On May 6th Canelo Alvarez steps back into the ring for what has become his annual fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend. What distinguishes this fight from bouts in years past is that he is taking on the son of Mexico’s greatest fighter in the form of Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
Now experts and the common fan alike, are dismissive of the quality of the bout. Despite Chavez Jr. being the larger man, from a match-up perspective it should be easy work for Canelo. Yet, in this case, Canelo is not just facing a larger fighter, but a fight with a larger meaning. Check out why Canelo v. Chavez, Jr. matters.
1. Bloodlines
When you utter the name Julio Cesar Chavez in the U.S., boxing fans will surely recognize the name. However, the common fan may not be familiar with it, or simply indifferent. Not the case in Mexico, where the name is synonymous with nothing short of legend. Men and women, young and old all know and recognize Julio Cesar Chavez as a god in Mexico. A warrior in the truest sense, in a country that has produced over 200 world champions and takes pride in churning out warriors. Now imagine being the offspring of said legend, and following in his footsteps by plying the same trade. It’s safe to say you inherit much of the good will that comes with such status. So when Canelo enters the ring on Saturday night, he will encounter the rare instance where a number of his countrymen are rooting against him. Don’t believe us. Well several years ago on September 15, 2012 the two fighters each fought on the same night Chavez took on Sergio Martinez while Canelo faced Josesito Lopez. Seventy percent of Mexico tuned in for both fights. Over 18 million for Canelo and 16 million for Chavez. Our point, you ask? Chavez Jr. has a following. Should Canelo emerge victorious as anticipated, there will be many folks in Mexico not be happy about it. A rarity for Canelo.
2. Bragging Rights
There calling the bout, “The Battle for Mexico”. Such a title has never been more appropriate. Canelo currently is the face of boxing in Mexico, while the bloodline of Chavez, Jr. gives him some standing as well. As aptly noted during a preview show for the bout, it was stated that “Mexico is a land where if you decide you want to be a fighter you become part of something else…with a slim chance to be remembered forever.” When these fighters step into ring it’s not for title belt, but that chance to be remembered forever in the hearts and minds of their country.
3. These Guys Don’t Like Each Other
During promotion for any boxing match the combatants often claim its “personal,” that they don’t care for one another. However, in this case it may actually be true. The beef goes back seven or eight years, when the career leverage was reversed. Then Chavez, Jr, was the young but established fighter on the rise with a machine behind him and Canelo the upstart. Canelo’s camp reached out to make a fight, which Chavez, Jr. rejected. Eight years later the fight is happening, but Chavez, Jr. is calling foul. Specifically, by claiming that Canelo wasn’t really interested in the fight and simply taking an easier match to avoid Triple G. Such trash talk doesn’t sit well with Canelo and he hasn’t been shy about stating so. Moreover, Canelo feels as if his opponent has disrespected the sport and his country with his careless ways. Don’t believe there is beef? Just peep the face off below.
4. Canelo Is Taking a Stand Against the WBC
Most recently Canelo made a statement to the press that if and when he fights Triple G the World Boxing Council (WBC) will not be a part of it. Moreover, he rejected a special belt created by the WBC for his current bout. His rationale? They unfairly stripped him of his belt last year by imposing a two-week deadline to make a fight with Triple G. Moreover, a special title belt created for the current bout was more about visibility and relevance for the WBC than the fighters. Add to that the huge sanctioning fees the WBC charges (said to be upwards of $200K), it’s not surprising Canelo will not play ball. And he’s not the first, as Miguel Cotto took the same stance in his last bout. While such a position is viewed favorably by the boxing community, as a stance against the politics and corruption that pervade the sport, it is a dangerous position to take. For in Mexico the WBC carries tremendous weight. Should there be a close decision in this or future Canelo bouts, some creative judging could occur that would not favor Canelo.
5. Triple G’s Got Next
As has been mentioned countless times before, should Canelo emerge victorious the consensus is that a bout with Triple G will finally occur in the Fall of 2017. Gennady Golovkin, is the unified middleweight champion. While he had effectively torn through every opponent in his division, he’s shown some vulnerabilities in his past two bouts against Kell Brook and Daniel Jacobs. Specifically, that he can be out boxed, provided you can withstand his punch. The winner is set to face Triple G next. However, don’t be surprised if that does not happen. While we think Canelo be game, his camp has also been evasive at best.
Reasons for relevance aside one thing can be certain come Saturday night, it will be a fight. In speaking to the press promoter Oscar De La Hoya probably said it best “there is not one fight can I remember where you have two Mexicans and they [gave] you a dull fight.”