From time to time something that I am asked by both the
hardcore Boxing enthusiast and as well as the casual fan is for my opinion on
what makes a legitimate star in the sport.
There is no simple answer to that question as there are many aspects in
the development and promotion of a fighter that has to be taken into
consideration. If however, someone would ask for my opinion on what I felt
would make a rising star into a legitimate live gate and pay-per-view
attraction, I could probably answer that question in a more simple way.
Of course, if a fighter has a crowd pleasing style it will
obviously generate interest from both fans and experts alike, but that is only
one aspect of the equation in my opinion.
In this day and age where more often than not Boxing’s top stars are
showcased live on pay-per-view television almost exclusively, one thing that I
take into consideration is what can make a fighter into a legitimate star of
the sport is their willingness to take on all comers.
In the case of former Jr. Middleweight world champion Saul
Alvarez, he has all the ingredients that make a star. An entertaining crowd
pleasing style, a significant fan following and a willingness to take risks as
he faces the best of the best. Such will be the case when the former world
champion faces top Jr. Middleweight contender Erislandy Lara on Saturday night at
the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Alvarez, who last fought in March of this year scoring an
impressive tenth round stoppage of the always “Game” Alfredo Angulo will be
fighting for the second time since suffering his lone defeat in September of
last year to Floyd Mayweather. Sometimes it is not uncommon to see fighters who
suffer their first defeat begin the rebuilding process by taking on opponents
who are perhaps not well-known and who are not considered to be dangerous.
There are however, times were a fighter who suffers a loss will opt to take on
the toughest competition available coming off of that loss.
In the case of Saul Alvarez, it is important to remember
that his lone defeat came against a fighter who is widely considered the best
pound for pound fighter in the world. Despite losing that fight, Alvarez was
able to have his moments and held his own. It did not surprise me to see him
take on a dangerous opponent in the form of Alfredo Angulo in his first fight following
his loss against Mayweather. Alvarez dominated the fight against Angulo and
solidified his status as one of the cornerstones of the Jr. Middleweight
division.
Alvarez showing again that he is willing to take on all
comers will face another dangerous obstacle when he faces Erislandy Lara. Lara,
a slick southpaw boxer/puncher is the kind of fighter who could potentially
give Alvarez trouble. Many will remember Lara being on the losing end of a
controversial decision against former Welterweight world champion Paul Williams
in July 2011, in a fight where many observers, this one included felt he had
won convincingly. The loss to Williams is the only loss Lara has suffered thus
far in his career. Lara has the ability to be elusive, time his opponents with
counter punches, as well as end fights quickly as he did against Ronald Hearns
in April 2012.
One could make the argument that Lara’s craft and skill has
resulted in him being avoided by some fighters. Lara is after all highly
skilled and it is understandable based on his attributes that he may be viewed
as a high risk/low reward option for fighters who are considered marquee draws.
Lara however, has more than earned his chance to showcase his skills on
Boxing’s marquee stage after compiling a professional record of 19-1-2, with 12
Knockouts and earning interim/regular status in the World Boxing Association's
(WBA) Jr. Middleweight ratings.
Among his nineteen wins, Lara also holds two victories over
recent opponents of Saul Alvarez in scoring a twelve round unanimous decision
over Austin Trout last December and surviving two knockdowns to stop the
aforementioned Alfredo Angulo in ten rounds in June of last year. Although
there might be some who would say that this is a high risk/low reward scenario
for Saul Alvarez, fighters who become legitimate stars and more specifically
significant pay-per-view draws should take risks to solidify their standing.
Stylistically, this fight is one of those fights where you
can see an argument for either fighter winning the fight. Both fighters can
box, have the ability to be compact with their offense, are excellent counter
punchers, and have the ability to end a fight quickly. It will be interesting
to see who takes the initiative from the opening bell. Although one could
likely assume a tactical Boxing match early on, I believe that this fight could
have a little of everything.
Even though one could make a valid argument for either
fighter having the edge heading into this fight, I believe that the ingredients
are there for what just might be a classic encounter. The type of encounter
that could be a topic of discussion for Boxing fans for years to come. In my
view this fight is a risk for both fighters and frankly a toss up as to who
will win.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison
All Rights Reserved.
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