagging opinions to the contrary are simply misguided.

First, let me start with Canelo.  The most overlooked aspect about Canelo is his age: he is 22 years old.  That’s right:  22.  He is 42-0-1.  Let me repeat that:  at the age of only 22 yrs old, he is already 42-0-1.  That must mean he started pretty early, right?  Yes.  In fact, he was only 13 years old when he started boxing.  Just two years later, he won the Junior Mexican National Boxing Championship.  My point is that this kid is a beast.  Anyone who suggests that because he has faced light opposition (which is not exactly true) he is no good is simply uninformed, biased, and/or unreasonable.  This kid is a stud.  Period.

Now let’s turn to Austin Trout.  He is 26-0 at the age of 27.  He has a very expensive amateur career consisting of over 200 fights.  That’s impressive.  His win over Cotto was equally impressive.  In my view, it was a relatively one-sided fight as Trout’s speed, combinations, and power proved to be too much for the seasoned-veteran.

Both are qualified fighters.  Both have been fighting for a long time.  Both will be tested.  But only one will win.  And when the dust settles, I believe that winner will be Canelo Alvarez.  Why?  His chin.  His experience.  His power.  His thirst for vengeance arising out of his brother’s defeat to Trout.  Canelo has more to lose that Trout.  Trout is a fantastic boxer.  But unlike Canelo, he is not a superstar.  In fact, Canelo is a boxing rockstar.  That title comes with certain expectations, and expectations come with pressure.

Canelo will emerge victorious.



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