Canelo Alvarez says Floyd Mayweather would never have fought him in his prime, and here’s why! 😱🥊
Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has never been one to shy away from bold statements. Reflecting on his 2013 loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., the Mexican boxer recently made a statement that has sparked debate among boxing fans and experts. According to Canelo, things would have been very different if he had fought Mayweather at the peak of their careers. With his confidence at an all-time high, Alvarez insisted that Mayweather would never have dared to face him if they were both in their prime. In fact, he went so far as to say: “If we were both at our best, our best moment, he would have nothing to do with me. Nothing. I would knock him out.”
This statement is not just a boast: it is a direct challenge to the legend of Floyd Mayweather Jr., a man who has long been considered one of the best defensive boxers in history. The question now is: Could Canelo really have defeated Mayweather in his prime, or is this just a product of the fierce confidence that comes with the achievements he has made since that fateful night?
Canelo’s reflection on his 2013 loss
When Canelo Alvarez faced Floyd Mayweather in 2013, he was a 23-year-old rising star with an undefeated record and a world title under his belt. The fight was supposed to be a coronation of sorts, a chance for Canelo to show his potential as the future of boxing. But instead, it was a defensive boxing clinic by Mayweather, who dominated the fight and won by majority decision.
For Canelo, the loss was painful, but it was also a learning experience. At just 23 years old, he was still developing as a wrestler, learning the nuances of defense, footwork, and ring IQ. Mayweather, at 36, was at the peak of his powers, with more than 40 professional wins and no losses to his name. The difference in experience and skill between the two fighters was evident that night, and Canelo admitted that he wasn’t fully prepared for the level of defense that Mayweather brought to the ring.
However, since that loss, Canelo has grown by leaps and bounds as a fighter. He became the first undisputed super middleweight champion, dominating his opponents with a combination of power, technique and intelligence. Canelo’s transformation from a promising young fighter to an experienced and dominant champion has fueled his belief that, had he faced Mayweather in his prime, the outcome would have been very different.
The confidence behind the statement
Canelo’s claim that he would knock out Mayweather in his prime says a lot about his current mindset. Since his loss to Mayweather, Canelo has become one of the most complete boxers in the world, with victories over legends such as Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev. His confidence is based on his experience and the evolution of his boxing skills.
In his prime, Mayweather was known for his unmatched defensive and counterpunching skills, allowing him to make even the best opponents look ineffective. His ability to avoid blows while controlling the pace of the fight was unparalleled. Mayweather was often able to frustrate his opponents with his elusiveness, and Canelo, despite his power, struggled to land clean punches during their 2013 encounter.
However, Canelo’s evolution since then has been remarkable. Their offensive arsenal has expanded and their defensive capabilities have improved. His footwork is more fluid and his ability to cut around the rim and apply pressure has become one of his most formidable assets. Canelo has also shown that he can take a hit and take the punishment, something that was left in doubt after his loss to Mayweather. Over the years, Canelo has become more comfortable in the ring and his strategy has become more refined.
Mayweather’s legacy
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and his undefeated record (50-0) speaks for itself. Known for his incredible boxing IQ, defensive dominance, and ability to outthink and outplay his opponents, Mayweather has set the standard for what it means to be a technical boxer. His ability to adapt to any style and make his opponents look normal is one of the reasons he is often considered the greatest defensive boxer in history.
That being said, Mayweather’s legacy is also defined by his ability to pick his opponents at the right time. Many believe Mayweather’s career was built on careful selection of fights that suited his strengths. In his later years, Mayweather became known for taking on older fighters or those who were no longer in their prime. His ability to dictate the terms of his fights, including when and where they occurred, played a major role in his undefeated record.
Could Canelo have defeated Mayweather in his prime?
The debate over whether Canelo could have defeated Mayweather in their respective primes will likely never have a definitive answer. However, it is clear that Canelo’s development as a fighter has been extraordinary. His combination of technical boxing, power and mental toughness has made him one of the most dominant champions in the sport today.
Canelo’s confidence in his ability to beat Mayweather in his prime is understandable, given his success and growth as a fighter. But Mayweather’s defensive genius and ring control were unlike anything Canelo had seen at the time of their first fight. Mayweather’s ability to frustrate and neutralize his opponents was a key reason for his success. While Canelo is now a more complete fighter, the question remains: would he have been able to break through Mayweather’s defense, especially in his prime?
Conclusion
Canelo Alvarez’s bold statement that he would have knocked out Floyd Mayweather in his prime is a testament to his growth and confidence as a fighter. While it’s impossible to know for sure how an excellent Canelo would have fared against an excellent Mayweather, one thing is certain: Canelo is a much more complete fighter than the one who stepped into the ring with Mayweather in 2013. Whether or not he could have defeated the undefeated legend will remain a topic of debate, but there is no denying that Canelo has earned his place among the sport’s greats.
