The moment the world has been waiting for is almost here as Floyd Mayweather (44-0) prepares to take on Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (42-0-1) on Saturday, Sept. 14.
For Mayweather, this fight will only add to a legacy that is already sensational. As one of the greatest boxers in the sports history, Money is hoping to add yet another top opponent to his list of victims and he could be in for one of the tougher challenges he's had in recent years.
Alvarez is still building his legacy at the tender age of 23. Canelo hasn't gotten much respect in the sport because of a lack of notable opponents, but his recent victory over Austin Trout earned him a chance at etching his name in boxing history.
Let's take a look at the specific game plan each of these fighters must follow in order to win this fight.
Floyd Mayweather
The most important thing for Money to do in this fight is to keep the strategy that has made him so successful during his career.
Mayweather is a defensive fighter when at his best, and his counter-punching abilities are second to none. This approach allows Mayweather to not only stay fresh, but to score a ton of points that will help him win decisions.
Money has become well known for his fights ending in decisions, and this one will likely be no different.
Mayweather must keep Canelo at bay and not allow him on the inside, which he can do by establishing his jab early and often. Should Canelo penetrate Mayweather's jab, it will be of vital importance that Money keeps Canelo's devastating combos to one or two punches each time while the rest graze off an always dodging Mayweather.
Alvarez has seen plenty of fights during his career but none bigger than this, and the stage may force Alvarez to make mistakes.
That lack of experience could lead to Canelo coming out overly aggressive, and that will play right into the hands of Mayweather. If that happens, Mayweather will have no problem staving off Canelo's attacks with his legendary speed, and he'll have far more energy in the later rounds to outscore Canelo and win.
Saul Alvarez
It will be a tall order for Alvarez to be the first man ever to emerge victorious over Mayweather however possible it may be.
It'll be important that Alvarez stay patient in this fight and feel out his opponent to start. Coming out of the gate with guns blazing will only serve to tire him out, and that will be a gift to Mayweather who is more than used to fighting long fights.
Canelo must get on the inside of Mayweather's defenses in order to make a difference in this bout. Canelo is clearly the superior power puncher over Money, so getting in close to land his big blows will be his best chance at ending this fight early.
But he must bide his time and not overthrow. Mayweather will still be extremely difficult to hit, so Canelo must pick his spots and make the most of them.
It also wouldn't hurt for Canelo to try and entice Mayweather to be the aggressor. Money is used to fighting more of a defensive fight, and that's when he's at his best. However, Canelo could throw Money off his game by laying back and trying to counter-punch his opponent.
Should Canelo be successful in getting Mayweather to move forward regularly, the Mexican-born fighter will increase his chances of counter-punching Mayweather on the inside and stunning him with a knockout blow.
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