The Break Down – Canelo vs. Angulo

By Boxing News - 03/06/2014 - Comments

By Rocky Esposito: Before every major fight, I have a routine where I’ll re-watch each of the fighters last few bouts the weeks leading up to Fight Night. (Thank God for DVR). I also give Showtime a ton of credit. In a world were each major cable movie network has easily over 10 channels to choose from, Showtime does a great job by re-airing all of their fights (present ones and past classics) on basically a nightly basis via Showtime Extreme. And with All Access, we Boxing Fans are truly spoiled as we get a real chance to get inside each fighter’s Training Camp.

OKay, first I will start off with the favorite, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (42-1-1). Canelo Alvarez really needs no introduction. He is an extremely talented fighter who possesses a phenomenal combination of both power & speed. Even though he is only a mere 23 years old, he is seasoned well beyond his years. Being on this stage is nothing new for Canelo. One aspect of Canelo’s repertoire that I really like, he does not like getting hit. If you are going to try and pound him, he will come right back at you, with bad attentions. Canelo has power, and has the advantage of speed over Alfredo Angulo.

Now, my concerns with Canelo. First, for a 23 year old, he has a ton of expectations being placed on him. I understand that he embraces it, but after the Mayweather loss, this is a must win for Canelo and his brand. That may seem harsh, and I honestly believe it’s not fair, but that is the simple truth.

Second, Canelo has not fought a (True) 154-pounder with legitimate knockout power in over two years. His last 4 fights. Mayweather, Trout, Josesito Lopez and Mosley. Of those four fighters, only Trout was the true 154 pounder. And, Trout is not a knock out type of fighter. I mentioned earlier that Canelo does not like getting hit, he likes to fire right back. But, with an guy like Angulo and his type of power, he will be playing a very dangerous game if he tries to exchange fire for fire every time he gets hit.

Third, Canelo’s stamina and inexperience of being in a real war, which tie in together. Virgil Hunter correctly pointed out, Canelo does like to take breathers sometimes. If Angulo can hurt Canelo, which is a real possibility, can Canelo continue to press on and win the fight?

Finally, I will assess Alfredo El Perro Angulo (22-3)… Angulo is a very powerful fighter, with a good chin. He can change the course of a fight with a single punch, that is no exaggeration. He also has been fighting true 154 pounders for a while and has a wealth of experience being in real wars. Angulo has been with his Trainer Virgil Hunter for his last three fights, which has lead to a 2-1 record. Since their collaboration, the only lose they have suffered together was their last fight versus the extremely talented Erislandy Lara. While Angulo did lose, he actually surprised most of the Boxing world with his performance. Knocking down Lara is no simple task, he did it twice.

Now, my concerns for Angulo… First, his defense. He keeps his fists/guard way too low for my comfort. He usually has them up just about level to his chin, leaving the better portion of his face totally exposed. He was able to eat Lara’s punches early on, but if he allows Canelo the same openings, it might be a short night. Also, I am concerned for Angulo’s left eye. Has it fully healed? Again, Canelo’s speed and power can open it up early if it has not fully healed, and that can become a major unexpected problem throughout the fight.

My second concern for Angulo is his lack of punching speed. When two hard punchers face off, the tie breaking factor can be very simple to determine, who lands their punch first? Angulo was able to eat 2 or 3 of Lara’s punches to land one of his own. But, can he do the same vs Canelo’s degree of power? That is tuff.

And my third concern for Angulo is how will he handle the pressure of this fight? I have to be completely fair, especially if I brought up the same issue with Canelo. Angulo has a lot of pressure on him also to win this fight. Even though he looked very good in a loss vs Lara, he also looked bad in his win vs Silva. The expectations for him to win might not be there from the masses. Still, Angulo can not afford to look bad and lose this fight.

My final thoughts. I really like both fighters. That is why my concerns for BOTH fighters outweighs their strengths. I can honestly see this fight ending up playing out in a multitude of ways. I would not be surprised if Canelo wins, nor would I be surprised if Angulo wins. This has all the ingredients of being a great fight. Let’s hope it is. God Bless!



Comments are closed.