Floyd Mayweather JR Vs Canelo Alvarez: Boxing Deal – The Fights of 2013 – BOXING NEWS
By Gina L. Caliboso
When we survived December 12, 2012, or was it December 21, 2012 or whatever date the Mayans had put as the end of civilization as we know it, I had breezed through the holidays, including the New Year, without so much as a thought to boxing. Boxing is bleh right now. But to start off 2013, I’d like to take a quick look at what I hope I can expect to see this year, including more of my would-be let’s make this fight happen category. First, I’d like to begin with three fighters whom I would love see more of this year. So, Golden Boy, Top Rank, Goossen-Tutor, DiBella, any other promoter – make it happen!
My first expectation for 2013 would be to see my favorite bad boy in boxing, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, JR, make a solid return to the ring after yet another, shall we say, time away from the ring. But this time at the behest of a State of Nevada judge. Mayweather has done his time, but he’s been awfully quiet, both in and outside the ring. But, as he has always maintained, he remains in good shape. He is set to fight on May 4th against Robert Guerrero 31-1, 8 KO’s for the WBC Welterweight title.
Currently, Mayweather ranks #1 among welterweights, followed by Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley, and Guerrero is ranked right above (gulp) Pacquiao. If you need reminding, Guerrero was the bloody victor over Andre Berto in a twelve round unanimous decision. I find it interesting that Mayweather decides to go against a southpaw in Guerrero. It’s not as if there wasn’t ever one waiting to fight him or anything? Can we count on Floyd to give us a decent boxing match? One where he bleeds? A bout where his hand speed and technical skill will have to be notched up a bit? I hope so. Maybe then, he’ll fight ANOTHER southpaw we all still know and love.
The second fighter I would like to see have more ring time? Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, 41-0, 30 KO’s. Guess what, boxing fans? He was named as Mayweather’s possible opponent for May 4th. Alvarez is an extremely strong, talented, and powerful boxer. In his last two bouts, Alvarez beat now-retired Shane Mosley back in May 2012 and earned a 5th round TKO against Josesito Lopez. Lopez was simply no match against Alvarez and was knocked down in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds.
The light middleweight division is light literally, with the most probable competition coming from Austin Trout. Alvarez, at 22, is truly the undisputed champion of the division. Ranked #2, Austin Trout, 26-0, 14 KO’s is no joke. If you can recall, Trout defeated Miguel Cotto in a 12 round unanimous decision. It was the fight that really showed Cotto trying everything he could to win, but Trout beat him brilliantly. Trout is that good and a matchup with Alvarez would be an incredible bout. However, I don’t think Trout is as refined and technical just yet, especially against Alvarez who is clearly in his prime.
The third fighter I would like to see more of this year in 2013 – and this fighter matches up with my theory of Alvarez moving up in weight – Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.
The Argentine fighter is probably the most feared fighter due to his speed and stamina. In his last bout, he went up against Julio Cesar Chavez, JR. I wasn’t impressed with Chavez, JR as HBO’s 24/7 had shown a lackadaisical approach to training that I’m surprised Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach would have tolerated. I had no doubt that Martinez came away with the win over Chavez, JR. It was one-sided but I always root for Martinez because he is able to adapt to each of his opponents. His prior opponents have been Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams and he found ways to win. The KO against Williams was a beautifully, well-timed shot that left Williams down. Martinez also has a good support system in his training and he really makes his opponent look less interested in winning the bout.
But, getting back to Alvarez and Martinez. I think these two would make for a great fight. Alvarez is a powerful puncher, period. Whereas, against Martinez, he’d have to be a little lighter on his feet and Martinez could not just stand in the middle of the ring and trade with Alvarez. Martinez is quick, evasive, and a speedy puncher at all sorts of angles. Alvarez, by contrast, stands classic in his stance, a heavy handed brawler that would destroy his opponent up against the ropes and in the corner. Martinez vs. Alvarez would be a great fight to see in 2013.
Finally, as a quick stamp to this new boxing year. I started my article as a call to the boxing promoters and powers that be. 2012 was the year of bad fights. And I loosely use the word bad to collectively mean disappointing, surprising, and upsetting. First, I have been following the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather bout prospect for close to three years now. In what I had anticipated as one great matchup, I got served with seeing my favorite Filipino fighter match up against opponents that didn’t make for good fights. Against Bradley, it was truly bad judging. Against Marquez, Pacquiao got knocked out definitively in the 5th round. Now, my favorite fighter remains quiet with rumors of Parkinson’s. As boxers have a say in their opponents, I’d also like the promoters to take responsibility for not doing business with one another in making competitive, even lucrative bouts happen.
Now that we’re a few weeks into the New Year, I’m hoping that the boxing bouts for the year will be filled with knockouts and competition. For now, I’ve definitely got May 4th to look forward to. Here’s to 2013, boxing fans – let’s make it a good one!
