The 36 year-old has a wealth of experience against some of the best opponents around, spanning fifteen years since Mayweather won his first world title in 1998 against the late Genaro ‘Chicanito’ Hernandez. This fact alone would put Mayweather favourite against any current fighter in the world, although most don’t see upcoming foe Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as just another contender.
The young Mexican superstar has fought almost as many times as Mayweather in just eight years, having turned professional at 15 and even impressively defeated current world champion Miguel Vazquez over ten rounds at 18.
Class-wise, it is debatable whether Alvarez has moved up sufficiently to warrant a shot at Mayweather, although with the backing of Golden Boy, it was always a likely fight to make – but maybe a couple of years too early for me.
The now more active Mayweather has far too much skill, ring smarts and overall greatness to succumb to one of such tender years as Alvarez for my money, with a four or five point swing on the scorecards the prediction for tonight.
In the co-feature, a massive night could be imminent for Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse, who has shown devastating power in his recent outings and has claims to still be unbeaten after losing debatable split decisions to Zab Judah and Devon Alexander.
A defining night for the 30 year-old is within reach in my view, with current unified light-welterweight champion Danny Garcia ripe for the picking. Matthysse has all the tools to produce a big knockout win at the MGM Grand, possibly in the mid-rounds and claim the first full world title of his career and open up a potential rematch in 2014.
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.
