Canelo Álvarez Says Floyd Mayweather Would Never Have Fought Him in His Prime – And Here’s Why! š±š„
Canelo Álvarez, 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 claim that has sparked debate among boxing fans and experts alike. According to Canelo, things would have been vastly different had he fought Mayweather at the peak of both their careers. With his confidence at an all-time high, Álvarez insisted that Mayweather would have never dared to face him if they were both in their primes. In fact, he went so far as to say, “If we were both at our prime, our best prime, he wouldn’t have anything to do with me. Nothing. I’d knock him out.”
This claim isn’t just a boast—it’s a direct challenge to the legend of Floyd Mayweather Jr., a man who has long been regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers in history. The question now is: could Canelo truly have defeated Mayweather in his prime, or is this just a product of the fierce confidence that comes with the accomplishments he’s achieved since that fateful night?
Canelo’s Reflection on His 2013 Loss
When Canelo Álvarez 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 match was supposed to be a coronation of sorts, an opportunity for Canelo to showcase his potential as the future of boxing. But instead, it was a clinic in defensive boxing by Mayweather, who dominated the fight and won by a majority decision.
For Canelo, the loss was a painful one, but it was also a learning experience. At just 23, he was still developing as a fighter, learning the nuances of defense, footwork, and ring IQ. Mayweather, at 36, was at the peak of his powers, with over 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 has admitted that he wasn’t fully prepared for the level of defense Mayweather brought to the ring.
However, since that loss, Canelo has grown leaps and bounds as a fighter. He’s gone on to become the first-ever undisputed super middleweight champion, dominating his opponents with a mix of power, technique, and intelligence. Canelo’s transformation from a young, promising fighter into a seasoned, dominant champion has fueled his belief that, had he met Mayweather at his peak, the outcome would have been very different.
The Confidence Behind the Statement
Canelo’s assertion that he would knock Mayweather out in his prime speaks volumes about his current mindset. Since his loss to Mayweather, Canelo has become one of the most complete boxers in the world, with wins over legends like Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, and Sergey Kovalev. His confidence is rooted in his experience and the evolution of his boxing skills.
In his prime, Mayweather was known for his unmatched defensive abilities and counterpunching skills, which allowed him to make even the best opponents look ineffective. His ability to avoid punches while controlling the tempo 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. His offensive arsenal has expanded, and his defensive capabilities have improved. His footwork is more fluid, and his ability to cut off the ring and apply pressure has become one of his most formidable assets. Canelo has also shown that he can take a punch and withstand punishment, something that was in question following his loss to Mayweather. Over the years, Canelo has become more comfortable in the ring, and his strategy has become more refined.
The Mayweather Legacy
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, and his undefeated record (50-0) speaks for itself. Known for his incredible boxing IQ, defensive mastery, and ability to outthink and outmaneuver 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 ordinary is one of the reasons why he is often considered the greatest defensive boxer in history.
That said, Mayweather’s legacy is also defined by his ability to pick and choose his opponents at the right time. Many believe that Mayweather’s career was built on carefully selecting fights that suited his strengths. In his later years, Mayweather became known for taking on aging fighters or those who were no longer in their prime. His ability to dictate the terms of his fights, including when and where they happened, played a big 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’s clear that Canelo’s development as a fighter has been extraordinary. His mix 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 Álvarez’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 a prime Canelo would have fared against a prime Mayweather, one thing is certain—Canelo is a far 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’s no denying that Canelo has earned his place among the sport’s greats.
