Miguel Cotto vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez: The Numbers. M.DeTyrone

Miguel Cotto vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez: The Numbers.

M.DeTyrone

Are we looking at Stardom vs. Skills? Are we looking at a young inexperienced boxer vs. an experienced fading veteran? These questions will be answered. They’re hyping this possible match as a huge Super Mega Fight for May 5th / Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican Holiday which Canelo and his promoter desire to regain at all cost from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and appease their nationalist fan base. The big problem is that Cotto and “Canelo” Alvarez in their last two PPV events they both combined didn’t reach near the numbers of one of Floyd Mayweather’s PPV buys in 2014.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez:

 Height 5’9” Reach 70 ½

Pro Record: 44-1-1 (31KO)

Trainers: Eddy Reynoso & Jose Reynoso

Canelo has never been Ko’d.

Last 6 opponents’ record: 5-1 (2KO) vs. a combined record of 187-15-3

In the last 6 fights: 33% KO

In 7 world championship fights: 42% KO

Versus 9 ex or current world champions: 22% KO

Total Pro Record: 67% KO

Last Pro Fight: Won a 12 round SD vs. Erislandy Lara at a 155 lbs. Middleweight Division Catchweight.

Vs. Common Opponents: 4-1 (1KO)

Vs. Austin Trout: In 2013 in the 154 lbs. division, Canelo wins a 12 round UD.

Vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: In 2013 in the 154 lbs. division, Canelo lost a 12 round MD.

Vs. Shane Mosley: In 2012 in the 154 lbs. division, Canelo wins a 12 round UD.

Vs. Alfonso Gomez: In 2011 in the 154 lbs. division, Canelo wins via 6 round TKO.

Vs. Lovemore N’Dou:  In 2010 in the 154 lbs. division, Canelo wins a 12 round UD.

According to Team Canelo and the Reynoso’s Miguel Cotto is just a stepping stone for a “Canelo” Alvarez that has been groomed to be the next future ppv star and the heir to the PPV Kingdom. Something they strongly feel entitled to obtain and claim over Floyd Mayweather Jr. because of Canelo’s nationality and alleged star power in boxing. Since, the early 2012 Team Canelo has been mentioning Cotto and pursuing a fight offering a reported upwards 10 million USD, a few years ago. An offer Cotto declined and instead decides to make history and win a middleweight title. Obviously there is more behind this entire proposed fight one is the exploitation the nationalistic fan base and brings up the old island of Puerto Rico vs. the nation of Mexico, as a theme to promote the fight. What will legitimize Canelo Alvarez more among the nationalistic fans than defeating a veteran Puerto Rican Boxer on Cinco de Mayo? Make no mistake about it this one of the reason why they are pushing and wanting the fight.

I’ve seen no improvements in Saul “Canelo” Alvarez boxing after the Mayweather Jr. Fight you would expect that he learned how to close the distance and footwork. However, insisted of progression what I have seen is a regression. “Canelo” Alvarez’ bad stamina, repetitive combinations, bad footwork, inexperience, lack of the ability to land on a non-stationary target, and his inability to adjust has been established.  I wouldn’t expect an experienced veteran like Miguel Cotto just to stand and trade power punches vs. “Canelo” Alvarez like some tuff man contest. Yes, “Canelo” Alvarez is younger, believed to be stronger, and believe to be a KO artist.

Miguel Cotto:

Height 5’7” Reach 67”

Pro Record 39-4 (32KO)

He has suffered 2 TKO defeats.

Trainer: Freddie Roach, International Boxing Hall of Famer & World Boxing Hall of Famer (Trainer)

Last 6 opponents’ record:  4-2 (4KO) vs. a combined record of 213-22-6

In the last 6 fights: 66% KO

In 22 world championship fights: 68% KO

Versus 19 ex or current world champions: 58% KO

Total Pro Record: 74% KO

Last Pro Fight: Won via TKO in 10 rounds vs. Sergio Martinez to win the WBC Middleweight Division Title at 159 lbs. Catchweight.

Vs. Common Opponents: 3-2 (1KO)

Vs. Austin Trout: In 2012 in the 154 lbs. division, Cotto lost a 12 round UD.

Vs.  Floyd Mayweather Jr.: In 2012 in the 154 lbs. division, Cotto lost a 12 UD.

Vs. Alfonso Gomez: In 2008 in the 147 lbs. division, Cotto wins via a 6 Round TKO.

Vs. Shane Mosley: In 2007 in the 147 lbs. division, Cotto won via a 12 round UD.

 Vs. Lovemore N’Dou: In 2004 in the 140 lbs. division, Cotto won a 12 UD.

What I expect is an intelligent Cotto that will follow the blue print laid down by Mayweather jr. and Lara, with his experience controls the distance, momentum, and timing. This will allow him to methodically and systematically break down “Canelo” Alvarez with body shots and strategic combinations. Waiting until the 5^th and 6^th round when “Canelo” Alvarez’ stamina begins to fade and at that precise moment when he begins to back pedal with his hands down towards the ropes. That’s when Cotto will capitalize. “Canelo” Alvarez is just force and repetitive power within the first 5^th rounds; if Cotto controls that momentum with ring generalship he’ll have a good chance to TKO or even KO Canelo.