EARLY PREDICTIONS: Mayweather vs. Canelo

Hear what boxers, trainers & more have to say!

The boxing world stopped spinning on its axis precisely on May 29, 2013 at 7:13 PM (The Money Team (TMT) time).

That is the moment when one Floyd Mayweather Jr. issued the “Tweet Heard ‘Round the World”: I chose my opponent for September 14th and it’s Canelo Alvarez. I’m giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand.

At first, I thought it was a hoax or just another rumor. I remember when Floyd hinted he was fighting Devon Alexander on May 4, then later choosingRobert Guerrero in their May Day match. And there was a lot of talk about Cotto vs. Canelo; many assumed that fight would take place. So I checked on BoxRec to see what was officially listed. They have Miguel Cotto now battling Cornelius Bundrage on September 28–and BoxRec also lists Mayweather-Canelo for September 14. It’s officially “OFFICIAL”: Let the sports books in Las Vegas light up!

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. (44-0, 26 KOs) VS. SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ (42-0-1, 30 KOs) ON SEPTEMBER 14 AT THE MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS AT A CATCHWEIGHT OF 152 FOR THE WBC AND WBA LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLES.

And just like that, the boxing universe was stunned, shocked, polarized. Questions and doubt came tumbling forth such as “Is Floyd really fighting Canelo?” to “I thought it was Cotto vs. Canelo?” to “A catchweight of 152? This will be an EASY fight for Floyd!”

Everyone’s a critic. We’ve all heard that rather crass saying of “Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one.”

With the pundits, naysayers and haters saying this is a mismatch and that Floyd will win handily, there’s also the large mass of boxing fans that are really excited about this clash between the two superstars. And everybody loves an underdog, so don’t count the redheaded idol out just yet.

Anything can happen in boxing; every fighter stepping into the ring has a “puncher’s chance” to win. But with Mayweather’s mega deal with Showtime, most think Floyd (with his supreme skill, slickness, speed and ring savvy) will school the kid from Mexico, who they say hasn’t faced the same level of opposition that Floyd has.

Only one thing’s for certain. This September 14 bout will generate millions and millions of revenue for the parties involved. Reports are that Floyd could surpass $50 million dollars after ticket sales, PPV buys and more are calculated. Besides being a tactician in the ring, he has proven to be an astute business man. He is unbeaten inside the ropes and a sharp shooter in the business world too with his TMT Promotions.

Floyd is also a champ fans “love to hate” as he’s seen partying it up, making it rain with wads of cash and living in a style of excess. But even his detractors cannot deny his natural-born talents and the hard work and dedication he’s known for.

The undefeated Canelo, at just 22, is already used to the limelight on a grand scale. He is a rock star in the world of boxing, the Golden Boy hero. The Cinnamon Kid is a likable one with an enormous legion of loyal fans who will all converge in Vegas on September 14. He’s had victories over Austin Trout, Josesito Lopez, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, Alfonso Gomez, Matthew Hatton and more.

Will his experience be enough to handle 36-year-old Mayweather, who impressed everyone with his return-to-the-ring defeat of Robert Guerrero?

When the fight announcement hit waves of social media, every forum was abuzz with talk about this all-star collision.

In my own “informal poll” I asked for thoughts and opinions about this pound-for-pound matchup. Be careful what you ask for. The flood gates opened with over 150 comments tumbling forth with the majority picking Mayweather to win. It is a spirited round table through social media; the Mayweather-Canelo rumble will have everyone talking for months. While boxing can get stagnant or predictable, this high-powered dispute has caught everyone’s attention. And is there a remote chance of an upset?

I always like rooting for the underdog; many of us do in the “Rocky” vein of thought. But the boxing aficionados I chatted with are already proclaiming Floyd the victor. There are a few believers that think Canelo can pull off an upset (which will also be the beliefs of his thousands of fans) but those working in boxing circles all say Mayweather will win.

These people are not your casual “fly-by-night” boxing fans plunking down their money for just the superstar collisions. This group in my informal poll are current fighters and up-and-comers, veteran trainers, historians, gym owners, writers, PR gurus, ringside photographers, all passionate in the sweet science dedicating endless hours and countless days in the gym and around the ring.

But does their knowledge make their predictions correct? We will all have to wait until September 14 to find out who was right. Two things you can count on–gazillions will be made on this battle AND the heated boxing debates and analysis will continue for the next three and a half months!

This is good for boxing, great for our sport. With MMA taking over the combat world, it’s time for some sizzle to shake up the fight game. The all-powerful Mayweather has, arguably, the most clout in the game today. I’m all for back-and-forth discussions of who will win, what the fight will be like, etc. We can agree to disagree. Controversy sells and Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his family will continue to put the fans in the seats.

AND THE RESULTS OF MY CHATTER BOX “INFORMAL POLL”? The majority thinks Mayweather will win.

After sifting through the boatload of predictions and thoughts I received, here are several for you to check out about who they think will win. They don’t hold back with their strong opinions and animated thoughts on the subject. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Ronnie “The Dragon” Essett (Former NABF Champ and Amateur Boxing Star): Mayweather by middle round stoppage. Not sold on Canelo’s defense–Trout was landing pretty easily and he gets hit clean. I don’t understand why Canelo’s people took this fight and risk the “cash cow” like that at this point.

Rudy Hernandez (Boxing Trainer/Famed MMA Cutman): Mayweather on his worst night would not get knocked out by Canelo. Canelo doesn’t have the power to knock him out. An easy decision win in a non exciting fight. The fight that should be getting this kind of money is Matthysse vs Garcia, and any fight that involves Alvarado, Rios, Golovkin!

Jeff Langton (Boxing Trainer/Cornerman/Actor): Well, you want the truth? Boxing today is a sideshow. Who will win? The one with the money….So with that Money “Honey” Mayweather and the Money Team–more rounds of boring fight or as I call it point fighting. Now for all the haters, after you have cornered around 40 world title fights you can have a say, so God bless this mess!

Ryan Gamache (Pro Fighter): Canelo’s such a young guy and has continued to put himself through the ringer. Sometimes a guy can be a great amateur or have an incredible run at the top, but then they don’t have a lot of fight left in them when in fact they should be in their prime. When has Alvarez had any significant rest for this kind of fight? If anyone is ready for this fight it’s Mayweather. I feel like Canelo’s walking into a trap. Youth works against Alvarez in this fight as well as never fighting someone like Mayweather. Cotto would be more fitting but he’s becoming a stepping stone. No one else for Alvarez to fight at this point. Golden Boy going for the gamble.

Johnny Reyes (3-0 Pro Prospect): Mayweather will win–easy work.

Xavier Montelongo Jr. (Amateur Champ and Pro Fighter): I got Mayweather unanimous decision (UD 116-112). Mayweather is too dynamic for Canelo; Money can do too many things. When fighting Floyd you have to fight with different styles not just one game plan–you need a plan A , B and C. It’s a great fight for boxing!

Akbar Muhammad (Boxing Writer): Mayweather…And it will be easier than Guerrero.

Damien Rico (Amateur Boxing Champion): Canelo wins by split decision. Canelo won’t be easier than Guerrero, Canelo is faster and stronger than Guerrero.

Roman Sanchez (Owner of Champion Boxing Gym LLC, Thornton, Colorado): I don’t see Mayweather fighting Canelo on the inside. Canelo wont outbox Mayweather if Canelo fights him like he fought the Trout fight then he is going to have a long night. The one punch won’t work, he is going to have to let his hand go. Mayweather is too fast and too slik. The only chance Canelo has is a KO. And the fight will be in Vegas (Mayweather’s hometown) so Canelo is going to have to have a miracle! I would like to see a good fight and let the best man win. I am a fan of both fighters. And as far as boxing goes it should be like this, World Champions taking on other World Champions or #1 or #2 ranked.

Rick Farris (Former Pro Fighter/Boxing Historian): Mayweather should win this pretty easy. As for Canelo, a nice looking kid who is at his very best today, and that just isn’t good enough for Mayweather. After he loses, it would be nice to see him in the ring with Lucas Matthysse, where he will not only lose, but get knocked out in short order.

Ed Castro (Boxing Writer): A mismatch, Floyd makes him look like an amateur. But a huge moneymaker!

Mary Ann Lurie Owen (Boxing Photographer/Author of “Extraordinary Women of the Ring): Mayweather, of course!

Tony Bellard (Former Fighter): This will be an easy fight for Floyd; Canelo shows me absolutely nothing!

Lisa Garcia (USA Boxing Official): Wishing Canelo well but Canelo has to get a knockout punch to beat Mayweather and he has to catch him first. Other than that, Mayweather will reign on his throne!

Melissa DeVolentine (Public Relations): I think Mayweather will prevail, but I love an upset…Is there another sport that has as much “Monday Morning Quarterbacking?” Everyone talks one game before the fight, and then another the day after, if the favorite does not win.

Joel Chavez (Boxing Trainer): Canelo is not at the caliber of Mayweather. Canelo is still lacking defense, speed, sometimes flat footed. Mayweather will out point Canelo; Mayweather by UD!

Sonny Shapiro (Boxing Coach): If Mayweather decides to punch with Canelo then it’s Canelo by KO. If Mayweather sticks and moves it’s Mayweather by an easy decision.

Adam Fish (Boxing Trainer/Acclaimed Artist): Floyd does the smart thing and boxes Canelo, not engaging. Boring fight and over hyped! The small chance that Canelo gets to Floyd possible and a win but we all know Canelo is way too strong for Floyd to risk that. Canelo gets his first loss by decision and a boring as hell fight. I love Canelo and he could knock Floyd out if he was fast enough to cut the ring and step for step with Floyd so it’s all about the foot work on this one!

Sal Garcia (Pro Fighter): Mayweather via ass woopin’! It could be Mayweather-Corrales again! It could be easy or turn like De La Hoya-Trinidad and disappoint all of us. Mayweather dictates how it turns out to be. But money will outbox and outsmart Canelo!

Robert Kelly (Bodybuilder/Mr. America Finalist 2005, Mr. Nevada 2003, Mr. Las Vegas 2001): I think Floyd fought a masterful fight his last time out and Canelo really didn’t. Expect more of that from Floyd he’ll spend the early rounds picking his shots and build a big lead. He doesn’t want to nor should he go toe to toe with this kid. Its gonna be a long and confusing night for “Camelot.” Floyd will win by decision.

Candace Donaldson (Platnum Boxing Advising Company): Easy win for Floyd, Canelo bored me when he fought Trout. Styles makes fight, and what people are failing to realize is that, Lil Floyd can adapt to any style, any fighter and any technique. Canelo, is no different than Cotto, Hatton, Marquez, Judah, Gatti, Diego, Oscar, Robert and the rest I did not mention. Lil Floyd is a boxer that was raised up on style. So no matter how swift, crafty and cruel a boxer gets, Mayweather is gifted in every subject of boxing. I love to debate on boxing and politics. But you know, what is really the argument when Floyd keeps on proving critics wrong every time.

Jerry McGrellis (Former Amateur Fighter): This will be an exciting event for boxing fans. I am pulling for Canelo however I would not bet against Floyd. This has the potential to break pay-per-view records because of the popularity of Canelo and Mayweather. The Spanish news stations have already started talking about this fight. The undercard fight between Garcia and Matthysse would have been great however I see that has already been taken off the card. I am looking forward to September 14. Good luck to both warriors!

THERE YOU HAVE IT.

The thoughts of those involved in boxing from fighters in the ring to the men and women who are around it on a regular basis.

One simple Tweet from Floyd Mayweather Jr. created ripples and roars throughout the fight game.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE MAJORITY THAT SAY FLOYD WILL WIN? September 14, we will have the answers.