By B.G.B: Michael Koncz, adviser for Manny Pacquiao recently suggested that a fight between his client and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez could and is likely take place at some point in the future. The popularity of both fighters is undeniable both within their home countries and across the globe. The fight would likely generate huge paydays for both fighters and bring in significant PPV numbers. These are positive factors that indeed highlight the potential this fight has in economic terms.
Unfortunately these economic terms are now more relevant than ever when it comes to match making. Simply put, if you take away the economic incentive of this fight what are you left with? A middleweight (as Alvarez SHOULD be. NOT a Welterweight) against a welterweight (Preferably Jr). The fight makes no sense in relation to the actual fighters. Pacquiao should not be looking to fight Alvarez and Alvarez should not be looking to fight Pacquiao.
Let’s assess both fighters’ recent victories. Manny Pacquiao is coming off an exceptional win against previously undefeated champion Tim Bradley, a man who defeated Manny in 2012 albeit controversially. Since then Manny has been knocked out cold by nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez but has bounced back impressively beating Brandon Rios and as mentioned above Bradley in a rematch. Manny showed good ring craft and experienced boxing skills to defeat both Bradley and Rios and it cannot be denied that although he still looks exceptional, shadows or his relentless style are indeed fading ever so slightly. However it is credit to his mental focus and conditioning that he has made a successful recovery from that devastating one punch KO in the Marquez fight. I say devastating because it was nothing other than devastating. For that fight Manny weighed in at a weight of 147 pounds whereas Marquez weighed in lighter at 143. Despite weighing heavier come fight night, a smaller fighter was almost able to end Manny’s career and seriously damage his health with one punch.
Saul Alvarez is coming off a 10th round TKO victory against Alfredo Angulo. Alvarez impressed with combinations against a slow, weak looking fighter who seemed like he wasn’t nearly interested enough in beating Alvarez. Alvarez weighed in at 155 pounds, one pound above the required limit for the fight; however the weight was raised to 155 in order for the fight to take place (typical). Alvarez then adds additional weight and has come in 15 to 20 pounds heavier come fight night. Taking that into account is a fight between Pacquiao and Alvarez possible? Unfortunately it is.
Neither fighter will gain anything other than revenue. If Manny somehow pulled off a victory against a 165-175 pound Alvarez he will receive the same criticism that he has been subject to previously because there is no way this fight can happen without a catch weight. The victory will be recognized as insignificant against a weight drained Alvarez that was not at his full strength. If Alvarez defeated Manny then he will be subject to similar criticism; beating up a smaller fighter that was unable to impose himself on the much bigger opponent. The promoters win, the fighters lose. Floyd Mayweather defeated a strong, bigger, undefeated fighter in Alvarez because Floyd Mayweather is a rare breed. His frame and style allows him to compete against bigger opponents as well as fighters like Manny. The potential match between the pair shows similarities to the Marquez Mayweather fight. Marquez is a truly magnificent technical boxer with power yet when matched against Mayweather he was totally dominated throughout. The fight will not be remembered in relation to either fighter’s legacy as the match should not have been made. This is the case with Pacquiao Alvarez. I may stand alone but I am fully against this fight ever happening. This fight is purely about money. Say Manny wins; surely he will have to compete at that weight class against other fighters and defend his title. Can you imagine a Pacqiuao Lara fight? Of course not! Then why is Alvarez Pacquiao even being mentioned? Greedy promoters will soon begin their reasoning for why this fight is a huge fight, when in reality both fighters have nothing to gain other than a nice fat check to go with their already made millions of Dollars. Put the money aside, we want genuine match ups the first being Mayweather v Pacquiao!
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