By Chester Rivers: It seem as though Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is the new “GOLDEN BOY” of boxing. Immediately following Miguel Cotto’s historic victory over WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez last month, Canelo’s name was mentioned as a prospective opponent in May 2015. Alvarez’s name has also been linked to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a rematch. Aren’t we forgetting that Alvarez has a very tough challenge ahead of him this Saturday, July 12, against Esrilandy Lara?
Erislandy Lara could be the fly in everyone’s ointment Saturday night by defeating the brightest rising star in boxing and derailing a lot of big money plans for 2015. Lara is the most dangerous opponent Canelo would have ever faced. Yes, I do realize Canelo has already fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. I said the most dangerous opponent not the most talented. Lara possesses the movement of Mayweather with far greater power that’s what make him more dangerous.
Lara hold all the advantages in the ring over Alvarez. Speed, mobility, experience and power. Lara often fires off with fast sharp combinations from different angles as oppose to Canelo’s more traditional one two. Lara dances around the ring and Canelo have trouble cutting off mobile fighters. Canelo has more fights as a pro but you have to equate Lara’s amateur career as a Cuban national were he was one of the stars of the talented Cuban national team.
When it comes to power let’s revisit the words of the two men who faced them both. Austin Trout said of Lara’s power that he was never hit like that before. Trout fought Lara after his fight with Alvarez. Remember Alfredo Angulo’s comments to Tony Weeks after his fight with Alvarez was stopped? Angulo was heard over a hot mic telling referee Tony Weeks, “tonight you did a bad job I was never hurt. Last time I can understand the stoppage (against Lara) because I was hurt bad but tonight you did a bad job.”
The one advantage that Alvarez holds over Lara is star power. In today’s boxing world that is probably the most essential tool you need. Remember Paulie Malignaggi angry comments after his defeat to Adrien Broner? “The more connected fighter always gets the decision.” I believe win or lose Canelo will get his huge payday in 2015 but on Saturday, July 12, Erislandy Lara will be the fly in Canelo’s ointment.
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