Boxing Needs a Canelo Victory

         Contrary to popular belief, the sport of Boxing is strong.  The major fights still sellout and pay-per-view buys are healthy.  With the emergence of MMA and the country’s undying love for its three major sports (Football, Basketball and Baseball), Boxing’s had to take somewhat of a backseat in America.  I’m not sure Boxing will ever capture America like it once did in the golden era, but I do know that a Canelo Alvarez victory over Floyd Mayweather will provide resurgence to the sport.  

Courtesy of www.daily.co.uk.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather has been the face of the sport ever since Oscar De La Hoya’s steady decline into retirement.  Now Floyd’s an incredible fighter and one of the all-time greats, but he’s not the fighter you want as the face of the sport at a time where Boxing is considered an afterthought to the average sports fan.  He’s not overly exciting, he doesn’t engage in action packed fights and most importantly, he’s not willing to fight the very best fighters in the sport.  That’s not to discredit what he’s accomplished in the ring, but what makes boxing such a captivating sport is the heart and determination of a fighter.  They’re supposed to be modern day gladiators!

The greatest era of all-time, in my opinion, was the late 70’s and early 80’s when Sugar “Ray” Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns were all in the prime of their careers.  What made them so special, was their fortitude to be known as the best.  They fought whoever was best or was claimed to be the best.. and they wanted to destroy them!  

Floyd’s a businessman in a sport that’s been stained with a reputation for bad business. It's not a good look.

We need a new face of Boxing…  We need a fighter that lures the casual fan into buying a pay-per-view event and ends the night in awe of how beautiful Boxing truly can be!  A fighter that doesn’t care who they put in front of him… A warrior… A determined fighter who will take chances and be carried out of the ring before he gives way to any opponent.  A boxer who will fight Adrien Broner, Brandon Rios, Sergio Martinez, Manny Pacquiao (hmm..) and the other best fighters in the sport.

Boxing has that in Canelo, and come September 14^th, let’s hope he dethrones the king.