Robert Contreras
Who Wins the Fight? When and How?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is undefeated for a reason. He is a defensive genius with one of the most complete offensive skill sets since Ray Leonard.
With that being said, I’m going with the underdog here. I believe it’s his time.
Canelo’s size and deceiving speed will be huge factors, and angles will be the name of the game. When Mayweather starts to back up in straight lines, Alvarez will run him right into the ropes and close off every angle to escape.
It won’t be easy, but look for Alvarez to rough up Mayweather and land clean shots on his slick opponent more often than anyone thought possible. I see him cutting the ring off —like few boxers, if any, do better—and outworking him in close quarters, forcing Mayweather to succumb in the eighth or ninth round. That's how upsets work. James “Buster” Douglas was never going to sweat out a close, dull decision against Mike Tyson in 1990—it was going to be by way of spectacular knockout. So when Alvarez does pull off the upset, it won’t be the slightest bit lackluster.
Canelo, TKO, Round 8 or 9.
The Moment We’ll Remember the Most Is...?
Should Alvarez pull off the upset of this young century, the waning moments of the historical finish will be remembered forever. Mayweather—the walking, breathing definition of impenetrability—being struck over and over until the referee waves his hands to end the bout will be all but seared into our memory banks.
Who Will Be with Floyd During His Entrance?
To the dismay of many, Vine sensation Terio will not be “killin’ it” with Mayweather come Sept. 14. I’m sure that's for the greater good. In reality, I can’t imagine Mayweather walking out with anyone other than recording artist Lil Wayne.
But maybe, just maybe, they’ll manage to spice things up with a certain Disney star-turned-twerking specialist. Floyd, I dare you.
Whom Will Floyd Fight Next? When and Where?
Win or lose, Mayweather won’t be fighting in the junior middleweight division immediately after his showdown with Alvarez. And seeing as how he hasn’t fought outside of Las Vegas in almost eight years, he’ll be right back at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in nine months against any welterweight in the world not named Manny Pacquiao.
Whom Will Canelo Fight Next? When and Where?
With a win, expect a hero’s welcome in Mexico or California for Alvarez, most likely to take place in about seven months against either WBC No. 1 contender Sergey Rabchenko or WBA No. 1 contender Erislandy Lara.
With a loss, Canelo will be matched up carefully. It will probably be with Ishe Smith if he loses to Carlos Molina this weekend, or Miguel Cotto if he doesn’t look too good against Delvin Rodriguez in October. Alvarez’s camp has shown a lot of interest in Cotto in the past.