Boxing Scribe Vivek Wallace brings his Left-Hook Lounge mailbag to FightHype.com, answering questions for fans and giving his own unique perspective on all the latest current events in boxing. This week, check out his response to fans as they discuss a potential clash between Saul Alvarez and Shane Mosley, the likelihood of Mayweather vs. Cotto taking place at 154 pounds, the upcoming rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, and much more.
Isidro N. (Reseda, CA): Saul Alvarez recently stated that he’s open for a bout with Mosley and I could see GoldenBoy Promotions making that fight happen. Who do you like at this point in a scrap between the two of them?
Vivek W.: At this stage, I think this would be a great measuring stick for both men. In Mosley, we have a warrior who’s facing the “westside” of his career as a fading sun, no longer capable of producing the heat he once did. In Alvarez, we have a young and durable pup, eager to prove he can carry the torch of a very proud Mexican culture. I don’t know if it’s a good fight in the making, but what I do know is that there’s a high probability that we’ll see sparks fly, and any time sparks fly, fire can erupt!
We know that Alvarez is pretty durable and will be a very game combatant. Despite how disgusting I felt with the performance of Mosley against Pacquiao, I do think he still has at least a quarter of his tank left. Combine that with his heart, and this could get interesting fast. You have to consider that both these men, for all they lack, bring heart in great multiples.
The ultimate subplot here is that neither will have an opponent in front of them that’s hard to hit or has blazing speed if the fight were to happen, and that’s the only blueprint that we’ve seen them struggle with. So yes, I think this could be a great fight, and I don’t point in either direction as a favorite, because both are equally capable of pulling off something interesting. For Alvarez, he could be catching an old lion at the right time. For Mosley, he could be catching a vulnerable young pup at the right time.
Picture this: Mayweather/Cotto and…..Alvarez/Mosley on the undercard. What’s there not to like? I know Tecate would be the official sponsor, but for me, this is a Dos Equis moment in the sense that “I don’t always drink, but when I do” I’m usually buzzin’, like I would on a night like this. Keep your fingers crossed, ladies and gents! This is for “La Raza”! (Smiles)
Angel R. (Providence, RI): Cotto’s people recently stated that Mayweather “has no problems with the weight”. Should fans interpret that to say that if he faces Cotto it will be at the jr. middleweight limit of 154lbs?
Vivek W.: I saw the same statement and had the same question, but until Mayweather and his appointed officials come out and say what they meant specifically, I don’t think it’s my job or anyone elses to go on record insinuating what we THINK may be the case. What I will say is that Mayweather has never been one to favor catch-weights.
The closest thing we’ve seen to it was the Marquez fight, but it should be noted that Marquez opted to come north, just like Hatton did. And besides, I’m not sure the advantage some feel Mayweather had was actually there, considering Marquez looked damn good against the “other” best man in the sport. Damn good! So, all things remaining equal, you could play devils advocate and insinuate that Mayweather will go to 154 if in fact he faces Cotto.
That being said, the critics would come running, as a week ago he said he’d face Martinez “if [he] is willing to make 150”. Why he would face Martinez at 150, but Cotto at 154, would remain a head-scratcher, because the only feasible notion to consider there is that he would in fact be looking to strip Martinez in ways that he feels he doesn’t needs to strip Cotto.
I questioned Pacquiao when he required Cotto to come down, but faced Margarito at 150, and I’d do the same to Floyd Mayweather under those same conflicting parameters. Soon enough we’ll see what’s what. But for now, it’s all speculation with no validation. Keep your eyes on the ticker! I think this could be the week we finally find out. Stay tuned.
Robert E. (Atlanta, GA): On FightHypeRadio you guys gave your thoughts on the Ortiz/Berto rematch, but I would like you to speak deeper on the fight itself and who you see winning, considering that many are pointing at Berto.
Vivek W.: As myself and Danny Howard pointed out last Wednesday on the show, I think it’s quite difficult to know why so many around the sport seem to be leaning towards Berto, but I won’t say it’s totally a bad idea. I’ve always felt that Berto is a few adjustments away from being one of the perennial figures in the sport, but the unfortunate thing is that he simply hasn’t made those adjustments yet. He has the speed, he has decent, but not outstanding pop, and he has the heart, but there’s still a little something not quite right.
Coming into this rematch, I think many people are looking back at the Victor Ortiz we saw stumbling on the deck after his love-fest with Floyd Mayweather. Trouble is, the Victor Ortiz we’ll get next week will be coming off a loss with a chip on his shoulder and will be facing a man whom not only has he already conquered, but one who’s much easier to hit than Floyd was. There lies part of Berto’s previous “big non-adjustments”, and I think it accounts for why Danny and myself aren’t so sure why so many seem to automatically lean towards Berto in this affair.
What I can tell you for a fact is that we will once again be treated to a Fight of the Year candidate, and it’ll be good while it last. I have a strange feeling that this time around, someone’s gonna fall and won’t be able to get back up. I don’t know which man it’ll be, but I envision both touching the deck, and a point in which someone will get caught with something so wicked, he won’t withstand. I can’t give you a definitive winner, but I can give you a definitive result. Late KO. Brutal, late KO. Lets see who the last man standing will be. Can’t wait to find out! Stay tuned!
