Harsh Critics

By Robert Aguilar

It was a tough couple of weeks for Saul “El Canelo” Alvarez, he’s been taking his fair share of strong criticism from fans, boxers and writers. The general anti Canelo sentiment has been that he was given a gift when he won his world title a couple of weeks ago. One thing I can say without hesitation is that by no means was Alvarez given a title as a gift. I don’t know what fight his critics saw, there was nothing easy about fighting Mathew Hatton. It was also interesting to hear how some critics made a big deal about Alvarez being one pound over the weight limit at the official weigh in; in my opinion one pound is really not that big of an issue, if it were five, ten, then it would be reason for concern. The irony of the weight issue is that when Alvarez fought Carlos Baldomir, Baldomir was over the weight limit by five pounds, I ask; where were the critics then? Baldomir for being overweight was ordered to pay Alvarez $12,000, Alvarez declined to take the money.

The argument can be made that Hatton has never fought in the light middle weight division and therefore did not deserve a title shot. If this is the case then the anger should not be directed at Alvarez but rather at the WBC and the promoters. Alvarez and Hatton did what any professional boxer would have done, they were presented with an opportunity to fight for a world title and they gladly accepted. I do not know a single fighter on the planet that would refuse a shot to fight for a world title. Is Alvarez the best light middle weight in the world? Perhaps not, what I can say with certainty is that currently he is the best 20 year old light middle weight on the planet. Let’s analyze that, he is only 20 years old, he has beaten guys with more ring experience, and yes he is still a little rough and has a lot of improving to do. I can only imagine what he will be like when he is 25. Let’s all cut the kid some slack, He currently finds himself in a classic situation of dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. Like him or not, he is the new blood of the boxing. He is very likable and as his popularity increases he may very well be the new face of boxing.

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