Saul Alvarez Vs Matthew Hatton: The Breakdown
By Geno McGahee
This Saturday on HBO, Saul Alvarez, 35-0-1, 26 KO’s, takes on Matthew Hatton, 41-4-2, 16 KO’s, for the vacant WBC Light Middleweight Title. There are high hopes for the 20 year old Alvarez and he has performed very well as of late.
In May of 2010, he stopped the rugged Jose Miguel Cotto in nine rounds, and even more impressive, he starched former titlist Carlos Baldomir in six rounds. It was only the second time that he had been stopped in his career. His last fight was against Lovermore N’Dou and he dominated all twelve rounds en route to a unanimous decision win.
The opponent, Matthew Hatton, brother of the much more popular Ricky Hatton, has slowly climbed his way up and out of his brother’s shadow. He is 8-0-1 in his last nine fights and has only been stopped once in his career, but he is coming in as the underdog and “opponent” and for good reason.
Hatton’s draw was against N’Dou, the same fighter that Alvarez dominated. The ray of hope for Hatton is to confuse Alvarez and steal a decision win. Alvarez has had some lackluster showings, leading to split decision wins and a draw and if he comes in lethargic or uninspired, he may just leave with a disappointing decision defeat.
The most likely scenario is a TKO victory in the middle rounds for Alvarez. He is far too strong for Hatton and will impose his will and pick up his first title. The matchmaking here is good for him: little risk, high reward. Alvarez in six by TKO.