Floyd Mayweather Jr. just may be the best boxer in the history of the game. His fighting style is unmatched and for most of his career, Mayweather has been untouched. Here are predictions for tonight's bout as Mayweather faces the most dangerous opponent of his career, a 23-year-old enforcer, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
These predictions will be a little different. I'm personally split between both fighters. Mayweather has faced the likes of Miguel Cotto, an already battered Shane Mosley, Juan Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Oscar de la Hoya, Zab Judah, Arturo Gatti, the resume goes on. These guys seem either too fresh or too old, which is why many around boxing accuse of Mayweather picking and choosing guys he knows he can beat.
Canelo is young, but youth is not always correlated with inexperience. He has been boxing for eight years, turning pro at the age of 15 and posting a 41-0-1 record. Canelo has more bouts under his belt than a 31-year-old Miguel Cotto, who took Mayweather to 12 rounds. Robert Guerrero, Mayweather's opponent earlier in the year, had only 33 bouts in his career and he also took Mayweather the distance.
Canelo is fresh and though he is very pale, has never been truly hurt in a match. However, Mayweather is the true definition of an unscaved boxer. He's never been knocked out and he's barely showed signs of being human, barely bleeding during matches.
Canelo wins if... he starts out conservatively, which is nothing new for the Mexican. However, he lets loose after the third and fourth rounds. Canelo has to show very little early on. Mayweather gets better later on in the rounds after he figures boxers out. Many of his opponents start out confidently and land some punches early on, but this doesn't last for too long. They tire out and then Mayweather operates like a surgeon; efficiently and accurately.
It's not that it takes Mayweather some time to warm up, he sits back and awaits for the opponent to establish their gameplan. Once Mayweather figures their plan of attack, the fight is over.
Mayweather wins if... he takes advantage of Canelo's nerves early on. The bright lights might change Canelo's psyche. The big stage might intimidate the 23-year-old. Tonight is Canelo's first main event bout and Mayweather knows this. If Canelo comes out like a deer in headlights, then it's a cue for Mayweather to swing away methodically.
The one thing that will certainly take place tonight in las Vegas? Mayweather will be hurt. Canelo has the knack of punching through his targets. His hits are solid and compact. It's not about if he lands a punch, but when Canelo lands, Mayweather will feel the blow. Ultimately, if Canelo wants to win, he will have to knockout the veteran as a decision will likely go to Mayweather if the fight goes the distance.
FINAL PREDICTION: Mayweather wins split decision as Canelo will not be able to close out the fight.