The Final Championship Round

Saturday, August 1, 2015

The KO Power Rankings: 2015 Mid-Year Middleweights

By M.DeTyrone

Middleweights

1. Gennady Golovkin 91%KO 30 KOs in 33 fights

2. David Lemieux 86%KO 31 KOs in 36 fights

3. Daniel Jacobs 87% KO 26 KOs in 30 fights

4. Miguel Cotto 75% KO 33KOs in 44 fights

5. Peter Quillin 69% KO 22 KOs in 32 fights

6. Andy Lee 65% KO 24 KOs in 37 fights

7. Curtis Stevens 63% KO 20 KOs in 32 fights

8. Saul Alvarez 68% KO 32 KOs in 47 fights

9. James Kirkland 82% KO 28 KOs in 34 fights

10. Michel Soro 60% KO 17 KOs in 29 fights

ROUND 7: GGG 2 | Lemieux 1 | Cotto 4 | Quillin 1

ROUND 9: Cotto 3 | Alvarez 3

ROUND 11: GGG 1 | Cotto 3 | Alvarez 1

ROUND 12: Jacobs 1 | Cotto 1 | Alvarez 2

GGG vs. Lemieux

By M.DeTyrone

On October 17, 2015, the WBA Super World Middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin will face the IBF World Middleweight Champion David Lemieux. This fight is one that the good majority of casual fans and boxing fans that prefer sluggers are waiting to see. This is boxing entertainment of two sluggers or best one slugger vs. a slugger/infighter. Many questions remain about GGG’s fanatical irrational fan base, one is will the network ratings, and years of media driven hype translate into good pay per view numbers.

Both boxers have high KO percentages so there’s the expectation that this fight will end in a KO or TKO. GGG has never lost or has been KO however; Joachim Alcine defeated Lemieux in 2011 and Lemieux was TKO’d in seven rounds by Marco Antonio Rubio in 2011. Not the marks of a top quality opponent outside his KO record, which 31 KOs and 29 of those KOs came within the first five rounds.

Lemieux is 6-0 (4KO) in his last six fights vs. opponents of a combined record of 131-27-2.

Golovkin is 6-0 (6KO) in his last six fights vs. opponents of a combined record of 184-16-2.

If we look at the last six fights, it’s very clear that GGG has fought the better opposition although only two had good power but limited boxing. Lemieux falls into that category of GGG opponents the ones with good power and less boxing skills. Lemieux unlike the others might have the momentum and force to equally match GGG early on from rounds 1 to 3 but then will likely fade and be TKO’d. GGG is a better-balanced boxer and should be in position to land the better power combinations. If Lemieux has, a shot to win it will have to be within the first three rounds by working on GGG’s body early and going for that KO. If Lemieux lands flush, we’ll see if GGG can take a shot and remain standing.

Lemieux 29 KOs in the first 6 rounds, 27 KOs in the first three rounds, and only 2 KOs from round 7 to the twelve.

GGG has 24 KOs in the first 6 rounds, 17 KOs in the first 3 rounds, and 6 KOs from round 7 to the 12.

I will be shocked if this fight goes 12 rounds there’s too much power in both boxer’s and one already been TKO’d. Again, can Lemieux upset via KO or TKO? Yes, anything can happen when a slugger as Lemieux has the power and one good shot can change a fight. We do know GGG can walk down boxers with little KO power and those with power in their records like Rubio and Stevens. That’s why I believe Lemieux power wouldn’t be enough to stop GGG’s momentum for 12 round. He just doesn’t possess the work rate and foot work to displace GGG.

Lemieux must win within rounds one and three, in my opinion, that’s the only opportunity, which I see Lemieux matching GGG’s momentum.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Tyson Fury vs. Dr. Steelhammer: Can Fury shock the world?

By M.DeTyrone

I hardly if ever write about the heavyweight division due to various reasons. However, this fight between the two physical giants Klitschko and Fury is an attention-grabbing one. Mark your calendars on October 24, Fury will be facing the 6’6” 39-year-old “Dr. Steelhammer” Wladimir Klitschko who hold a professional record of 64-3 and 53 KOs in Germany for the WBO World heavyweight title, WBA Super World heavyweight title, and the IBF World heavyweight title. Tyson Fury is a 26-year-old, 6’9” heavyweight with a reach of 85” that has a pro-boxing record of 24-0 with 18 KOs and if you listen or read Fury’s pro-wrestling type comments, he believes himself to be the Gods gift to the heavyweight division and boxing overall. This might be one of the reasons many boxing fans dismiss him as possible live underdog among the various other factors, which include his not so great chin.

Nevertheless, Klitschko isn’t invincible. He was TKO’d in five by Lamon Brewster in 2004, in 2003, TKO’d in two by Corrie Sanders, and in 1998, TKO’s by Ross Puritty in 11 rounds. Can Fury be the next Brewster, Sanders, or Puritty? On the other hand, will he be just another of the long list of Dr. Steelhammer’s victims? The consensus and odds are that Klitschko will KO Fury.

In my opinion, either Fury gets KO’d in less than two rounds or he puts on a valiant fight and goes 5 or 6 rounds vs. Klitschko and gets TKO’d in the process or pulls an upset with a 5^th round TKO or late round TKO victory.

The problem is that Fury’s chin isn’t the greatest and he’s been dropped by lesser quality opponents. The question is Fury that crazy, does he have the heart, does he have the will, and does truly want to be the heavyweight champion of the world or is he all talk. Fury will have to have will power, use his intelligence, height, and reach advantage vs. Klitschko something you hardly ever say about Klitschko opponent that’s what makes this fight a bit interesting and Fury might be underestimated due to his attitude, comments etc… Fury is no dummy and he knows what’s what will be in front of him in October, and let’s see if prepares in conscious for this fight. If he wants to defeat Klitschko, it will have to be on pure sheer will of power and it’s one of the ways to break down Klitschko down.

KOs by Rounds

ROUND 1: Klitschko 11 KOs | Fury 3 KOs

ROUND 2: Klitschko 11 KOs | Fury 2 KOs

ROUND 3: Klitschko 6 KOs | Fury 3 KOs

ROUND 4: Klitschko 5 KOs | Fury 2 KOs

ROUND 5: Klitschko 2 KOs | Fury 4 KOs

ROUND 6: Klitschko 6 KOs | Fury 0 KOs

ROUND 7: Klitschko 4 KOs | Fury 1 KO

ROUND 8: Klitschko 3 KOs | Fury 1 KO

ROUND 9: Klitschko 1 KO | Fury 1 KO

ROUND 10: Klitschko 2 KOs | Fury 1 KO

ROUND 11: Klitschko 1 KO | Fury 0 KOs

ROUND 12: Klitschko 1 KO | Fury 0 KOs

As you can see, Klitschko has an outstanding KO record.

Now if I were looking to see Klitschko score, a KO victory it would be in the rounds 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Now if I were looking for Fury to score a KO then I would say the fifth round or a mid-rounds TKO. I would like nothing more than a Fury upset in the heavyweight division, and will be looking to see if Fury is truly all that he claims to be.

Chavez Jr. the Privileged Brat/Bully of Boxing

By M.DeTyrone

It’s beyond comprehension how any self-respecting boxing fan can follow Chavez Jr. or call him a legitimate boxer. I have no respect for the unfairness, the unethical acts, the lack of sportsmanship and the lack of dignity displayed by Chavez Jr. and his team it’s not something that anyone that cares for the sport should accept. Unless you’re truly, out there on the fringes of boxing and are blindly loyal to this clown’s actions.

You want a poster child for the deterioration of boxing and its constant scrapping of the gutter. Look no further than Chavez Jr. who is a privileged brat and a bully of the vilest kind. A man that grew with privilege and seeks to play boxing in front of his legendary boxing daddy and the thousands of ignorant fans that follow him aided by managers, promoters, networks, the WBC, and countless of Mexican and Mexicans in the USA. Yes, boxing is a business whether fans accept it or not and it’s understandable the exploitation of Chavez Jr. and an ethnic demographic for financial gains. That’s a given nevertheless when will these networks and promoters realize that this glorified tough man carnival freak show headline by Chavez Jr. needs to stop because it’s making a mockery of the sport.

Chavez Jr is nothing but a bully that can’t make weight, selects undersized opponents, caught with performance enhancement drugs and marijuana in his system etc… When Chavez Jr. faced a talented opponent not affected by his massive weight advantage in Andrzej Fonfara. What happened to Chavez Jr. he was beat up and dropped leading him to quit when he knew Fonfara was going to beat the living hell out of him. Add that’s he and his team have been living of a 12^th round knockdown of Sergio G. Martinez in 2012 when Martinez was fighting for his WBC world middleweight title. When the WBC decided at all cost through their politics to make Chavez Jr the first Mexican born middleweight champion.

The drama and Chavez Jr’s bullsh’t is well known by the boxing fans regardless still there’s a section of these so-called fans are so loyal or stupid that they buy tickets to his fights and cheer on his abuse. Shamelessly ESPN Deportes promotes him and even gives him airtime to make up ridiculous excuses and what looks to be many times boxing addiction interventions making them also accomplices of this clown’s actions. Who f’cking cares who trains Chavez Jr the reality is that he has no skills and no dedication to the sport of boxing. His boxing is what I call Frankenstein boxing a cheap version of some carnival tuff man that walks down especially selected undersized opponents after gaining over 20 lbs. after the weigh in. Knowing that they will not hurt him without any boxing skills and only lands an occasional jab but the majority of his punches are left or right hooks to the body or head.

The abuse of undersized boxers will continue to the detriment of the sport of boxing as long as the boxing business keeps exploiting the Chavez Sr. past by using his son. The only thing that will stop this is if Chavez Jr. quits boxing or is killed or nearly killed in the ring. He will continue to play boxing by taking calculated risks without any respect ethic or fairness all to satisfy his ego or some psychological daddy issues, which he may have.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Cotto vs. Canelo: Round by Round KOs

By M.DeTyrone

I will compare Round by Round, Cotto’s 33KOs in 44 fights (75%KO) and Canelo’s 32KOs in 47 fights (68%KO). Cotto has 18 KOs in the super lightweight division, 9 KOs in the welterweight division, 4 KOs in the super welterweight division, and 2 in the middleweight division. Canelo has two KOs in the super lightweight division, 20 KOs in the welterweight division, 8 KOs in the super welterweight division, 2 KOs in the middleweight division.

ROUND 1:

Canelo has five KOs

1. Carlos Leonardo Herrera TKO’d in the welterweight division

2. Antonio Fitch TKO’d in the welterweight division

3. Raul Pinzon TKO’d in the welterweight division

4. Axel Rodrigo Solis TKO’d in the welterweight division

5. Pedro Lopez TKO’d in the welterweight division

Cotto has one KO

1. Jason Doucet was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

ROUND 2:

Alvarez has seven KOs.

1. Marat Khuzeev KO’d in the welterweight division

2. Sean Holly KO’d in the super welterweight division (catchweight in 2007)

3. Jesus Abel Hernandez KO’d in the welterweight division

4. Daniel Martinez KO’d in the welterweight division

5. Juan Hernandez KO’d in the Jr. Welterweight division

6. Pablo Alvarado KO’d in the welterweight division

7. Cristian Hernandez KO’d in the welterweight division

Cotto has five KOs.

1. Rocky Martinez KO’d in the super lightweight division

2. Sammy Sparkman was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

3. Joshua Smith was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

4. Arturo Rodriguez KO’d in the super lightweight division

5. Jacob Godinez was TKO’d in the welterweight division

ROUND 3:

Alvarez has two KOs.

1. James Kirkland KO’d in the middleweight division (catchweight)

2. Brian Camechis KO’d in the welterweight division

Cotto has Two KOs.

1. Delvin Rodriguez was TKO’d in the super welterweight division.

2. Carlos Alberto Ramirez KO’d in the super lightweight division

In the first three rounds Canelo 14KOs 44% of his 32KOs & Cotto 8KOs 24% of his 33KOs the most notable KOs are Canelo’s KO of James Kirkland and Cotto’s KO of Delvin Rodriguez. To his credit, Delvin Rodriguez has challenged twice for a world title versus Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara. Has Kirkland been a better boxer Rodriguez? Kirkland has fought in spurts better opposition; however, he’s been a dangerous KO artist only when Anne Wolfe, trained him. At any rate, Kirkland never lived up to the promise of being a great boxer.

ROUND 4:

Cotto has four KOs.

1. Daniel Geale was TKO’d in the middleweight division a catchweight of 157 lbs.

2. Victoriano Sosa TKO’s in the super lightweight division.

3. Joel Perez TKO’s in the super lightweight division.

4. Rudolfo Lunsford TKO’s in the super lightweight division.

Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Victor Marquez KO‘d in the welterweight division

2. Ivan Illescas KO’d in the welterweight division

3. Abraham Gonzalez KO’d in the Jr. Welterweight division

ROUND 5:

Cotto has a total of Five KOs.

1. Michael Jennings was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

2. Alfonso Gomez was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

3. Carlos Quintana was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

4. DeMarcus Corley was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

5. Justin Juuko TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Josesito Lopez TKO’d in the super welterweight division

2. Kermit Cintron TKO’d in the super welterweight division

3. Fransico Villanueva KO’d in the welterweight division

ROUND 6:

Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Alfonso Gomez TKO’d in the super welterweight division

2. Carlos M. Baldomir KO’d in the super welterweight division

3. Luciano Leonel Cuello TKO’d in the super welterweight division

Cotto has two KOs.

1. Randall Bailey was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

2. Kelson Pinto was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

ROUND 7:

Cotto has four KOs.

1. Ricardo Torres TKO’d in the super lightweight Division.

2. Demetrio Ceballos TKO’d in the super lightweight Division.

3. Ubaldo Hernandez KO’d in the super lightweight Division

4. Juan Angel Macias was TKO’d welterweight Division.

From rounds four and seven Cotto 15 KOs 45% of his 33KOs & Canelo 9KOs, 28% of his 32 KOs the most notable fact is that, seven of Cotto’s KOs were in world title fights vs. Geale was Cotto’s first WBC World middleweight title defense, Cotto vs. Quintana was for the vacant WBA World welterweight title in 2006. Cotto vs. Gomez was Cotto’s fourth WBA World welterweight title defense in 2008, Cotto vs. Corley was Cotto’s second WBO World super lightweight title defense; Cotto vs. Kelson Pinto was for the vacant WBO World super lightweight title. Cotto vs. Randall Bailey was Cotto’s first WBO World super lightweight title defense and Cotto vs. Ricardo Torres was Cotto’s fourth WBO World super lightweight title defense. Three of Canelo’s nine KOs were in WBC world super welterweight title fights vs. Alfonso Gomez, Josesito Lopez, and Kermit Cintron all three returned to the welterweight division after their fight vs. Canelo.

ROUND 8:

Cotto has two KOs.

1. Gianluca Branco was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

2. Carlos Maussa was TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

Alvarez has one KO.

1. Javier Martinez KO’d in the welterweight division

ROUND 9:

Cotto has three KOs.

1. Yuri Foreman was TKO’d in the super welterweight division.

2. Antonio Margarito was TKO’d in the super welterweight division.

3. Muhammad Abdullaev TKO’d in the super lightweight division.

Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Francisco Villanueva TKO’d in the welterweight division

2. Jose Miguel Cotto TKO’d in the super welterweight division

3. Jeferson Luis Goncalo KO’d in the welterweight division

ROUND 10:

Alvarez has two KOs.

1. Michel Rosales TKO’d in the welterweight division

2. Alfredo Angulo TKO’d in the middleweight division (catchweight)

Cotto has one KO.

1. Sergio Gabriel Martinez was TKO’d in a 159 lbs. middleweight catchweight.

From rounds eight to ten Cotto 6KOs 19% KOs of his 33KOs & Canelo 6KOs, 18.75% of his 32 KOs. Five of Cotto’s six KOs were world title fights vs. Branco it was Cotto’s fifth WBO world super lightweight title defense; Cotto vs. Abdullaev was Cotto’s third WBO World super lightweight title defense, and vs. Sergio G. Martinez, it was for the WBC world middleweight title. The only significant Canelo KO was vs. Alfredo Angulo.

ROUND 11:

Alvarez has one KO.

1. Euri Gonzalez TKO’d in the welterweight division

Cotto has three KOs.

1. Oktay Urkal was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

2. Zab Judah was TKO’d in the welterweight division.

3. Cesar Bazan was TKO’s in the super lightweight division

ROUND 12:

Alvarez has two KOs.

1. Ryan Rhodes TKO’d in the super welterweight division

2. Gabriel Martinez TKO’d in the welterweight division

Cotto has only one KO.

1. Ricardo Mayorga was TKO’s in the super welterweight division.

In the championship rounds, Cotto has 4KOs of his 33 KO & Canelo 3KOs of his 32 KOs. Cotto has three of the four KOs in world title fights vs. Yuri Foreman a WBA World super welterweight title bout, vs. Ricardo Mayorga it was Cotto’s first defense of WBA Super World super welterweight title. Versus Oktay Urkal, it was Cotto’s first WBA World welterweight title defense, vs. Zab Judah it was Cotto’s second defense of the WBA World welterweight title. Canelo has one world title KO vs. Ryan Rhodes in his first WBC super welterweight title.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Canelo’s Power: Is it Overrated?

By M.DeTyrone

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has a pro record of 32KOs in 47 fights with a professional boxing record of 45-1-1 (32KO) with a 68 % KO. If you break down his KO record, it’s been against subpar opposition. He hasn’t KO’d or TKO’d an elite ex or current world champion unless you believe the 39-year-old Carlos Baldomir at 153.5 lbs. and the psychological damaged and washed up Kermit Cintron were elite boxers.

After the KO of James Kirkland in the third round in a middleweight catchweight, fight on May 9, 2105 there’s much talk of Canelo’s power and his ability to KO opponents all thorough the web by Canelo fans, the Mexican nationalist fans, boxing media, and the boxing commentators. According to them Canelo’s on the rise after the KO of James Kirkland and TKO of Alfredo Angulo in middleweight catchweights.

Canelo’s KO record is full of subpar boxers, which he defeated in Mexico and in the welterweight division. Canelo’s KOs in the welterweight division is 20, which is a 62.5 % of his 32 KOs. All versus the boxers Carlos Leonardo Herrera, Antonio Fitch, Raul Pinzon, Axel Rodrigo Solis, Pedro López, Marat Khuzeev, Jesus Abel Hernandez, Daniel Martínez, Pablo Alvarado, Cristian Hernández, Brian Camechis, Victor Márquez, Ivan Illescas, Fransico Villanueva, Javier Martínez, Francisco Villanueva, Jeferson Luis Goncalo, Michel Rosales , Euri Gonzalez, and Gabriel Martínez. Sorry, but I can’t find a true talented boxer within that list of 20 boxers, however the Canelo fans seem to have the ability to find them.

In the super welterweight division, Canelo has eight KOs, which is 25% of his 32 KOs versus the boxers Sean Holly, welterweight Josesito López, welterweight Kermit Cintron, welterweight Alfonso Gómez, 39-year-old former welterweight Carlos M. Baldomir, Super Welterweight Luciano Leonel Cuello, Lightweight / welterweight José Miguel Cotto, and super welterweight Ryan Rhodes.

Twenty-five of Canelo’s 32 KOs have been in Mexico that’s 78% of his KOs. Outside of Mexico, a total of three of Canelo’s 32 KOs have been in Las Vegas that’s 9.5% of his KOs and four of Canelo’s 32 KOs have been in California, Florida, and Texas that’s 12.5% of his KOs.

Let’s look at his KO record of 32 KOs round by round and see whose he KO’d.

Round 1: Alvarez has five KOs.

1. Carlos Leonardo Herrera TKO 1 in the welterweight division

2. Antonio Fitch TKO 1 in the welterweight division

3. Raul Pinzon TKO 1 in the welterweight division

4. Axel Rodrigo Solis TKO 1 in the welterweight division

5. Pedro Lopez TKO 1 in the welterweight division

All of Canelo’s first round KOs have occurred in the welterweight division vs. subpar opposition. This is normal for a boxer moving up the ranks his last first round KO was in 2009 in the welterweight division.

Round 2: Alvarez has seven KOs.

1. Marat Khuzeev KO 2 in the welterweight division

2. Sean Holly KO 2 in the super welterweight division (catchweight in 2007)

3. Jesus Abel Hernandez KO 2 in the welterweight division

4. Daniel Martinez KO 2 in the welterweight division

5. Juan Hernandez KO 2 in the Jr. Welterweight division

6. Pablo Alvarado KO2 KO 2 in the welterweight division

7. Cristian Hernandez KO 2 in the welterweight division

Canelo has five KOs in the welterweight division, one in the super welterweight division, and one in the Jr. Welterweight division. All of his seven KOs have been versus subpar opposition.

Round 3: Alvarez has two KOs.

1. James Kirkland KO 3 in the middleweight division (catchweight)

2. Brian Camechis KO 3 in the welterweight division

Overall, from round one to round three Canelo has a total of 14KOs, which are 44% of his 32KOs. Eleven of those 14 KOs were in the welterweight division. His most significant KO was against the two-year inactive and a no Anne Wolfe, James Kirkland.

Round 4: Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Victor Marquez KO 4 in the welterweight division

2. Ivan Illescas KO 4 in the welterweight division

3. Abraham Gonzalez KO 4 in the Jr. Welterweight division

Round 5: Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Josesito Lopez TKO 5 in the super welterweight division

2. Kermit Cintron TKO 5 in the super welterweight division

3. Fransico Villanueva KO 5 in the welterweight division

Josesito Lopez a blown up welterweight given an opportunity to challenge for the WBC Super Welterweight title, and lost due to a sizable weight disadvantage. Since the Canelo fight Lopez has gone down back to the welterweight division and has been TKO’d in six by Andre Berto, was TKO’d in five by Aaron Martinez and TKO’d in six by Marcos Rene Maidana.

Round 6: Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Alfonso Gomez TKO 6 in the super welterweight division

2. Carlos M. Baldomir KO 6 in the super welterweight division

3. Luciano Leonel Cuello TKO 6 in the super welterweight division

In 2011, Alfonso Gomez not a true super welterweight given a WBC World super welterweight title and was TKO’d in six rounds. Since that defeat, he returned down to the welterweight division and lost to Shawn Porter via UD. In 2010, the 39-year-old Carlos Manuel Baldomir former world champion fought Canelo at 153.5 lbs. and KO’d in six by Canelo.

From the round, four to round seven Canelo has a total of 9KOs, which is 28% of his 32 KOs.

The only significant KO victory was against Kermit Cintron a former welterweight champion, and since the Canelo fight has been fighting in the welterweight division vs. dismal opposition.

The last TKO victory by Canelo was versus the welterweight Alfonso Gomez and his last KO victory in the sixth round was versus the 39-year-old Carlos Manuel Baldomir.

Round 8: Alvarez has one KO.

1. Javier Martinez KO 8 in the welterweight division

Round 9: Alvarez has three KOs.

1. Francisco Villanueva TKO9 in the welterweight division

2. Jose Miguel Cotto TKO 9 in the super welterweight division

3. Jeferson Luis Goncalo KO 9 in the welterweight division

The last ninth round TKO by Canelo was versus the lightweight/welterweight journeyman Jose Miguel Cotto in 2010 in a super welterweight catchweight fight. Cotto was the last boxer to badly hurt Canelo.

Round 10: Alvarez has two KOs.

1. Michel Rosales TKO 10 in the welterweight division

2. Alfredo Angulo TKO 10 in the middleweight division (catchweight)

From the eighth round to the tenth round, Canelo has a total of 6KOs, which is 18.75% of his 32 KOs. Four of those six KOs were in the welterweight division. None of those six KOs has been versus significant boxers outside the known name of Alfredo Angulo that was coming of periods of inactivity and TKO defeats at the hands of Erislandy Lara and James Kirkland.

Round 11: Alvarez has one KO.

1. Euri Gonzalez TKO 11 in the welterweight division

Round 12: Alvarez has two KOs.

1. Ryan Rhodes TKO 12 in the super welterweight division

2. Gabriel Martinez TKO 12 in the welterweight division

Only three KOs out of 32 KOs were in the Championship rounds. Two of which were in the welterweight division. The most significant TKO was in 2011; Ryan Rhodes was TKO’d in 12 by Canelo and was later in 2012 TKO’d in seven by Sergey Rabchenko.

Canelo has power to KO and TKO but it has been versus subpar opposition that tends to be sluggers or boxers with limited footwork and defense. When he’s stepped up in competition versus pure-boxers or boxer-punchers with good footwork, he couldn’t TKO or KO. Examples are welterweight Matthew Hatton, super welterweight Erislandy Lara, welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr. super welterweight Austin Trout (he hurt Trout but could not finish him), 39-year-old Shane Mosley, 39-year-old welterweight Lovemore Ndou, and lightweight Miguel Vasquez twice.

Yes, Canelo’s KO powers overrated by his fan base and by many in the boxing media. Canelo is no one punch KO artist and majority of his KO’s have been versus opponents, which he outweighed by nearly 20 lbs. after the day weigh in, and they have no true footwork or defense.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Cotto vs. Canelo: Analysis

By M.DeTyrone

According to the boxing media and the casual fans, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is one of the next boxing superstars and only Miguel Cotto stands in his way. All over the web, his fans and many are commenting Alvarez will KO Cotto. The consensus is that Alvarez has the youth and power Cotto is at the late stage of his career. The theory and belief by the boxing media and Canelo fans is that since Alvarez defeated and hurt Austin Trout that Alvarez will KO and defeat Cotto. Although Alvarez has not TKO’d or KO’d, any top opponent. If you look at the past comments from Canelo’s trainers that believe Cotto’s a washed up old boxer, which is one of the reason, why they were very anxious to have a Cotto vs. Alvarez fight months ago.

One example is Roberto Duran who lost fights vs. Robbie Sims; Kirkland Laing in what was one of the biggest upsets in the early 1980’s. However, Duran would later return to win a WBA Super Welterweight title vs. Davey Moore, and later in his career win a WBC middleweight title at 156 lbs. vs. Iran Barkley. This belief that the Canelo victory over Trout is an indication of a future outcome is not what boxing history has shown us.

After the Lara, Mayweather Jr. and Kirkland fights it’s safe to that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a slugger he lacks true mobility, defense, and finesse his combinations are fast but they are repetitive and predictable. Like the traditional slugger outside a few exceptions in boxing “Canelo” just relies on power and brute force to obtain victories many, which have been vs. boxers that he outweighed and after their defeats, ended up back in the welterweight division.

Cotto in his last two fights have been against bigger men assuming we go with the boxing media and fans narrative that Sergio Martinez was with one good leg. Let’s accept the “one leg narrative” nevertheless Martinez still had more movement that Alvarez has shown with two good legs.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez:

Height 5’9” Reach 70 ½

Pro Record: 45-1-1 (32KO)

Trainers: Eddy Reynoso & Jose Reynoso

In the last six fights 5-1 (3KO) vs. James Kirkland (WKO3), Erislandy Lara (WSD12), Alfredo Angulo (WTKO10), Floyd Mayweather Jr. (LMD12), Austin Trout (WUD12), and Josesito Lopez (WTKO5).

In world championship fights 7-1 (4KO) vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (LMD12), Austin Trout (WUD12), Josesito Lopez (WTKO5), Shane Mosley (WUD12), Kermit Citron (WTKO5), Alfonso Gomez (WTKO6), Ryan Rhodes (WTKO12), and Matthew Hatton (WUD12) won vacant WBC Super Welterweight title.

Alvarez in eight world championship bouts has a record of 7-1 (4KO) with a 50%KO.

Are we to believe that Cotto at this stage of his career is at the level of a Kermit Cintron, Matthew Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Alfonso Gomez, and a Josesito Lopez? Well many believe that he’s and his past few victories have been smoke and mirrors. Let’s look at the five common opponents both boxers have fought. The most recent are Floyd Mayweather Jr. a fight, which both boxers lost but Cotto had a better performance than Alvarez did. Then Austin Trout that Alvarez won via UD12 in 2013 and Cotto lost via UD12 in 2012.

Alvarez fought a 39-year-old Shane Mosley in 2012 at 154 lbs. Mosley in his next fights returned to the welterweight division and then back to the super welterweight division where Anthony Mundine KO’d him in 7 rounds. Cotto fought a 34-year-old Mosley in 2007 in the welterweight division. Mosley would then bounce back and defeat Ricardo Mayorga via a 12 round KO, and then KO in 9 rounds a Antonio Margarito which was caught with Plaster of Paris in hand wraps and was consequently suspended from boxing in California. Alvarez fought a 39-year-old Lovemore Ndou in 2010 in a Super Welterweight bout the next fight Ndou returned to the welterweight division losing to Kell Brook. Six years earlier Cotto had already fought a 33-year-old Ndou in the Jr. Welterweight division.

Alvarez fought Alfonso Gomez in 2011 in the 154 lbs. division, Alvarez wins via a six round TKO. The next fight, Alfonso Gomez returns to the welterweight division and loses to Shawn Porter in a 10 round UD. Cotto fought Alfonso Gomez in 2008 in the welterweight division (147 lbs.), Cotto won via a five Round TKO.

Alvarez vs. Common Opponents: 4-1 (1KO)

Cotto vs. Common Opponents: 3-2 (1KO)

Miguel Cotto:

Height 5’7” Reach 67”

Pro Record 40-4 (33KO)

Trainer: Freddie Roach

In last six fights 4-2 (4KO) vs. Daniel Geale (WTKO4), Sergio Martinez (WTKO10), Delvin Rodríguez (WTKO3), Austin Trout (LUD12), Floyd Mayweather Jr. (LUD12), and Antonio Margarito (WTKO9).

In world champion fights 19-4 (16KO) vs. Daniel Geale (WTKO4), Sergio Martinez (WTKO10), Austin Trout (LUD12), Floyd Mayweather Jr (LUD12), Antonio Margarito (WTKO9), Ricardo Mayorga (WTKO12), Yuri Foreman (WTKO9), Manny Pacquiao (LTKO12), Joshua Clottey (WSD12), Michael Jennings (WTKO5) vacant WBO welterweight title, Antonio Margarito (LTKO11). Alfonso Gomez (WTKO5), Shane Mosley (WUD12), Zab Judah (WTKO11), Oktay Urkal (WTKO11), Carlos Quintana (WTKO5) vacant WBA world welterweight title, Paul Malignaggi (WUD12), Gianluca Branco (WTKO8), Ricardo Torres (WTKO7), Muhammad Abdullaev (WTKO9), Demarcus Corley (WTKO5), Randall Bailey (WTKO6), and Kelson Pinto (WTKO6) vacant WBO world super lightweight title.

Cotto in 23 world championship bout has a record of 19-4 (16KO) with a 69.5%KO.

In a round by round analysis of both boxers, we can see the differences in KO victories and we know the quality of opponents, which both have faced. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has 32KO’s in 47 bouts with a 68%KO and Miguel Cotto has 33KO’s in 44 bouts with a 75%KO. One must take into account the 23 world title fights and a 69.5%KO that’s experience and can be wear and tear on the boxer, however in the last 3 bouts Cotto hasn’t shown any wear and tear but a rejuvenation and love for the sport of boxing.

Rounds 1-3:

Alvarez: 14KO’s 44% of his 32KO’s

Cotto: 8KO’s 24% of his 33KO’s

Cotto’s best-known KO was of Delvin Rodríguez (TKO3).

Alvarez’s best-known KO was of James Kirkland (TKO3).

Rounds 4-7:

Cotto: 15 KO’s 46% of his 33KO’s

Alvarez: 9KO’s 28% of his 32KO’s

Cotto’s best-known KO’s of Daniel Geale (TKO4), Alfonso Gomez (TKO5), Carlos Quintana (TKO5), Ricardo Torres (KO7), Demarcus Corley (TKO5), and of Randall Bailey (TKO6).

Alvarez best-known KO’s of Josesito Lopez (TKO5), Kermit Cintron (TKO5), Alfonso Gomez (TKO6), Carlos M. Baldomir (KO6, and Luciano L. Cuello (TKO6).

Rounds 8-10:

Cotto: 6KO’s 18% of his 33KO’s

Alvarez: 6KO’s 19% of his 32KO’s

Cotto best-known KO’s of Sergio Martinez (TKO10), Antonio Margarito (TKO9), Yuri Foreman (TKO9), and of Carlos Maussa (TKO8).

Alvarez’s best-known KO wins are of Alfredo Angulo (TKO10) and Jose Miguel Cotto (TKO9).

The Championship Rounds:

Cotto: 4KO’s 12% of his 33KO’s

Alvarez 3KO’s 9% of his 32KO’s

Cotto best-known KO victories have been vs. Ricardo Mayorga (TKO12), Zab Judah (TKO11), Oktay Urkal (TKO11), and Cesar Bazan (TKO11).

Alvarez best-know KO victory was against Ryan Rhodes (TKO12).

If one is going into a war what would you rather have a general that has won countless wars with his strategies and tactics with and veteran soldiers which are battle tested and proven or would rather have a general that has won a few battles with a soldier that has won a few scrimmages.

That’s what you have with Cotto’s team, Roach, and Canelo’s team with the Reynoso trainers. Boxing is about intelligence, skills, strategy, tactics, and not brute force. Cotto under Roach has going back to his old form but with ring generalship and defense. Alvarez with the Reynoso team has shown little improvement outside admitting that he’s a slugger and still believes he’s a boxer puncher.

I don’t expect a slugfest or a brawl, I expect a Cotto that will use ring generalship and will try to systematically methodically-break down Alvarez with accurate power combinations controlling the distance and space for a late KO stoppage. I don’t expect Canelo to become a pressure boxer or develop instantly great footwork. Again, it will come down to the boxer’s team and strategies and who will have the stamina.