Canelo Alvarez has again put in his golden earning power in the fire of a risky fight, and come out unscathed. Well, at least he came out a winner. He also got to do so in a way his compatriots south of the border could respect, by coming forward. In a match-up where the main prediction was Lara winning 7-5, only to lose 7-5, it seems by many experts tallies that is exactly what happened. However, the cries of protests are toned down by some intangibles.
The Mexican star is one of the few, if not only former opponent of Mayweather or Pacquiao to parlay their fame into his own (unless you count Victor Ortiz 15 minutes as a Dancing with the Stars alum). Canelo earned that fight with a risky challenge of Austin Trout, and followed it with a riskier fight with Erislandy Lara. In most people's minds, Lara did not do much better than Trout... but certainly, he was scored much closer. Judges may have been Texas bought for Canelo-Trout, but other than the one wide scorecard, this bout was at least scored with appropriate closeness.
One of the reasons could have been the state. Nevada certainly has more than its share of questionable decisions, but judges here are likely to work for many promoters, and not trying to kiss-ass to any one in particular. In Texas, judges are bought and paid for, as is the commissioner, Dickie Cole. Trout had no chance, save a KO, of getting that win. Another reason was what was on the line. Back then, Mayweather loomed. Trout-Mayweather was not a possibility, so a Canelo win had to be secured for that to happen. This time, the Cotto fight looms, but not until next year, so even if Canelo lost, there was time for revenge in a rematch.
Canelo, however, was able to fight moving forward the whole night, and change aspects of Lara's game. Lara always fights off the back foot, but looked more uncomfortable here, even more than against Angulo, who he had controlled save a couple knockdowns. While Canelo may have done little more than go even up, when a fighter throws less and boxes moving backwards the whole night, he better cleanly outland his opponent. Lara only landed 10 more punches, and not nearly enough straight lefts to dazzle judges.
Lara can claim robbery, and move on to big fights at 154, while Canelo can move on. It's the best case scenario for everyone. Middleweight contains better action fights for Canelo if his promoter can get a foothold up there. Not that we think he'll go anywhere GGG, but who knows? he has surprised us twice already. We thought he was a protected bum who would never step up. Instead, at the young age of 24, he has already taken 3 fights he could have lost. Every Mexican star wants what Chavez and De La Hoya had... but few are willing to face the top fighters, as they did. canelo is walking the walk.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
