By Thomas David Drury: At just 20, Saul Alvarez is not only being tipped for the top. People in the no are predicting greatness, Alvarez looks Irish, acts American and fights Mexican, his appearance has always meant he stands out from the crowd.
When you turn professional in Mexico you are one of many, whether you are 15 years old or not, they call him “El Canelo” Spanish for cinnamon, a nickname that’s been with him since he was 13 years old. The jet black hair of Barrera, Chavez snr, Morales is nowhere to be found on Alvarez, soon after turning pro it was his fighting prowess that came to the forefront not his unusual Hispanic looks.
There is a buzz surrounding Alvarez. There are a lot of believers out there and the composed 20 year old is being backed to the hilt. His exciting style, fierce high-tempo punching and classic body work have magnetized his following. His popularity in Mexico is astonishing, some say surpassing Oscar De La Hoya, this is an astonishing feat for such a young fighter. While the spotlights are shining brightly on Alvarez he is yet to pit his potential against the skills of the elite.
Alvarez’s composure is one of an old head and he seems to not take himself too seriously. Many out there believe Alvarez could be the one to end Manny Paquiao’s reign of terror the only issue is making weight.
Although Alvarez hasn’t fought the best its clear to see he is a thinker inside the ring and possesses good ring generalship. But it is the passion for crowd-pleasing violence that endears him to his fans, few have caught the eye as much as the right hand-left hook that astonishingly knocked granite-chinned Argentine Carlos Baldomir flat on his face.
Alvarez at 20 years old is still physically growing so match-ups at welter-weight may soon be out of reach, Miguel Cotto, Sergei Dzinziruk, Paul Williams, Kelly Pavlik, Sergio Martinez may all be on “El Canelo’s radar soon enough.
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