Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has the power to end Floyd Mayweather's reign at the top of the boxing world. "Money" Mayweather has the defense and quickness to frustrate and eventually embarrass Canelo. Neither fighter has tasted defeat.
That, of course, is a big reason why this is one of the most anticipated bouts in a long time.
Heading into this megafight, there are several questions I feel will determine who remains the unbeaten fighter at the end of this bout.
Who Will Be Most Affected by the 152-Pound Weight?
One of the most intriguing aspects of this bout is the 152-pound weight at which it is being fought. The majority of the focus has been on Mayweather being able to handle Canelo's power at that weight.
It is a legitimate concern. Canelo hits hard, and he could end this fight with one punch. However, Alvarez could have a hard time getting to 152. In a story by David Mayo on MLive.com, Floyd Mayweather Sr. says he has a mole inside Canelo's camp and that the 23-year-old is having a hard time making weight.
That may or may not be true, but what is true—and Mayo points it out—is that Canelo had a hard time making weight at 154, and he gains weight after the weigh-in. That extra weight loss could leave him drained and strip him of his biggest asset: his power.
Will Canelo's Less Than Stellar Defense Be His Undoing?
It's no secret that Canelo's defense is still a work in progress. It is understandable. He has succeeded with his power and focused more on hitting than not being hit.
His last fight is a great example. Against the excellent jab of Austin Trout, Canelo was hit 154 times, which was 30 more than he landed.
However, Canelo dominated when it came to power punches.
This is going to be a riskier proposition with Money. Floyd will use his jab, but he is also lethal with his pot shots. Mayweather is going to be lured into a brawl, and if Alvarez lets Money pepper him all bout, he is going to get outpointed.
Will Money Win This Fight With His Defense?
Mayweather may be the greatest defensive fighter the world has ever seen, and that defense looked as good as ever in his last fight against Robert Guerrero.
Sitting behind his shoulder roll, Money can quickly frustrate his opponents, and that invariably opens them up to big counters.
Given Canelo's youth, he will be especially prone to this. He must remain patient. Of course, that is easier said than done. Mayweather is a master of controlling the flow of the fight. He dictates the pace and the range in the ring.
Canelo must remain patient and smart, or he will be worn out while falling into Money's traps.
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