Alvarez is the modern-day Rocky
By Bonginkosi Nkosi
At 8-1 Fielding is unlikely to beat 1-12 favourite.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s latest performance when defeating Gennady “GGG" Golovkin by way of a decision to steal the WBA (Super), WBC, vacant The Ring and lineal middleweight titles, indicates he is arguably the best boxer on the planet right now. The Mexican should confirm this when he fights Rocky Fielding for the WBA (regular) super middleweight title at New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
Alvarez comes into this contest with a stellar 50-1-2 record that includes an impressive 34 knockouts – winning eight of his last nine bouts. His last fight was one filled with controversy but in his defence, although he landed fewer punches than GGG, he was more accurate with his power shots and was the aggressive fighter.
The 28-year-old has an unorthodox stance and is known as an elite counter-puncher who delivers some of the most powerful body shots in the game. Considering he has knocked out eight of his last 14 opponents, this statement is backed up by his record.
The 1-12 favourite’s offensive ability and combinations are perfection and he can take a punch. In fact, he has not been knocked down, and to top it off he is sharp defensively. Alvarez bobs and weaves exceptionally well and is quick on his feet, making it very hard for his rivals to land dangerous punches. He is a fun fighter to watch because each landed shot packs so much power. Even his jabs snap his opposition’s heads back.
Considering Fielding is the bigger fighter, Alvarez will have to land on the body early, in the hopes of tiring and breaking down his rival. We know the Mexican can last 12 rounds but there is still a major question mark surrounding Fielding’s stamina and conditioning. The problem is his record proves he hasn’t been in the ring with a lot of quality fighters (at least no one like Alvarez) and he’s a bit on the slow side.
He comes into this contest with a 27-1 record that boasts 15 knockouts and he has won his last six bouts. To cause the upset, the 8-1 shot will have to make the fight boring, but that’s not who he is. He loves a brawl.
He needs to use his height advantage, use his feet, jab and try avoid getting hit so he can edge a win by way of decision – which is unlikely.