The 36 year-old, who retired from boxing last year after a stellar career, shared just over eleven rounds with the strong champion on Alvarez’s home soil in 2011, but ultimately came unstuck after a brave challenge in Jalisco.
Currently holding the WBC and WBA ‘regular’ titles, Alvarez has continued on his path to stardom since defending his title against Rhodes and finally snagged a shot at the world’s premiere fighter on Saturday night.
‘Canelo’ adhered to Mayweather’s terms for the fight and will drop two pounds to even out what Floyd’s team may see as an unfair advantage on Alvarez’s part as he bulks up so much on fight night. Rhodes is fully confident that this weight stipulation by Mayweather will have no affect on Alvarez’s performance in Las Vegas as the two champions prepare for battle on Showtime PPV.
“I really think Canelo is one of the best fighters that Mayweather has faced, he’s young, unbeaten and truly believes he is the best light middle in the world,” Rhodes told World Boxing News.
“There has been a lot of talk about him making 152lbs, but I don’t think will be a issue for Canelo as he knows this is the biggest and most important fight of his life and possibly will be in his career.
“He will do everything right and get the best dietician, doctors, the most professional people you can think of (or the best money can buy), plus being locked away up at big bear he will only have one thing on his mind and that is Mayweather.
“Canelo is not you’re typical Mexican fighter. He is a thinking fighter who chooses his shots and doesn’t waste any at all. I think Canelo best chance of winning is to use his youth and his fitness by keeping the pressure on Mayweather – but not being reckless. Canelo has to keep composed with calculated pressure throughout the fight.”
Rhodes believes that the sky is the limit for pound for pound contender, although believes that ‘Canelo’ may have just been fast-tracked a little too quickly, despite his 43 fight-record, after witnessing Mayweather’s previous win over Robert Guerrero in May.
“Floyd in his last fight went back to using his speed and movement just like he did five or ten years ago, hitting and not being hit so there’s no signs of him ageing at all,” pointed out Rhodes.
“Like most, Ican only see one winner on September 14th and that is Floyd Mayweather winning a unanimous points decision. I truly believe this fight is the best fout there for Floyd, but I think it’s a year too early for Alvarez.
“I’m a little Surprised that Golden Boy made the fight so soon for Alvarez as he is still only 23 years old. But it’s on and I’m so looking forward to it!
“I’ll be rooting for Alvarez because I once shared a ring with him and I think has the potential to become the next superstar in world boxing, but you can’t look past Mayweather for this one,” added the former European title holder.
Floyd Mayweather v Saul Alvarez (WBC and WBA light-middleweight titles), backed up by Danny Garcia v Lucas Mattysse (WBC and WBA light-welterweight titles) is live on BoxNation in the UK. To subscribe click on any BoxNation link or banner on the WBN website.
