Somebody’s “0” has got to go!!!!!

Saturday September 14th 2013 is a date that’s due to go down in all time boxing history. Some are already calling it the potential “fight of the decade”.

The older undefeated Floyd Mayweather (44-0 26 knockouts) will take on the younger, undefeated Saul Alvarez (42-0-1 30 knockouts) in what is looking like a fight for the ages.

This Mayweather v Alvarez fight is destined to be a real corker. Mainly because there are so many questions that will be answered as the fight plays out.

Mayweather has been widely known as the long running pound for pound king of boxing. With impregnable defence, lighting quick hand speed and footwork, deceiving strong for his size, ultra fit with tremendously versatile and accurate punches.

Saul Alvarez is a young, strong, pretender to the pound for pound king crown, who seems to come on leaps and bounds with every fight. He is a technically gifted fighter, possesses a devastating arsenal of punches and is a ruthless finisher of fights.

First of all, it will be at a 152 catch weight which will be about 5 pounds heavier than what Mayweather is used to fighting at (although he has fought at that weight before against Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto). The catch weight is also 2 pounds lighter than Alvarez’s usual fighting weight.

Who will cope with this adjustment better? 2 pounds don’t seem like a lot but in boxing it could make all the difference.

The extra weight could help Alvarez impose his will and bully Mayweather onto the ropes in corners.

But it could also take effect later in the fight as Alvarez has had some stamina issues in the past. Cutting the weight could drain his strength.

There is no weight restriction on fight day so Alvarez can really pile back on the weight on the day of the fight. It is conceivable he could weigh as much as 5 pounds more than Mayweather, which Floyd will really feel behind Alvarez’ punches.

This could be a huge factor but the extra weight could also work against Alvarez when trying to combat the quickness of Mayweather to close the gaps and tie him down.

Pressure is one of the keys to victory for Alvarez. He needs to close the distance as often as possible and then use the weight to his advantage. He is at his best when he throws “punches in bunches” and needs to do this on a regular basis, to hopefully not allow Mayweather to settle and get into a rhythm.

Alvarez has also gained a reputation as a devastating body puncher. This needs to be on show as punches to the body could seriously dent the older Mayweather, nullifying his speed he so relies on.

As for Mayweather, he needs to use his speed and footwork to keep the fight at a distance. Although he has proved to be very useful in and working off the clinch, he is way more effective when he has space to pick apart his opponents with his array of eye-catching, accurate punches.

As stated previously, Alvarez has had some issues with stamina. Mayweather can
test this. We all know Floyd has unbelievable “cardio” even at 36. He is known for
being a gym rat and usually comes on strong later in fights. If the fight is at a decent
pace this could cause Saul problems heading into the later stages.

Along with the weight, age has to be a factor. Mayweather is 14 years older than
Alvarez. I doubt we will see father time catch up to Mayweather in this fight, but it
does catch up to all of us which means it has to start at some point.

Could a young, strong, fit and hungry and let’s be honest, very gifted fighter just start that decline?

As much as age could be Alvarez’s advantage, experience could be Mayweather’s
equaliser. Floyd is a wiley old character who has seen it all and beat them all.

Although amazingly Alvarez has only had one fight less than Floyd, he hasn’t nearly fought the same calibre of fighters, been at the same level or dealt with and overcome the same kind of pressure Mayweather has. How will he deal with Mayweathers guile and in-ring smarts?

As Mayweather keeps saying “there is no blueprint to beat me” but Alvarez is undefeated also, so there is no blueprint to beat him.

Both fighters have their own unique way of winning fights. Mayweather is good at working out opponents, dissecting their abilities and coming up with the correct way to defeat them. Alvarez has been good at imposing his will, breaking down a fighter and dominating them.

It will be interesting to see who will impose their style and influence over their opponent more.

Both fighters have so much talent and ability the fight will be like a chess game, a battle of wits and intelligence as well as speed and strength.

As stated previously, this is destined to be a fight for the ages and one that will surely go down in boxing history…..Who knows, we may even get a rematch….OK, maybe I’m jumping the gun a bit, but I just can’t help it, I’m too excited. Anyway, let’s just all enjoy this fight and take it from there….

See you September 14th…..I cant wait!