Fight night: Chavez x Alvarez tops off a loaded card

Tonight, HBO Boxing is bringing a loaded fight card to PPV for Cinco De Mayo weekend. Two of Mexico’s most prominent fighters, Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., are coming together in one of the most anticipated bouts of 2017. Coupled with Lucas Matthysse and David Lemieux, plus two undefeated fighters leading the undercard. As a result, those lucky enough to have the funds to pay for PPV or find someone else that is, they will be in for four power packed slugfest.

Besides the Alvarez and Chavez, this may be one of the most exciting undercards in recent history. Continuing the first weekend of May dominance, this fight will have an impact on future fights. The winner of Alvarez and Chavez both have a lot to gain from winning this fight. Alvarez is on top of the boxing landscape and is widely considered one of the best fighters still on the rise but still lives in the shadow of Floyd Mayweather.

Winning this fight against Chavez Jr. would boost his name amongst some of his doubters. Although at 5’9″ Alvarez is looking a four-inch height disadvantage to Chavez. However, looking at Alvarez’s track record suggest he’ll make easy work of the former Champion. Other than a loss to Mayweather, he is 48-0 as a pro. Since that loss, he is 6-0 with four knockouts and has looked consistently unbreakable. This fight will not only boost his reputation but is a diving board into the super fight with Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (if he wins).

“It’s a way to impose discipline. Otherwise @jcchavezjr1 doesn’t care & maybe the fight would be off.” – @Canelo on $1M-per-lb overage fee pic.twitter.com/GRAFb1sPmc — HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) May 6, 2017

Chavez is a wild card, as he’s been something of a mystery the last five years in the ring. Since losing his title to Sergio Martinez in 2012, questions have been raised about his commitment to training.  The 6’1′ power puncher is a dominating presence in the ring, and he knows how to use his body to take advantage of smaller fighters like Alvarez. However, this is the assumption that this time he was committed to training for the fight. For Chavez, another loss would end his career but a no show might. If he can’t turn it on early in the fight, Chavez will likely not get another major opportunity again.

If everything works out right, this will be the fight of the year. Alvarez is an unstoppable force that moves after his challenger like a tank. Chavez uses his gloves like missiles than a hand, and if they land we may see someone hit the Canvas.

Alvarez (left) and Chavez(Right) {Photo: Ed Mulholland|Hbo}

Even at 31, Chavez may move better and smoother than the stone-footed Alvarez (26) and his ability to move may be what decides the winner.

#Boxing #CaneloAlvarez #HBOBoxing #JulioCesarChavez