By Gerardo Granados: The International Boxing Federation (IBF) light middleweight champion Cornelius Bundrage (31-4, 18 KO’s) has never been a big boxing star, he had his time but at 38 years old he does not have too much time left. He has a good record and experience, but is quite small for a light middleweight (5´6” height).
If he is challenged by the young WBC light middleweight champion Saul Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO’s) to a unification fight next September he might be able to obtain a big check by accepting the fight. But to be honest he would not have big chances to defeat Alvarez although if he gets in to the ring in top shape he would still have a chance because he is trained by Emanuel Steward.
With Top Rank out of the equation Golden Boy might be able to reach a good deal with Don King. This may be a fight that could benefit both fighters, Alvarez needs a big name to add to his resume but the big ones are not available for him yet. Miguel Angel Cotto scheduled to fight a faded Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams is scheduled to fight against Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron is scheduled to fight against Carlos Molina, Serhiy Dzinziruk has just lost to Sergio Martinez by TKO at 160 pounds and might not be interested to take a risky fight next, the next fighters are top contenders but are not really big names in the division: Alfredo Angulo is still fixing his migratory issues and Vanes Martirosyan might have to wait until Alvarez will be forced to defend his title against the number one contender.
The name of Ricardo Mayorga was mentioned by Alvarez trainer as a possibility but it was the same Mayorga who challenged Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. instead of taking interest in Canelo. So if Alvarez can not get a big name why not get a major title belt? The IBF light middleweight belt could bring prestige and credibility to the young champion if he is able to conquer it and add it to his WBC belt. Recently Alvarez trainer mentioned Alfonso Gomez as a candidate to fight against Canelo but it would definitely be a step down for the young champion.
Cornelius Bundrage has just defeat Sechew Powell in their rematch winning by UD12. If he gets a fight against Alvarez he would put himself in a win – win situation, he could obtain a good payday, if he loss then he was supposed to do so, if he loss but puts up a great effort giving fans an exciting fight he might end up getting more profitable fights, and if he wins well it would be simply awesome and he would end up in line to fight against some of the big names and big purses too. This fight might not sell as well on Pay Per View as a fight of Alvarez vs Cotto, Cintron, Dzinziruk or Williams, but lets not forget that Alvarez is drawing big ratings by his own.
For some this is just speculation but I would prefer to call it lobbying in favor for a fight between these two boxers. Question is, would you watch this fight?
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