Is this fight “too soon?” Is this fight “too late” and worthless to his development? These are just some of the questions that have been swirling about 21-year-old Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s May 5, WBC 154 pound title defense against Shane Mosley. While Alvarez has a 19 year age advantage over his opponent, the 40-year-old Mosley has a wealth of experience only gained through ring wars with some of the sport’s most accomplished names. In his very own words free of promoter hyperbole, Canelo Alvarez maintains his lack of experience is overblown, and explains why this fight couldn’t have come at a better time.
This is exactly the right time in my career for this fight. I have been waiting for the opportunity to prove to the boxing world that I am a great fighter and I am ready for these kinds of matches. The 2011 fight where I defeated Cintron in the 5th round by TKO was a big moment for me. I spent the necessary time in the beginning of the fight feeling out Cintron, assessing what I had to do to win it. I proved that my power and speed are what makes me ready. I have incredible energy and the May 5th fight will prove just that. I remember back in 2005 I fought Abraham Gonzalez in my professional debut and there was a lot of pressure on me. I went out there and won, and proved what I will prove against Mosley. People might like to use my age against me, saying I’m too inexperienced to fight this kind of match. The truth is that I have been a fighter my entire life and if anything, my age is an asset. I look at other fighters my age and see pure aggression, but not tactical strategy. Look at any fight I’ve had with boxers and you’ll see just that. I am greatly looking forward to this challenge on May 5th, but in my head and soul, I know I will emerge the victor and put to rest any concern about who I am fighting. I want to fight the best fighters out there and win. I can do that.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 