Mayweather vs. Canelo: Saul Alvarez Has Bright Future Regardless of Bout Outcome

Regardless of the outcome of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.’s title fight on September 14, the 23-year-old Mexican sensation is here to stay as one of boxing’s elite.

And no matter what your stance is on Canelo, it’s impossible to deny the level of success he’s achieved already at such a young age. The youngster has knocked out 30 of his 43 opponents and the lone smudge of his career—a draw against unaccomplished Mexican boxer Jorge Juarez—came when he was still a kid, just 17 years old.

His combination of size and strength has made him one of the most marketable young fighters in the sport—no, the world. Mayweather and promoters have done a great job capitalizing on all of this in the months leading up to the fight.

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather’s head promoter, said the star will receive a $41.5 million guarantee for the fight, per Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes.

And the hype that helped build that exponential number isn’t going to disappear overnight. That’s especially true if Alvarez does what many are predicting and matches Mayweather in the ring to force a close or split decision.

Sure, a lot of the buzz is being pushed by Ellerbe and other’s figuring to land a sizeable payday on September 14. Mayweather’s inclusion in the bout also commands the attention of the boxing world, both the die-hard enthusiasts and the casual viewers alike.

But without many other intriguing athletes in the sport today, Canelo has the talent, youth and determination to make a name for himself long after the winner is decided in Las Vegas next weekend.

While exciting to think about, the potential for future high-profile Canelo fights after a loss against Mayweather would pale in comparison to anything that would follow if he ends up being the first to dethrone Money May.

If this fight between them sets records, a rematch following a Mayweather loss would be earth-shattering.

Either way, it’s exciting to see a talented young fighter rise to the top. The best part is, win or lose, his best years could be ahead of him.