Now sporting a record of 44-0, Floyd Mayweather's best opportunity to enhance his legacy is against Canelo Alvarez.
This would be a colossal challenge as well because Alvarez holds a 42-0-1 record and 30 have come by knockout. In short, a 69.7 knockout percentage is quite impressive.
Factor Alvarez competing in the light middleweight division and he'll bring more power behind each attack.
Kevin Mitchell of The Guardian, also writes of Alvarez as a strong contender to punch Money from perfection:
Alvarez has had 12 fights at light-middleweight, winning all of them impressively, rarely more so than two weeks ago, when he clearly outpointed another unbeaten 11st star, Austin Trout, to add the WBA "super" title to his own WBC belt. That is a lot of negotiating clout and, even though he is 14 years younger than Mayweather, he has had just one fewer fight.
As for Alvarez's approach, it would make for a fascinating bout with Mayweather.
Each brings the defense to body block, dodge and limit openings with quick feet. As a result, that helps with using combinations when counterattacking and inflicting fast damage.
But since these two boxers possess elite instincts for reacting and countering, it makes for one captivating matchup. In combat sports, any time one goes on the offensive, defensive vulnerabilities then become exposed.
The other side of coin, however, is the need to feature the attacking talent to capitalize accordingly. Consistent marksmanship and efficiency after defending are key aspects that have made Money and Alvarez so dominant.
Enhancing Canelo's intrigue was his convincing victory over Austin Trout. Prior to the fight, Alvarez knew he had to win, as Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated wrote:
"We wanted to fight Miguel Cotto but obviously when [Trout] beat him we saw a fight that we wanted to do," Alvarez said. "Austin Trout's undefeated. He's a world champion [with a] very difficult style, a strong southpaw, but this also gave me the motivation to go on and fight one of the best and we consider him as one of the best out there."
Well, one thing Alvarez displayed was preparedness as the Trout fight progressed. He started strong, set up combinations effectively and adjusted to keep the advantage.
That level of adaptability to quickly decipher an opponent is a major challenge he brings to Mayweather. Along with the technical skill set to mirror the welterweight champ, Canelo is also capable of correcting whatever Mayweather exploits.
Obviously the 36-year-old still has the lightning speed and ability to avoid multiple punches. But his initial redirection when attacking is what can slam Alvarez off his game.
That said, the youngster's ability to minimize Money's damage will take this fight all the way. Counting the stature of each athlete atop their respective entities and divisions, Alvarez is not only the best option for Mayweather, but the best for boxing.
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