Account
Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez: Big Payday Has Overshadowed Bout
September 13, 2013
The entire boxing world will be tuned in to watch Floyd "Money" Mayweather battle Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, but the money that each fighter will receive has already overshadowed the showdown.
Saturday will feature the two boxers at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Dan Rafael of ESPN.com has the details for each fighter, but most people have already heard what Mayweather will be guaranteed.
The 36-year-old will earn an astounding $41.5 million guaranteed, which sets a new record. It broke the previous record of $32 million, also set by Mayweather back in May of 2012 against Miguel Cotto. He also tied that mark this past May against Robert Guerrero.
For two fights in 2013, Mayweather was able to bring in a total of $73.5 million. It's an incredible amount of money, but that's what happens when the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world steps into the ring.
Even Mayweather was able to connect his nickname with the event.
Money is a perfect 44-0 in his career, and this isn't his first time in the spotlight. Each of his last seven fights have taken place at the MGM Grand, so he is used to the pressure. However, he has never received a payday like this before.
In the other corner, Canelo will reportedly make at least $12 million. His contract guarantees him $5 million, but he is expected to make much more given the magnitude of the event.
The challenger won't come close to matching what Mayweather will make, but it's still a hefty check going his way.
Unless Canelo is able to pull off the major upset, many will be focused on the paydays the two fighters receive. Mayweather is the favorite, and he should be able to win by sticking with his defensive approach.
One reason that the money has become an issue is how Mayweather fights. He doesn't try to slug it out and go for the knockout. He moves his feet around and uses his quickness to avoid his opponents. Money has the ability to knock his opponent out, but he usually reverts to outlasting the other fighter.
Mayweather has gone 12 rounds in five of his matches in Vegas. Some may call it boring, but it's effective nonetheless.
His style may not be the most exciting, but it is effective. He counters when he sees the opportunity, and he can attack from many different angles.
This could be an epic showdown, but the big checks that will be handed out, especially to Mayweather, have already overshadowed the bout.