Guadalajara’s boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez steps back into the ring Saturday, September 30 in a fight pundits say may cause him a few problems.

Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) faces Jermell Charlo of the United States (35-1-1, 19 KOs) in Las Vegas for the undisputed super-welterweight crown.

Alvarez last fought in May in his hometown, defeating John Ryder of England on points in an emotional contest at the Akron Stadium. Charlo has not been in the ring for 15 months—an absence that could weigh in Canelo’s favor, boxing sources say.

Despite still being considered the world’s best “pound-for-pound” fighter, Alvarez, now 31, has been taken past the 11th round in each of his last four fights, leading to questions about whether he may be past his prime.

Canelo admits he was not at his best in recent fights, but said this week that he has never felt fitter.

While Charlo, 33, cannot match Canelo’s punching power, he has a significant height advantage, standing at 5 foot 11 inches. Oscar de la Hoya, a former world champion and ex-manager of Alvarez, said Charlo can win the fight by keeping his distance, using his large frame to keep Canelo at bay, and by effective jabbing.   This tactic was used by Dimitry Bivol, who inflicted Canelo’s second defeat of his career in May 2022. Alvarez had moved up to light heavyweight for that fight but will be back at his more comfortable weight next weekend.