Bigger vs Faster.
Stronger vs Heart.
David vs Goliath (sort of)
All words that could describe the match up between Saul Alvarez and Josesito Lopez this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena is Las Vegas , Nevada.
Less than 90 days ago, Lopez who had only fought a few times above the 140lb weight limit went into Staples Center a good fighter with heart came out a champion with heart and a chin.
Riverside Rocky Lopez has been dubbed. The self proclaimed “skinny kid” not only shocked boxing fans this past summer he ruined the plans of a Victor Ortiz- Saul Alvarez match up.
It took almost 2 weeks for Goldenboy to figure out who would face Alvarez on Sept. 15th 
after the Ortiz loss, many dismissed Lopez as being too small. Now Lopez is the one who is saving the fight card. It was a card that Goldenboy was proud of, with undercard fights including Ponce De Leon vs Jhonny Gonzalez and Marcos Maidana facing Jesus Soto Karass, Goldenboy was pushing the fight card to be a all action, knock em down type of card. Ortiz-Alvarez was the icing on the cake.
Lopez-Alvarez will deliver the same type action fans expect to see from to fighters such as Lopez and Alvarez. The question now is, can Lopez take the power punching of Canelo Alvarez? Many do not believe that Lopez will be able to withstand the assault of heavy shots to both the head and unrelenting body attack Alvarez how been know to show in previous fights, many more expect the fight to be stopped.
Don’t tell Lopez he is not supposed to win.
While many view Alvarez as having this outstanding and power, I for one do not see his power. Yes he has stopped Alfonso Gomez and beat a running and aged Shane Mosley, Alvarez is not a knockout puncher. Against lesser opposition or with the help of the ref (see Gomes fight). Sure, Alvarez has some power but to the extent that he can take out a opponent at any given time? Far from it and now that Alvarez is actually fighting someone that is in their prime and near his age, it will show. Lopez will show Alvarez what it means to be a real fighter.
Lopez isn’t supposed to win, nor is he expected to be much of a factor Saturday night but his underdog status has not hurt him so far in his career. This Saturday night should be no different. Will Lopez win? This is Lopez first fight ever at 154lb, there is little of any to suggest that he will come out victorious but no matter the outcome for Lopez this fight will show more of what Alvarez is not….a legitimate champion.
At least in the present time.
Alvarez is 22 years old and many fight years ahead of him, but if Alvarez was beating guys like Fernando Vargas was beating at the same age then perhaps he would get more appreciation. However most likely it is because of Vargas and how Vargas was handled that many managers and fight promoters find the easiest route possible to the belt.
In the end. Saturday night at the MGM Grand truths will be revealed. Lopez is not meant to fight at 154lb, Canelo is not who many want him to be and no matter the outcome, the fans in attendance and watching on showtime will be in for some great boxing revelations or not.