This post has been updated as of May 4, 2021.
Canelo Alvarez looks to unify the super-middleweight championship against Billy Joe Saunders – this Saturday. Many experts and fans alike believe this will be a perfunctory bout, as Canelo has demonstrated dominance over the division since his arrival. Yet, there are some that question the level of opposition Canelo has faced as of late, as well as his reluctance for a third rubber match with Gennady Golovkin. However, we believe its time to stop questioning whether he is the real deal. Here are seven moments, the man showed us he was a great fighter, champion and man.
1. Win Over Shane Mosely
Although it was Alvarez’s 41st fight as a professional, at the time he was still largely untested. Many of his early bouts were not against championship caliber opposition. Although Mosely, was clearly past his prime, he was still a step up in opposition for Canelo and a dangerous opponent capable of pulling out a victory over the young up and comer (don’t believe us, look up Larry Holmes vs. Ray Mercer). In any event, it was a test for Canelo and one he passed with flying colors. He easily out-punched Mosely over the course of 12 rounds and cruised to a unanimous decision.