Official: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez To Defend Against Ryan Rhodes In Mexico, June 18th

By James Slater: It’s been made official: 20-year-old Saul Alvarez will make the first defence of his WBC light-middleweight belt against British contender Ryan Rhodes. Ringtv.com has announced that the June 18th fight will go ahead in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will be shown live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

On the under-card, super-featherweights Adrian Broner and Jason Litzau will meet.

Speaking recently with Boxrec.com, Ricky Hatton, now of course a promoter (through there is still a chance “Hitman” will come back and fight again; maybe against Erik Morales!), said he is confident 34-year-old Rhodes can bring the belt back home with a win.

“My brother, Matthew showed that Alvarez can be hit, but unfortunately that night, he just wasn’t big enough,” Hatton told Boxrec. “I expect that Ryan, who is a natural light-middleweight, will come though and become Hatton Promotions’ first world champion.”

Southpaw Rhodes, 45-4(31) is not only a natural 154-pounder, he is also far more experienced than the still-learning Alvarez and he has a tricky style along with underrated, deceiving punch power. On his best day, the classy Sheffield man can prove to be any fighter’s worst nightmare. And Hatton is right: “Canelo” was somewhat easy to hit back in March, against “Magic” Matthew.

It is to be hoped (by Canelo fans anyway), that the young champion has done his homework ahead of this fight. If, however, the Mexican sensation has not studied as many tapes of Rhodes as he can and if he has not employed (or has plans to employ) as many clone sparring partners as he can, he could well be in trouble. Rhodes, despite his age, remains very hungry. Never having been given the big, big chances he feels he deserved (just two WBO title shots, one interim – both coming at a time before the lefty had matured sufficiently), Rhodes is as determined today as ever.

Alvarez may be looking at the forthcoming fight as just another fight with a veteran who happens to be British. But, begging Matthew Hatton’s pardon, Rhodes is a few levels above the 29-year-old from Manchester. Also, what problems will the challenger’s stance give Alvarez?

To me, the June fight will come down to mental preparation. Rhodes will definitely be up for the fight of his life. Alvarez, 36-0-1(26) may not be so focused. The final betting odds for this fight will be very interesting reading. Rhodes is sure to be the underdog. If I were a betting man, I’d be seriously tempted to place a few pesos on a Rhodes win.

This chance will almost certainly be Rhodes’ last. He will not waste it.