The pressure of a high-profile showdown can make a boxer change his game, so Floyd "Money" Mayweather's experience will come in handy when he battles Saul "Canelo" Alvarez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Alvarez has an impressive 42-0-1 record. He has taken on the likes of Austin Trout and Shane Mosley, but he doesn't have the experience of fighting in such a noteworthy match with everyone watching.
He's won two bouts at the MGM Grand, but those fights won't even come close to this weekend's spotlight.
Money has earned the title of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Not only does he have a 44-0 record, he has taken down some worthy opponents.
Mayweather has beaten Robert Guerrero, Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya in recent years. Those opponents were all seen as strong competition, but Money disposed of them to build an impressive resume.
Each of his last seven fights have come in Vegas, which gives him valuable experience. The 36-year-old knows what to expect when it comes time for him to jump in the ring. The pressure won't get to him like it might on his 23-year-old opponent.
In the early stages of his career, Money was beating guys that were tough. He knocked off world super-featherweight champion Genaro Hernandez only two years into his career.
Mayweather debuted in 1996, which was nine years before Alvarez fought in his first match. Those extra years add a lot of wear and tear on Money, but he benefits from going through all of those bouts.
He wins by adjusting to what his opponent brings to the ring. The veteran does what it takes to go the distance and outlast his opponent. Six of his last seven fights in Vegas have gone at least 10 rounds, with five of them going 12 rounds.
Mayweather has gone up against strong competition throughout the years, so he won't be folding under the pressure this weekend. It has become something that he has grown accustomed to, and he will come out loose. His comfort in the spotlight will allow him to stick to his defensive approach and outlast Canelo.
Experience is often overlooked, especially in a high-profile match. However, it gives Mayweather a huge advantage over Canelo in this bout.
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