One of the most highly anticipated and promoted boxing matches of recent years ended up being just another lopsided victory for Floyd Mayweather (45-0 26KO) as he earned a majority decision victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (42-1-1 30KO). With this win, Mayweather captured the WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine 154 pound titles.
From the opening bell Mayweather knew exactly what he wanted to do and Alvarez simply lacked the tools to stop him. Both men tried to establish their jab early but Mayweather’s speed and accuracy prevented Alvarez from landing any combinations on him.
By the middle rounds Mayweather opened up his offense by landing looping and straight right hands as well as left hooks and uppercuts. Alvarez threw more punches during these rounds but was unable to establish any consistent success with his offense as the slick Mayweather used every defensive trick in the book from rolling with punches to shifting his body at certain angles that made Alvarez’s punches ineffective.
As the fight progressed, Canelo showed more and more frustration and continued to hit nothing but air and it became clear that he was not going to get a late knockout. Mayweather simply used his legs to avoid Alvarez in the 12th round, the only round the Mexican fighter could have conceivably won.
The judges scored the bout 114-114, an utterly ridiculous scorecard that has led to the judge (C.J. Ross) to take an indefinite leave of absence. The other two judges had it 116-112 and 117-111. Theses scores were generous and don’t reflect the actual fight, which most observers scored a shutout (120-108) for Mayweather.
At this point there aren’t many options for Mayweather in terms of an opponent. Danny Garcia (27-0 16KO), the junior welterweight (140 Ibs.) champion, appears to be the strongest candidate right now but it’s hard to imagine him posing any serious risk. Garcia is a smart, resourceful fighter who has beaten most of the top fighters of his weight division but Mayweather is a completely different animal. He’s just as intelligent as Garcia and far quicker.
Alvarez could get a chance to win a title in his next fight if the newly crowned IBF 154 junior welterweight titleholder Carlos Molina (22-5-2 6KO). Don’t let the record fool you, Molina is a clever boxer who could give Alvarez major problems if they decide to fight but Canelo does possess a mix of power and underrated boxing ability. A fight like that would create some buzz due to the skill level of the two. Even if he decides not to face Molina, Alvarez is only 23 and has time to recover from his first professional loss.
Right now, Mayweather remains the king.
Categories: Boxing