Boxing lands in the Lone Star State on Saturday night when Mexico's Saul "Canelo" Alvarez puts his Middleweight title on the line against James Kirkland. Alvarez is the world's number one contender, and arguably the third biggest draw in boxing behind Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Many believe the fight is a home match for Kirkland who's a native of Texas. However, Alvarez is the greatest Mexican fighter currently and there will be plenty of Hispanic fans in attendance to watch their hero fight. Since losing to Mayweather, Canelo has stopped the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, Alfonso Gomez, and Carlos Baldomir.
Alvarez's last fight was against Erislandy Lara who nearly beat Canelo before the 24-year old fighter earned a controversial split decision. The real match that people want to see is Miguel Cotto vs Canelo, but that fight was postponed last fall. Boxing experts believe that if Cotto defeats Daniel Geale in June, then we will all get the matchup we've long been waiting for.
Kirkland is a knockout artist who's ruthless in the ring. Unfortunately, he's also reckless to a fault and opens himself up to brutal shots. Canelo is a better boxer with a lethal left hook and Kirkland should play right into his hands. Canelo will outbox the Texas native and trick him into going toe to toe only to set him up with the left hook. Kirkland will come out firing in the early rounds, and if he wins, it will come on a knockout in the first three rounds. If not, Canelo takes care of business in the later rounds.
Prediction: Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision.
Betting Favorite: Canelo Alvarez -800
The fight comes to you live from Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. It is scheduled to start at 11:30PM EST on HBO. It can be live streamed on HBO GO and reportedly for free here.
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