Who:
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25) vs. Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22) Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (37-0-1, 27) vs. Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12)
Erik Morales (51-7-2, 35) vs. Pablo Cesar Cano (22-0-1, 17)
 Jessie Vargas (16-0, 9) vs. Josesito Lopez (29-3, 17)
Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada & Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
When: Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
TV: HBO Pay Per View

Alvarez vs. Gomez

   In the December 30, 2009 edition of La Prensa San Diego I wrote a column titled Five fights I’d like to see in 2010 other than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. One of the fights that I listed was a scrap between then welterweights Alfonso Gomez and Saul Alvarez. The following is what I wrote about a potential matchup between the two Mexican warriors : On paper this isn’t a bout that jumps up at you. Many of you might not have even heard of Alvarez, but you will. At just 19-years-old, the man-child known as Canelo is primed to be the next big thing in Boxing. The young man from Jalisco, Mexico has stayed busy this year fighting seven times, winning all seven of those bouts- six by knockout. He’s hungry, and he’ll be looking for a title shot next year. Before he could contend for a title, he will need to be tested, and introduced to the American audience. The Contender alum, Alfonso Gomez would serve to be a stern test for Alvarez. Gomez is riding the wave of a three fight win-streak, and has engaged in some pretty entertaining bouts like his fight against Juan Manuel Buendia this past May. Never ones to shy away from a battle, Gomez and Alvarez could set off fireworks-much to the delight of fight fans everywhere.

   Much has changed since I first expressed my desire to see this matchup. For one, everyone including my mother has now heard of Canelo as his popularity has soared with each punch he has thrown. This past March, The Ring Magazine cover boy became the youngest fighter in the history of the sport to capture the Jr. Middleweight crown, and did so in front of  the second largest boxing crowd in the history of the Honda Center in Anaheim. All indications are that the crowd for Canelo’s bout with Gomez tomorrow night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles will surpass the 11,642 that showed up in Anaheim earlier this year. Acknowleding the drawing power of his opponent, Gomez stated “Canelo’s popularity is great for him and for boxing.” The 10 year veteran remains unimpressed by the young champion’s rapid rise and insists that he is being taken lightly.

Gran Predicción:

   If this match would have taken place a year or two years ago, I would have given Gomez more of a chance as Alvarez was a bit green at the time. For me it all boils down to Activity vs. Inactivity. Since 2010, Canelo Alvarez has stepped into the ring 7 times and in that time he has had to test his mettle against former champions such as Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore Ndou – coming out victorious on both occasions. In contrast the challenger Gomez has only seen action twice since 2010. Gomez’ inactivity is due to injuries such as an elbow injury that cost him a match last December against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Look for Canelo to overwhelm his smaller opponent and wear him down with vicious body shots. – Canelo TKO 10

Morales goes for four

   Legendary fighter and future hall of famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales has an opportunity to make history tomorrow night by becoming the first Mexican fighter to capture four titles in four different weight classes. In order to accomplish such a feat, the thirty five year-old Tijuana native will have to defeat little known Pablo Cesar Cano. Fighting on just one week’s notice, the 21 year-old known as “El Demoledor” was brought in to face Morales after original opponent Lucas Matthysse came down with a viral infection. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t refuse it,” said Cano. “I have grown up watching Erik Morales. I know both his strengths and weaknesses. While it’s an honor to fight him, I have the style to beat him and win my first world championship, which is the dream of every fighter.” For Morales, a challenge brought upon by a hungry young fighter is nothing new. The 18 year veteran believes that tomorrow night will just be another day at the office. “Every time there’s a change in opponent, it forces you to make changes, but I’ve been in the sport long enough to adjust without a problem,” said Morales.

Josesito Lopez eyes the upset

   On September 17, as the televised opener for the STAR POWER mega event fight card featuring Floyd May-weather, Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz, highly rated junior welterweight Josesito Lopez (29-3) will go toe-to-toe against Jessie Vargas (16-0) in a voracious 10 round battle to reign supreme.