Mayweather and “Canelo” fight tonight!

When it was first announced that Floyd Mayweather would be taking on Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, myself and many other boxing enthusiasts were both excited and surprised. Although it was unexpected that both fighters would step up to the challenge at this point in their careers, it was true; the two undefeated champions would be facing off on September 14th, 2013.

36 year old Floyd Mayweather (44-0-0) has received criticism in recent years for allegedly ducking fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, but his willingness to accept a fight against a young, powerful fighter like Canelo can do nothing but good for his reputation. Not only did he agree to take on Canelo, but he was willing to meet him in the weight class of 152 pounds even though he had previously stated he would only fight Alvarez at 147; a much more unreasonable weight for Canelo. Taking on Floyd was also an impressive step for the young Mexican star, who has decided that he has reached a point in his career where he is ready to challenge the pound-for-pound champion of the world.

23 year old Canelo Alvarez (42-0-1) is coming into this fight hot after his belt-unification title victory over Austin Trout back in April. Canelo looked accurate as ever, landing 43% of his power punches. His power was still staggering, and his most impressive improvement was his defense; especially his head movement. One concern after the Trout fight, however, is Alvarez’s stamina. By the sixth round Canelo was visibly fatigued, even more so than his opponent, but his knockdown in the seventh round turned out to be enough to give him the unanimous decision. If Canelo is to be victorious on Saturday, however, his stamina must be greater than it was in April.

Even at age 36, Floyd Mayweather Jr is undoubtedly one of the greatest defensive fighters in the history of the sport. He removed any doubt of that back in May when he eased his way to a unanimous decision over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. He still looked quick, sharp, precise, and composed as he frustrated Guerrero round after round with his signature defensive ability. Guerrero, even after being talked up for months, was not even a problem in the slightest fr the veteran fighter.

Floyd is the favorite in this match up. There is no doubt about that. But, I expect to see Canelo give him a harder time than he is used to, and he if he can successfully use his size advantage to cut off the ring, victory is not out of the picture for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Should Canelo be victorious on Saturday, the fight will be remembered forever as a seemingly invincible fighter takes punch after punch from a young exciting star.

Has the time come for Canelo to rise to the top, or will Floyd ease his way by yet another fighter who believe they have what it takes? Tune in to Showtime Pay-Per-View tonight at 7:00 CT to find out.