There's a good argument that he is:
- He's undefeated. Other than Hatton, every other fighter Mayweather faced since joining the ranks at junior welterweight and welterweight had lost previously.
- He's young. Every other fighter Mayweather faced, other than Marquez and arguably Hatton (Guerrero & Ortiz too) was passed his prime.
- He's coming off his biggest victory. No other fighter that faced Mayweather went into the match at the peak of their confidence as a fighter.
- He's at a weight class above where Mayweather typically fights. Mayweather had his toughest fights against Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto, and those fights were at 154. Marquez came up in weight for Mayweather. Hatton didn't look as good at 147 against Collazo, as he had at 140 previously.
There's also a good argument that he isn't:
- He's too green. He's had one great victory, over Austin Trout, but he hasn't faced enough different styles, and hasn't been in with enough champions, to pose too much of a threat.
- They are fighting at a catch-weight. Canelo is a big kid for 154. Will the two pounds affect him negatively? He already has been criticized for his stamina. It's quite possible another two pounds could make him even more lethargic.
- Styles make fights. He's not fast enough, or as adept at defense, and too deliberate, to trouble Mayweather.
- He's overrated. Sure he beat Trout, but what else has he done? Jose Cotto had him reeling.
Bookmarks