Canelo: "Floyd was a master at timing his fights, picking opponents who were either over the hill or not yet in their prime. He'd never step into the ring with me today."

Canelo Alvarez on Floyd Mayweather: “He’d Never Fight Me Now”

In a recent interview, Canelo Alvarez didn’t hold back when discussing his thoughts on Floyd Mayweather’s approach to selecting his opponents. The Mexican boxing superstar expressed his belief that Mayweather was highly strategic, often choosing to fight competitors who were either past their prime or not yet at their peak.

“Floyd was a master at timing his fights, picking opponents who were either over the hill or not yet in their prime. He’d never step into the ring with me today,” Canelo stated.

This isn’t the first time Canelo has voiced his opinions about Mayweather’s career choices. Their own bout in 2013, which Mayweather won by majority decision, has been a point of contention. Canelo was just 23 years old at the time, still honing his skills and gaining experience. Despite the loss, he has since risen to become one of the most dominant figures in boxing, with multiple championships across different weight classes.

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Canelo’s comments reflect a common criticism of Mayweather’s career: that he carefully curated his fights to maintain his undefeated record. While Mayweather’s skill and defensive prowess are undeniable, some argue that his strategic selection of opponents played a significant role in his unbeaten streak.

“Floyd knew how to play the game,” Canelo continued. “He protected his legacy by avoiding dangerous fights when the risk was too high. I respect his achievements, but I also know that he’d never take the risk of facing me now, at my peak.”

Mayweather, known for his impeccable defense and unparalleled ring IQ, retired with a perfect 50-0 record. His legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time is secure, but the debate over his opponent selection continues to spark discussions among fans and fighters alike.

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Canelo, on the other hand, has built a reputation for taking on all comers. His willingness to face top-tier competition at any stage of their career has endeared him to fans and cemented his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

As Canelo continues to add to his already impressive resume, the hypothetical matchup between him and Mayweather in their respective primes remains a tantalizing “what if” scenario for boxing enthusiasts. While the two may never meet in the ring again, the discussion about who would come out on top continues to fuel the imaginations of fans around the globe.