By Eric Johnson: On September 14, 2013 two undefeated champions will meet in the square circle. One a 17 year pro with accolades that most fighters could never fathom the thought of containing. The other a promising young champion with a ceiling as high as those in the cathedrals of the Renaissance Era.
One is a proven war veteran, capable of using his mind to adjust to the many challenges that the battlefield brings, the other a skilled Private with firepower to balance out any shortcomings he may have and any unforeseen obstacles that may appear. They will meet in the coliseum and they will do battle and there are a lot of ways this battle could end.
Mayweather by wide UD: This is the most probable outcome, as I anticipate Mayweather will outclass and outbox Alvarez. If it ends this way then Canelo Alvarez walks away with plenty of experience and his future intact and bright, setting up a potential fight with Erislandry Lara or Miguel Cotto in 2014. Floyd Mayweather will have added yet another impressive victory to his resume leaving no doubt that he is the best boxer in the sport today, silencing critics who claim he doesn’t fight the best competition available. Potentially setting up a fight with Amir Khan, or Lucas Matthysse in 2014.
Probable Key to Victory: Mayweather’s accuracy and evasiveness lead to a one sided victory.
Alvarez by wide UD: Though unlikely, this would be astonishing and potentially legacy damaging. It would give strength to Mayweather’s critics who say that he “cherry picks” opponents. They will say that once he ran into a worthy opponent he was exposed and battered. Alvarez on the other hand will be remembered as the first man to put a mark on Mayweather’s flawless record, sky rocketing him to a top five position in the Pound For Pound rankings, seeing as he not only won the bout, but did so in dominating fashion. The two would meet up for a rematch on Cinco De Mayo weekend 2014 in one of the most anticipating rematches in modern boxing history. It will also be the first time fans and critics would get to see how Floyd Mayweather responds to a loss.
Keys to Victory: Mayweather is unable to get Alvarez to respect his power, thus Alvarez imposes his size and mass all night, pressuring Mayweather with crisp shots until the 12th round.
Mayweather by close SD: Depending on how Alvarez performs this could be a likely scenario. It would raise a lot of questions and concerns. It would also point to a possible rematch to settle all doubt, a la Mayweather-Castillo. It would also only become the second split decision victory on Mayweather’s resume that consists of 44 victories with 26 Knockouts, four RTDS, 15 Unanimous Decisions and one split decision. The only one being the 2007 super fight he and Oscar De La Hoya took part in. It would be controversial and debated, but celebrated and accepted, seeing Money in a competitive fight.
Keys to Victory: Mayweather and Alvarez engage in a competitive fight until the championship rounds. When they arrive Alvarez’ poor stamina causes him to gas out, Money capitalizes and closes out in emphatic fashion, winning the match.
Alvarez by close SD: This would be highly controversial, and a very lucrative rematch would take place. This would be more interesting than if Alvarez won by UD, because it leaves a lot more unanswered questions and thoughts. There will be people who say Alvarez deserved it, and there will be people who say Mayweather was robbed, but all would want to see a rematch. That is a fact.
Keys to victory: Alvarez scores a surprising late knockdown in the 11th or 12th round, sending the undefeated Mayweather to the canvas for the first time in his career. Moving the needle in his favor, thus winning the fight on points.
Mayweather by KO: This would do wonders for Mayweather’s legacy. All would remember it, and many of his distractors would laud him for it. He will have knocked out a young undefeated fighter to which he gave up 13 years and 20+ pounds to. Most, if not all of his critics will be silenced, and those who aren’t will never be. I don’t believe a rematch would be needed, but I do believe it would take place, as fans would want to see the young champion redeem himself.
Keys to victory: Mayweather lands a crushing right hand counter punch while being cornered by the larger Alvarez. A punch he would not see coming, and a count he would see reach its peak.
Alvarez by KO: This would be a shock to the boxing world as we know it. A loss is one thing, and a knockout loss is another. Both would be huge upsets but the knockout would be the biggest upset in the history of boxing. Equal, if not bigger than the Tyson-Douglas upset. An immediate rematch would be in the works, with everyone waiting to see how Mayweather responds to his first loss, especially being that it was a knockout.
Keys to victory: Alvarez lands a thunderous right hook that sends Mayweather to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. He fails to make the count, while the audience is stunned beyond all standards.
No matter the outcome this fight will be one to remember. There are so many storylines and scenarios that can and will affect the legacies and futures of both fighters for years to come. Mayweather can silence his critics with a win, and Canelo can give them more fuel with a win. Mayweather would have beaten Goliath, and Canelo would prove that sometimes little bank can actually take big bank. Tune in September 14th for the fight on SHOWTIME PPV. Which outcome do you think will happen and why? I have Mayweather by UD, and you?
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