By Joseph Herron – Most boxing pundits have questioned the long-term health of the “sweet science” by asking themselves, “Now that Manny Pacquiao’s career as a prizefighter is winding down, and Floyd Mayweather is a semi-retired boxer, which fighters are going to carry the sport and become the future stars of boxing?”
Oscar De La Hoya seems to be happily retired, Roy jones Jr should be happily retired, and the entire American boxing media unfortunately has abandoned the heavyweight division, including the Klitschko brothers.
So who will inherit the task of carrying the torch that ignites the future of boxing?
For the last two weeks, the world of boxing has witnessed two champions emerging from the carnage of the boxing stockyards. Nonito Donaire and Brandon Rios, two young Top Rank fighters, have captured the imagination of the entire boxing universe with two exciting performances.. As a result, for the first time in a very long time, fight fans are starting to feel somewhat optimistic about the future of boxing.
Can Golden Boy Promotions make it three consecutive weeks with a “breakout” performance from one of boxing’s potential stars?
On Saturday, March 5th, Saul Alvarez gets his opportunity to shine on the big stage when he takes on Matthew Hatton from Great Britain for the vacated WBC Junior Middleweight Championship.
At the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, the “up and coming” Mexican fighter takes on the younger brother of former welterweight champion, Ricky Hatton, in what boxing scribes are negatively labeling as a glorified coming-out party for Golden Boy’s latest protégé.
If that criticism wasn’t enough pressure to distract a young fighter, most in the world of boxing are disappointed with the WBC for giving this title opportunity to an “unproven” 20 year old fighter, who most feel isn’t ready and isn’t deserving of a major title shot at this point in his young career.
The red-haired Mexican pugilist doesn’t seem bothered by the negativity surrounding the fight on Saturday night. Since Alvarez was 13 years of age, he’s been preparing for this moment.
“I don’t care what they say about me, or the criticism. I just go in there to win,” says the undefeated prospect. “I’m ready…I’ve always said that, all along, I’m ready for the big names.”
Just as Donaire and Rios have proven in consecutive weeks, winning a title in a convincing manner is the best way to not only make a name for yourself, but to also silence your most brutal critics.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez must do just that to earn the respect of the boxing world: Not just win, but win convincingly.
Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya has a pretty good feeling that this indeed will happen on Saturday night.
“Canelo is a warrior; he’s strong as a bull who keeps coming at you…he punches in bunches,” states the former Olympic Gold Medal winner. “When he steps in the ring, there’s going to be an explosion.”
Golden Boy Promotions have received criticism over the last several years for “wanting the baby without having to go through the labor pains”. Boxing scribes have condemned GBP’s handling of many young fighters and have accused Golden Boy of trying to rush their prospects to super-stardom, only to have them knocked-out and “upset” in the process.
Jorge Linares, Victor Ortiz, and Daniel Jacobs were three highly regarded Golden Boy prospects who were victims of stunning upset losses, which have temporarily defused the excitement and expectations surrounding their careers.
What measures have Golden Boy Promotions taken with “Canelo” to prevent this from happening again?
Under the tutelage of his trainers Jose “Chepo” Reynoso and Eddie Reynosa, Alvarez has been steadily nurtured in Mexico since he was thirteen years old and hasn’t been rushed to the top, even after making his US debut.
“The difference between Saul and most other Mexican fighters is that he has a much better defense,” states trainer Eddie Reynosa. “He knows how to avoid being hit. He works his legs more, in comparison to the classical Mexican fighter who just charges ahead.”
“Canelo” made his American debut on the undercard of the Mosley/Mayweather bout in May of 2010 against former lightweight fighter Jose Miguel Cotto, who he successfully knocked out in the ninth round. He also knocked out Carlos Baldomir in six rounds on the undercard of the Mora/Mosley fight in September of last year.
Golden Boy believes, this time they have found someone very special.
“Just to explain to you the popularity of this young fighter, I’ve been down with him in Mexico many times. He does have that rock star-like following from the grandmothers to the teenagers. It is truly incredible. I haven’t seen something like that, obviously, since I’ve been fighting,” says Oscar De La Hoya.
“The audience that he can captivate when he fights truly has no boundaries. This fighter is not only charismatic and is a good looking kid, but he can fight. I’ve been witness to that, up close and personal. We feel that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez can be the biggest thing that has hailed from Mexico inside that square circle.”
On Saturday, March 5th, Saul Alvarez headlines his first event in America for HBO and Golden Boy Promotions against Matthew “Magic” Hatton for the vacant WBC Junior Middleweight title. He recognizes the fact that the expectations are high and a loss would be catastrophic for his career. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has assured his fans to expect a homecoming with a new title in hand.
“This belt is going to Mexico…I repeat, this belt is going to Mexico.” – Saul “Canelo” Alvarez