By Elton Jackson: When facing a fighter like Floyd Mayweather Jr. one must be able to cut the ring off and have the ability to fight while moving laterally and backwards. Many casual boxing fans criticize Floyd for his ability to move around the ring and for his great defensive skills; yet there have been 44 fighters that knew this about him and could nothing about it.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a very fundamental fighter with good footwork and brute strength; but, does he have what it takes to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr? Canelo may have a chance if Floyd decided to fight in the pocket in the early rounds because of his punching power.
It’s possible we may see a repeat of the Shame Mosley fight; however, I do not believe Floyd will start out fighting in the pocket. Floyd will work the outside where he will break down and frustrate Canelo causing him to tire and attempt to swing harder, where he will exert more energy. By the 5th or 6th round Mayweather will be fighting in the pocket but remaining defensive as usual.
If Canelo wants to win this fight he needs to make Mayweather come to him and be ready to counter when attacked. Canelo should stand in the center of the ring and force Mayweather to press the attack, so he can try to counter punch Mayweather.
Most fighters want to pressure Floyd and throw lots of punches, but all who have tried have failed…. Badly may I add. Floyd is a great counter puncher and it may take one to beat one. The unfortunate problem with this situation is Canelo’s speed. Floyd is a much faster fighter than Canelo, and Floyd’s strength is apparent. While you read this article, think of all the fighters who became reluctance to engage Floyd after receiving multiple accurate punches to the head and body.
If Canelo is unable to take the abuse that Mayweather hands out, cut off the rings when Mayweather moves, gain an advantage in the counter punching department, land accurate punches, dodge punches as Mayweather does, fight while on the move as Mayweather does, and have the conditioning that Mayweather does. Canelo will not win this fight.
Canelo must become a boxing master by September or he will become another Mayweather casualty. Will this fight have its great moments? Yes! Again, Canelo is no push over but he needs to train like he has never trained for a fight before! If it’s not clear to you; I’m going with “Money May All Day,” we will not see another fighter like him for some time! So, lets enjoy these last 5 fights ! What do you think Canelo should bring to the fight to have a chance?
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