It sounds like the plot of a “Rocky” movie: An up-and-coming boxer on the verge of superstardom takes on an older fighter — one of the top of his generation — who is making a final run.
But this is the real-life story behind Saturday’s bout between Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto. The rising star against the aging legend, a match that has the potential to be one of the year’s best.
So why watch this fight? After the hype behind May’s lackluster Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout faded faster than a candle’s flame with a short wick, it can be easy to dismiss this.
Don’t. This is different.
The 35-year-old Cotto (40-4), who’s won world titles at four different weight classes, has looked reinvigorated since teaming up with legendary trainer Freddie Roach after his decision loss to Austin Trout in 2012. Together they have collaborated for three big wins, including demolishing World Boxing Council (WBC) world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez for the title in 2014.
Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1) is already a 10-year veteran at the age of 25. Since making his debut at the age of 15, Alvarez has steadily climbed up the ranks, winning his first world title at the age of 20. His sole loss was a majority-decision to Mayweather in 2013. Keep in mind, Alvarez was just 23 years old at the time.
But here’s the important part: Both Alvarez and Cotto are fun fighters to watch.
Alvarez is a heavy hitter who brutalizes his opponents with hard shots and a skill set that improves as he approaches his prime. Cotto has experience, great footwork and a killer hook. And both are willing to trade. And if there’s added incentive, Cotto could be wanting revenge for his brother Jose, who lost to Alvarez in 2010.
Who wins? I see Alvarez taking this via decision and setting up a potential blockbuster in the spring against Gennady Golovkin (33-0). GGG is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world and a bruiser of a fighter — he has 30 knockouts.
But who really wins? Hopefully, the fans. Ring that bell.
CHEW ON THIS
• Should the Broncos bring back Tim Tebow to shore up the quarterback situation? NFL reporter .
• Was Ronda Rousey the latest victim of ?
• Rockets interim head coach .
• Our hearts go out to former NFL quarterback within an hour of each other Wednesday.
WATCH THIS
Want to know how a .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Media tycoon Ted Turner turns 77. While he made his riches from cable television, I’ll best remember him for creating ” ” and building up World Championship Wrestling and starting the during the 1990s.
Joe Nguyen: jnguyen@denverpost.com or
