Over the next few months, the build up to Floyd Mayweather's matchup against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is sure to be unlike any pre-fight hype we've seen in years.
Any time Floyd Mayweather laces up the gloves, it's a big deal. Even a matchup against a clearly overmatched opponent like Robert Guerrero is en
ough to make fans sit up and take notice. That's a perk of being the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
But that's what makes the build up for his matchup against Canelo Alvarez so intriguing—the young champion actually has a chance to dethrone Mayweather.
Money's detractors have always questioned Mayweather's quality of opposition. Those who don't like him will say that he's hand-picked his opponents throughout his career, and the "0" that he sports in the loss column has as much to do with his ability to evade opponents outside of the ring as he does in it.
This time, there's no question—Mayweather is giving the people the fight they want to see. He said this much when he initially tweeted out that he would be fighting Alvarez.
By taking the match, Mayweather will be adding to his legacy and wallet at the same time. Canelo Alvarez is a dangerous opponent. A natural 154-pounder, he's huge compared to Mayweather. With 31 knockouts in 43 fights and an undefeated record, he has serious power and skills.
Throw in the fact that Alvarez is entering his prime and will be 23 years old when the fight goes down Sept. 14, and it's clear that the 36-year-old Mayweather isn't setting himself up for an easy day at the office.
That doesn't mean Alvarez should be the favorite, though. Mayweather is still the best boxer in the pound-for-pound rankings, and he has the sublime skill set to neutralize Canelo's advantages in the size and power department.
But the fight is intriguing. As we saw in Mayweather's May 2012 fight against Miguel Cotto, a big strong fighter that can corner the champion can get to him and score. Cotto ultimately dropped the decision, but it was one of Mayweather's most exciting fights.
Now, boxing fans will be treated to a fight that pits the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter against the sport's rising star in Alvarez. Canelo's aggressive style is perfect for creating an entertaining matchup against Mayweather's incredible defense and athleticism.
Even if Mayweather wins once again, the bigger and stronger Alvarez will bring the fight to him. Fans will either see the best in the world show why he's the best in the world or see a burgeoning star write his own legacy.
Either way, this fight will show that it deserves the hype it's bound to get.
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