A September showdown between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and rising superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez looks set to be the boxing matchup of the year.
Both boxers confirmed the September 14 fight in Las Vegas on Twitter this week.
One of the two will have to lose their unbeaten tag. Mayweather is undefeated in 44 fights, while Guadalajara-born Alvarez is 43-0-1. The age difference of 13 years will be a big talking point but most experts agree that Alvarez is ready and in peak physical condition to take on boxing’s undisputed top pound-for-pound fighter.
At 36, Mayweather may feel that he should fight Alvarez before the Mexican fighter gets even better. Alvarez won a 12-round decision against Austin Trout in April but still left a few commentators unsure whether he has the boxing guile to outwit such a skilled opponent as Mayweather.The danger for Mayweather is that he will find himself in the ring against a larger opponent who is arguably the most powerful puncher he has ever faced.
A loss for Mayweather may signal the end of his career, while Alvarez, if he fails, at least has many years ahead of him in his quest for greatness. The risk factor, say boxing experts, will weigh more heavily on the U.S. fighter.
The fight will be broadcast on Showtime (pay-per-view) and will certainly be the biggest pay day of Alvarez’s career to date.