Canelo Alvarez: Floyd Mayweather JR & Manny Pacquiao FUTURE – First, Josesito Lopez

By Geno McGahee

The biggest name in boxing, outside of Floyd Mayweather, JR., and Manny Pacquiao is Canelo Alvarez, 40-0-1, 29 KO’s. Alvarez is only 22 years old and is already positioning himself as one of the pound for pound best in the game. He has power and is aggressive and has been drawing comparisons to Julio Cesar Chavez, SR., for his body work. If Pacquiao and Mayweather continue not to fight, he has become a smart alternative…but a dangerous one.

Alvarez has a about with Josesito Lopez, 30-4, 18 KO’s, on September 15th after bouts with Paul Williams and Victor Ortiz fell through. Paul Williams had the terrible motorcycle accident and Ortiz got his jaw broken at the fists of Lopez. There weren’t many other options for Alvarez, and he is facing a potentially dangerous foe.

Lopez has never been knocked out and three of his four losses were either by split or majority decision. His record could have easily been 33-1, and he showed his grit in his battle with Ortiz, taking a lot of shots and holding on strong to rally late and pull the upset by TKO.

Although Alvarez is highly favored in this showdown and rightfully so, he may have some issues coping with the mobility and timing of Lopez. Lopez will attempt to use angle and counter the aggression of Alvarez with shots to his chin. Anyone questioning his power can ask Victor Ortiz. He will be able to have an impact on Canelo if he can land with regularity.

The key for Canelo is to use his body work, cut off the ring and wear Lopez down, stopping him late in the fight. The beating that he gave Shane Mosley recently was arguably the worst beating that Sugar Shane has ever gotten. He has knocked out Kermit Cintron, a former champion, and will be coming into this fight with a full head of steam.

Both fighters are very ambitious. Canelo wants the distinction as the best fighter in the world and Lopez wants to prove he belongs by pulling another rabbit out of his hat. This fight will be hotly contested and how Lopez takes the incoming shots will dictate how the fight plays out. If he is able to endure the shots and not become discouraged, we should have a fun fight. If the incoming proves too much, he may shell up and await the final bell, losing a wide decision or perhaps being stopped late.

If Canelo should overcome Lopez, it is time to take on one of the bigger names in boxing. He may prove too big for Manny Pacquiao, but Floyd Mayweather, JR., is in his size range and would provide a great fight style-wise. There is also the winner of Martinez-Chavez, JR., to consider. That would be another huge fight.

Canelo Alvarez is a huge name in boxing and his star is shining bright. He has a tough customer in front of him in his next fight but he should pull through making way for a huge showdown in 2013.