Is the new Golden Boy, Canelo Alvarez ready for the elite, Floyd Mayweather? He has dominated everyone that has been put in front of him, which has many answering, yes. Subsequently, many are also unsure if Canelo is ready for the elite tier of fighters just yet.
I am on the fence with where he is; however, I will strongly say he is not ready for Money May! Not yet anyways.
Who then? There are many names out there, which have been mentioned to include Mayweather, Ortiz, Cotto, Kirkland, Angulo, Martinez, and then some. Although his wins have been dominating to this point and he has consistently looked impressive, his management team has had the propensity to tailor his opponents thus far.
Take his last two bouts. In May 2012, for Cinco de Mayo weekend, Canelo destroyed Shane Mosley; even toyed with him when he clearly appeared capable of finishing him. Unfortunately, Mosley is an old man and this (to me) was expected with the hype that was buzzing for the new Golden Boy. Then his most recent fight, this past weekend was against an outmatched, undersized, and in over his head opponent in Josesito Lopez. I will give Lopez some props for his heart and his willingness to stand in front of Canelo and trade shots, but again this fight appeared to be a guaranteed and tailored victory for Canelo 
(although I did place a small bet down on Lopez who had been a 12-1 underdog, just in case).
These along with most of his fights have been dominating wins, but they were tailor made; and to me, not overly impressive in that I personally think he is ready for more. So then, take some tough fighters like Alfredo Angulo and James Kirkland. Tough yeah, but I think Canelo has earned the popularity and has looked good enough, so much so that he is beyond that tier.
Then, you take Sergio Martinez. I don’t like that match up yet for Canelo. Martinez won’t stand in front of him, and along with his experience and craftiness, he outboxes Canelo to a decision but that clock is ticking (Martinez suffered significant injuries against Chavez Jr. last weekend and another fight is unlikely in the near future so this fight is N/A).
On then to Mayweather’s last two opponents, Victor Ortiz and Miguel Cotto. Prior to this weekend, I felt a fight with Victor Ortiz would be a good action fight for boxing fans. I still think it could be interesting depending on which Victor Ortiz showed up? The Ortiz who overlooked Lopez and had his jaw broke in a fight he should have dominated, and earning last week’s fight with Canelo instead of Lopez; or the true to his nickname Vicious Victor Ortiz who arguably had the fight of the year in2011 against Andre Berto? Whatever the case, with Ortiz, is you never know. Unfortunately, for his fans (I am one but falling off the wagon) his jaw may be more suspect than his psyche now; rumors have been 
that his jaw is not healing as once said after his June surgery following the loss to Lopez which maybe takes him out of the immediate picture as well.
Now bring in Miguel Cotto who had one of the better showings that any recent fighters have had against Mayweather since ZabJudah. Cotto faces undefeated Austin Trout on December 1, which could mean good timing for a bout with the Canelo in May 2013. This, to me seems most likely but you never know what will pan out. Cotto will stand in front of Canelo, and won’t overwhelm in any facets, other than experience. Is Canelo ready for Cotto who is an elite fighter? I don’t think we know for sure.
We do know that Canelo has a lot of talent and enormous ceiling of potential. He is very young to be a champion and fighting the best at 22, but so was Mike Tyson. He is strong and puts punches together well. A fight with Miguel Cotto could be his real coming out party contrary to what Golden Boy Promoter Richard Schaefer claimed this past weekend.
It’s just a matter of time for the young Mexican fighter. When is the party? Not sure, but I want to be there!
I think Canelo should be fighting the elite fighters at 154 lbs. The WBC and GBP has gone to great lengths to protect this kid. He’s a world champion. The “developing” of fighters happens prior to fighting for a title, not afterwards. He hasn’t fought a mandatory defense in over one year now. That in itself is a violation of WBC rules. He’s slated to fight the winner of Lara vs Martirosyan. I really hope that fight goes through.
I think there is a big difference between Canelo and Vargas in managment alone. I was a big Fernando Vargas fan and agree his managment through him to the wolves early in his career. However, I don’t see that happening with Canelo. He may not be 100% ready for Cotto but I feel he is close. Like I posted in this article in particular, I dont see Cotto overwhelming him but I do see it being a competitive fight, even if it’s Canelo’s next fight. He does need a fight though that is not tailored for him to win. He does not need his management team to do that.
Cotto 100% dont repeat the Vargas history please Canelo is a great fighter but don’t trow him to the lions let him grow, he just win with how josesito!!!! Come on???? It was an abuse every one know that josesito doesn’t deserve this fight it was a joke look at Chaves waaaauuuuuuu 41 fights !!!! With how ?????? Let canelo have more experience then talk
It’s about time I read an article about boxing that is on target. I think Canelo is close…Ortiz is a headcase – one never knows which Ortiz is going to shows up? Cotto, has really only lost 2 fights as a professional; both to pound for pound best fighters. Although Cotto is aging, his last showing was impressive. Berto, is suspect in my opinion anymore given his use of steroids. Cotto vs. Canelo would be an excellent fight. It’ll sell a lot of tickets and be a good measuring stick for Canelo.
I would like to see him fight Miguel Cotto first before fighting Mayweather.
Canelo is definetely ready for the elite. He is a much better boxer than people think, he moves aroumd boxes jabs defense the whole package. He is not your typical come forward and take punches mexican fighter. I think cotto would be an easy fight Ko. HE IS READY FOR ELITE. FIGHTERS NOT WASHED UP FIGHTERS.
Comments are closed.