Mayweather vs. Canelo: Alvarez Victory Would Catapult Him into Legend

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has a chance to become a boxing legend at the age of 23. 

Floyd Mayweather has never been defeated as a professional boxer, and there aren't many experts who expect Alvarez to best him on Saturday night. 

It's not difficult to see why, either. 

Mayweather is the greatest boxer of his generation, and he may be the greatest defensive boxer who has ever lived.

He has an incredible understanding of the sweet science—one wouldn't be amiss in calling him a boxing savant. He's beaten legendary figures like Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez, while fending off countless challengers throughout his own legendary career.

Nobody has quicker feet and hands, and Mayweather is the best in the business at ferreting out weaknesses in his opponents during fights. 

Alvarez has never faced a fighter of his caliber—and how could he have?

Mayweather is in a class all by himself, which is why Alvarez will become an instant legend if he should become the first man to beat Money May.

The young challenger is well aware of what this fight means. He recently vowed to "change the course of boxing history" by beating Money May, according to Gareth A. Davies of The Telegraph.

He's already well on his way to carving out a legendary career, too. 

At an age when most young men don't even know what they want to do with their lives, Canelo has amassed 43 professional fights—one fewer than Mayweather, who is 36. He, like Money, has never been defeated, and the only blemish on his record is a draw from way back in 2006. 

His career has taken off like a rocket, and he's nearly ready to break through the earthly atmosphere. Beating Mayweather would give him the fuel he needs to soar into the realm reserved for heavenly bodies.

At that point, the only question that will be left to answer for the 23-year-old Mexican superstar is how long he can stay undefeated.

First thing's first, though: Alvarez must defeat the best boxer on the planet. 

It's not an easy task, but if anyone has the chops to do it, Alvarez does. 

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78.