Posted: Nov 29, 2023 | Updated: 2 months ago
After watching Canelo’s performance vs Billy Joe Saunders, I think most boxing fans can agree that Saul looked near immortal and could have potentially dealt with Floyd Mayweather in his prime. During the fight you effectively see Canelo landing the cleaner shots, and counters well with the uppercut on the inside, whilst Saunders had his fair share of shots too. It is evident that Saunders was broken mentally, whether he stepped up from his stool or not wouldn’t have stopped the outcome.
It’s only right to question after this who really would win in a prime for prime bout, Canelo or Floyd Mayweather. Who really is the best fighter of this generation, and who do the youth look up to for hope?
Floyd Mayweather entered his athletic peak at 25 years old, seen in his 2002 bout vs Luis Castillo. Although close, Mayweather pulled through and won both bouts, earning more respect in the lightweight division, leading up to his bout vs DeMarcus Corley.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis carried through to his bouts vs Morley, Gatti, and Hatton. Through the 2002-2007 period, Mayweather developed into the Pretty Boy Floyd we all know him as, the Gatti fight is a personification of this, speed, ring generalship, footwork and IQ. By 2007, Mayweather was the same age Canelo is now, having 18 championship bouts.
Canelo however is currently in his athletic prime at 30 years old, with his first title fight coming 3 years later. Canelo has had 32 championship fights by now, with his prime beginning arguably around the 2013-18 period, with the fights against those such as Cotto, Trout, Kirkland and Khan, establishing Canelo as a more than able opponent against top competition.
During this time, he lost against Mayweather himself, where he acknowledged that he rushed into the fight and hadn’t given himself enough experience. It is clear in future fights that Mayweather improved his boxing ability significantly. When asked his opinion on the rematch, Canelo claims “I think he’s good too but I’m a different fighter now”.
Embed from Getty ImagesMayweather however insists that he “whopped” Canelo the first time and sees no benefit in a rematch. He states, “Canelo, you a good fighter, but you know what it is against me boy. Class in session!”
Source: Canelo vs. Mayweather, other archived Alvarez fight replays, highlights on DAZN | Sporting News
Canelo had the better competition when focusing on the two boxers’ individual weight classes. Chavez jr / Jacobs and Kovalev carry more names than Hernandez and Corrales, and although great fighters, they cannot match the same popularity or ability of Canelo’s opponents.
From 140-154, Floyd has more notable wins, However, both fought equally able fighters eg ODH, Cotto, fighting themselves, Maidana Ricky and Matt Hatton.
Embed from Getty ImagesCanelo at 154-160 would do better against Floyd than at 147. Floyd wins if they fight at 147. They fought at catchweight, and Floyd won. Was it early in his career? Yes. Would he have won if they fought again later on (assuming the same weight class)? Debatable, in my opinion, Floyd wins again. And here’s why ;
Forget who they fought. If they were in the ring together it would be different, so it’s only right to consider which other opponents gave the two fighters problems in the ring.
Source – Canelo vs. Lara: How Controversial Results Impact Boxing’s Future, Both Fighters | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
For Canelo, southpaws such as Lara, Billie Jo Saunders and Trout gave Canelo harder fights than he is usually accustomed to. This hadn’t so much to do with the stance switch, however more concerning the footwork and the educated jabs of his opponents. GGG gave Canelo problems via a stiff jab and also being front-footed giving Canelo a taste of his own medicine.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Floyd, front-footed aggressive fighters seemed to be the problem. We see this vs Castillo, a controversial fight early in his career, the pressure of Victor Ortiz and Maidana proved to effective against a flashy “money” Mayweather offsetting his movement. When we consider the fight they had themselves, we see how Canelo needs to plant his feet before landing his jabs or combinations, whereas Floyd is more educated in his jab and movement from all the hours spent in the gym resulting in the win for him.
Most people may have seen a famous clip of Floyd narrowly pulling his hips away from Canelo’s attempted 1-2 to the body – this showed the difference in class between the two champions.
You and I alongside many other boxing fans can agree that whatever the weight or age, this would always be a close fight hands down. If it was to happen we would be seeing a very similar fight to Mayweather v Castillo. But when having to choose a side prime for prime,
Embed from Getty ImagesI have to stick with Mayweather. Why? The speed and footwork “pretty boy Floyd” has in his day was sublime, partnered by his power and endurance at the time would only offset Canelo more. Yes, Canelo has made improvements since the Mayweather fight, but we cannot forget that Canelo was a world-class fighter at the time of facing Floyd, therefore improvements since then can only go so far.
Yes, the fight would be better but Floyd in his prime would’ve only given Canelo more issues to face.
Recently Anthony Joshua has found his killer instinct again. With a vicious stoppage of Otto Wallin and a brutal knockout of Francis Ngannou in his last outing. It seems as if the "Old AJ" is back. Many are crediting the appointment of head trainer Ben Davison as the reason for…
Continue Reading...
In an eagerly anticipated event that has long been awaited by fight fans around the world, Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal, two former UFC rivals with a storied history between them, are set to step into the boxing ring once again on June 1st, PPV. This much-anticipated rematch marks almost…
Continue Reading...
Boxing rings hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. They are not merely platforms for combat but stages upon which legends are made and history is written. From historic venues to modern marvels, here are the top 10 most iconic boxing rings that have witnessed some of…
Continue Reading...
Teofimo Lopez is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing today. The Takeover combines explosive knockout power with slick boxing acumen. He is equally the most frustrating boxer to watch. Teo can go from beating world-class opposition to looking subpar against fighters he should be dominating.
Continue Reading...
Tony Bellew, the former professional boxer, has had a lucrative career both inside and outside the ring. From his early days in the sport to his transition into acting and commentary, Bellew has amassed a significant net worth. In this comprehensive analysis, we'll delve into the various aspects contributing to…
Continue Reading...
Prince Naseem Hamed, also known as Prince Naseem, is a British former professional boxer who captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide with his flashy entrances, unparalleled showmanship, and devastating punching power. Born on February 12, 1974, in Sheffield, England, Naseem rose to prominence during the 1990s, becoming one of…
Continue Reading...
Carl Froch, a renowned name in the world of boxing. He has captivated audiences with his impressive career and remarkable achievements inside the ring. Beyond his accolades as a professional boxer. Carl Froch's net worth reflects his dedication, perseverance, and strategic financial decisions.
Continue Reading...