“Mayweather Sets the Record Straight: Canelo Chose the Catchweight, Not Me”
In the world of boxing, rivalries often overshadow respect, but occasionally, admiration breaks through the bitterness. Such is the case with Canelo Alvarez’s surprising acknowledgment of Floyd Mayweather’s unparalleled ring intelligence. Despite their contentious history, Alvarez’s recent tribute to Mayweather as the “smartest guy in the ring” raises intriguing questions about the dynamics of their relationship and the evolution of their rivalry.
As anticipation builds for Canelo’s upcoming showdown with Jaime Munguia on Cinco de Mayo weekend, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about the attributes of the “perfect fighter.” In an exclusive interview with PPV.COM, Canelo offered insights into his ideal pugilist, highlighting the legendary prowess of past boxing icons while reserving the highest praise for Mayweather’s tactical acumen.
“If you could build the perfect fighter, let’s start with some of the assets. Who has the best right hand you’ve ever seen?” the interviewer asked. Canelo responded, “Tommy Hearns, I think, is one of the best right hands I ever see.”
“Left hand?” “Left hand. Julio Cesar Chavez?” Canelo answered. “Duran or Foreman?” Canelo pondered. “And footwork?” the interviewer continued. “Footwork, I think, Whitaker?”
“Chin?” came the next query. “Chin? I think me,” Canelo said “And IQ, who’s the smartest guy in the ring?” “I think Mayweather. Very, very good IQ,” Canelo conceded.
With a masterful blend of power, precision, and finesse, Canelo reflected on the defining qualities of boxing’s greatest champions. From Tommy Hearns’ thunderous right hand to Julio Cesar Chavez’s formidable left, and from Roberto Duran’s raw power to Pernell Whitaker’s sublime footwork, Canelo’s tribute to boxing legends painted a vivid picture of his vision for the ultimate fighter.
However, it was Canelo’s acknowledgment of Mayweather’s unparalleled ring IQ that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Despite their contentious past, Canelo’s recognition of Mayweather’s strategic brilliance offers a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship and the mutual respect that transcends rivalry.
In a separate revelation, Mayweather addressed lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding their historic bout in 2013, shedding light on the contentious issue of the agreed-upon weight. Contrary to popular belief, Mayweather clarified that it was Canelo who insisted on the catchweight of 152 pounds, dispelling speculation about any undue influence on his part.
Mayweather’s candid disclosure adds a new dimension to the narrative of their iconic clash, challenging prevailing narratives and prompting reflection on the dynamics of negotiating elite-level fights.
“Let’s be clear that I didn’t choose the agreed weight, it was Canelo who asked for it,” Mayweather stated.
He elaborated, “I never asked Canelo for a bantamweight. Someone on Canelo’s team said they were up for it, so we just asked what weight they wanted.”
