Alvarez (31-0-1, 23 knockouts), who will face veteran Jose Cotto in the televised main supporting bout to the Mayweather-Mosley fight, is by far the most advanced and celebrated of the many prospects that will be in action on the stacked undercard.
The 19-year-old native of Guadalajara, Mexico, is also one of the most popular fighters in his country.
“Alvarez is the new face of boxing in Mexico,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, which recently signed the fair-skinned prospect. “He has his own television deal with Televisa and his fights do equal ratings with the Mexican natioanl soccer team. Literally 15-16 percent of the nation watches his fights.”
With his fair skin, red hair and freckles, some -- including Oscar De La Hoya -- have jokingly called Alvarez “boxing’s Howdy Doody” (and truth be told, the kid does bare a facial resemblance to the cowboy puppet of the 1950s-era children‘s show). The Mexican media calls him “the boxing James Dean.” His nickname is “Canelo,” Spanish for cinnamon -- a reference to his fiery hair and ring temperament.
Alvarez is not all hype. The young man can fight and box, and he does so in an entertaining manner.
However, the trainer of Cotto, the battle-tested older brother of Miguel Cotto who was a member of the 1996 Puerto Rican Olympic team, believes the young man will be in over his head on Saturday.
The only blemishes on Cotto’s record (31-1-1, 23 KOs) is a decision loss to then-undefeated Juan Diaz in 2006 and a draw with Prawet Singwancha in 12-round title bouts. However, those fights took place at lightweight, the 32-year-old vet’s natural weight class. Saturday’s bout with Alvarez is at welterweight.
Cotto’s trainer, Mario Santiago, doesn’t believe size will matter.
“(Jose) came here to put on a great fight and get a great win, not to be a stepping stone for anyone,” Santiago said. “He will demonstrate that he belongs in the big leagues of boxing.
“All due respect to Golden Boy Promotions but they should do a better job of matching their up-and-comers. I hope Richard Schaefer and (Golden Boy matchmaker) Eric Gomez don’t lose their jobs after Jose wins.”
Santiago’s comment got a laugh from those who attended the Thursday undercard press conference that took place in the media center of the MGM Grand. Even Schaefer and Gomez chuckled.
Alvarez’s manager Jose Reynoso didn’t think it was funny.
“We don’t won’t easy opponents,“ he said. “You have to beat good opponents when you are on the big stage in Las Vegas. Alvarez is well prepared so we’re not worried. The only good thing about Jose is his last name.”
Alvarez, who turned pro at age 15 after only 20 amateur bouts, is confident in his ability.
“I have a lot of respect for Cotto, who I am very familiar with, but I can adapt to any style,” he said. “I’m ready for him. I feel I’m ready to take on his brother.”
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