By Al Gonzalez: All I want for Christmas is to find out who Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be fighting next. Well, as most boxing fans already know there are two names floating around already, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and the pride and joy of most Mexican boxing fans Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
So I’d like to take a moment to discuss these two potential Floyd fights.
ROBERT GUERRERO – In my opinion I believe this will be Floyd’s choice for his proposed ring return in May. Does Guerrero deserve the shot? About a year or so ago I would’ve definitely said “NO” – but based on this recent performances, I’m all for it.
And after watching Guerrero’s gutsy and tough outing against Andre Berto, Floyd might actually be thinking twice about whether or not to fight Guerrero next. We know Guerrero can box and as we all saw against Berto, he can definitely brawl too.
But, the jury is still out on his punching power. Although he knocked Berto down twice in their fight – he couldn’t finish him, and many still seem to believe that Guerrero truly does not pack a solid Welterweight or “Super Welterweight” punch.
Here’s the reason I even bothered to mention “Super Welterweight” in my last sentence… Floyd is always looking for an edge in most of his fights… 3 quick examples being: Marquez had to move up in weight (edge Floyd), the fight against a past his prime Mosley (edge Floyd), a smaller Ricky Hatton (edge Floyd).
So with that being said, Floyd currently holds the Super Welterweight (Jr. Middleweight) title he won from recently beaten (again) Miguel Cotto. So I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Floyd say, “I want the fight against Guerrero at 154lbs” …it wouldn’t shock me.
That would mean that Guerrero would be moving up in weight AGAIN, please remember, this guy was fighting in the “Light Weight” division as recently as April 2011.
So what does that mean? Advantage Floyd!!! More weight on Guerrero would make him slower, and the punching power I (and many) have already questioned would mean… edge Floyd.
With that being said, no matter the weight, I still believe Guerrero will give Floyd a tough fight, I have no doubt about that, but guess who I’ll give the edge to? …Floyd!!!
CANELO ALVAREZ – As a true boxing fan this is definitely a fight that I’d like to see. The experienced undefeated veteran (Floyd) against the younger and up and coming next superstar (?) of boxing… Alvarez.
And since Mr. Manny Pacquiao is out of the pic for Floyd, at least for now, this (outside of the once proposed Pacquiao fight) is the Biggest possible money maker for who? Floyd “MONEY” Mayweather!!!
We know that Floyd loves the “0” on his boxing record, but the one thing that “MONEY-MAY” loves more than that “0” in his lose column is what? $$$MONEY$$$
The money that Floyd could make fighting Alvarez is really a no-brainer, it would do huge money at the live gate and on PPV too. Make the fight Floyd, learn from the Pacquiao situation… and then smile all the way to the bank.
Here’s another thought, if Floyd wanted the edge in this one too, he could even ask Canelo to move down in weight to the Welterweight limit. That would definitely give him another edge on the kid. Remember my friends, Floyd is also the WBC Welterweight champ at the moment, and Floyd always gets what Floyd wants.
Personally, I think Floyd should take this fight in May. Why? Canelo is still a youngster (22) and he’s still learning and perfecting his craft. Floyd is much wiser, Floyd is a much better boxer, and Floyd defense is excellent.
Some would say, if Cotto gave Floyd problems, Canelo would make it even tougher on Floyd – this could be true, but again, Canelo is a young buck, Floyd is a seasoned, slick and super smart in the ring, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Floyd confuse and frustrate the young Alvarez all night, when they eventually fight.
I really like Alvarez, but I truly feel that he has not been truly tested against a serious contender or against a TOP quality fighter. There are still many questions that Canelo can only answer in the ring – against the best.
Yes, he has called out and wanted to fight some of the best, but it still hasn’t happened. Floyd on the other hand (love him or hate him) has proven that he truly is one of the all-time pound for pound best.
Canelo to a certain degree is still questionable and susceptible.
Does anyone besides me remember when Canelo got ROCKED and almost knocked out by Miguel Cotto’s brother, back in 2010? If not, check that tape, I’m sure Floyd and his people have. Obviously Canelo has gotten better since then, but his defense is still suspect and he still gets hit more than he should. I can hear Lamps saying already… “What an amazing Check-Hook by Floyd to the jaw of Canelo” …uhh-ooh!!!
Before Floyd gets any older and any slower, my suggestion to Floyd is, get in the ring with this kid now, make that BIG money, gain even more boxing respect and prove the people why you believe you are the greatest fighter alive.
Oh yeah, if the kid gives you a good fight, it only means more money for an eventual rematch down the line, it’s a win-win situation, once again…
edge Floyd!!!
Can’t wait to see how it all plays out, I guess we’ll all find out soon.
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