All fighters wait for their chance to get to the top. Canelo Alvarez has that opportunity now at an early age.
At only 23, Alvarez is facing the biggest fight of his career Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas against the best fighter in the world: Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is faster, technically better and has plenty of experience in big fights.
Alvarez brings youth, power and the support of a whole country. But is that enough to score an upset?
Here are five keys to victory for Alvarez against Mayweather on Saturday:
Try the leftThe left hook should be a good weapon for Alvarez against Mayweather. When the pound-for-pound king leans on the ropes, drops the left elbow and hides his head in his shoulder — as he usually does in a defensive technique — he closes himself up against the right hand hook that Alvarez may propose. But how about feinting the right and releasing the left hook? Try and we shall see.
Put up the barriersCutting the ring off seems like an easy thing to do against a 36-year-old fighter, but if that fighter is Mayweather and accomplishing that will be very difficult to achieve. However, Alvarez’s chances of winning depend on these four words: cut off the ring. Cornering and chasing Floyd down could be a key to a possible victory. Mayweather uses his movements to steer the rhythm of the fight and Alvarez will have to create some stops. If he forces Mayweather to fight in a small space, victory could be his.
Relax, the best medicineMayweather’s experience, the pressure that he’ll exert, the importance of this fight, the natural excitement of facing the best and the desire to not disappoint anybody creates a dramatic scenario for Alvarez in his first pay-per-view headlining role. Don’t you think Mayweather will take advantage of Alvarez’s anxiety, nervousness and desperation? Of course he will. All those things translate into a general failure of concentration, something Alvarez can’t afford against the best fighter in the world.
Keep throwingThe power is a big advantage for Alvarez against Mayweather and he should use it as much as he can. Trying to catch Mayweather on the chin is not that easy, but hitting his body seems the most obvious choice. But with the judges looking at Alvarez’s every move, throwing punches in bunches could be a good thing. Like a miner, he must first soften the stone before drilling through it.
Team workAlvarez’s corner will have a crucial role in the result of the fight. Trainers Jose and Edison Reynoso’s strategy has to be perfect coming into the bout, but the adjustments during the fight will be crucial as well. Having a good reading of the fight, making the right adjustments on the go and handling Alvarez’s concentration will be part of their role, and only if they play that role to perfection will they be able to help him achieve the win.
