Why Is Alvarez Already Being Counted Out Against Trout? - By Jason Petock
Why Is Alvarez Already Being Counted Out Against Trout? By Jason Petock, Doghouse Boxing (April 17, 2013) Doghouse Boxing
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Criticism is the name of the game in boxing journalism. At times it can be honest, sometimes almost brutally in fact. Of course when something is deemed lackluster or questionable in boxing it seems only obvious that the correct thing to do at the time is to expose it for what it is worth, or isn’t for that matter. On the flip side of the coin, however, that very same criticism definitely cuts both ways, and can be used to either shoot down a boxer or elevate him, depending on the source. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 41-0-1 (30 KOs) squares off against Austin “No Doubt” Trout 26-0 (14 KOs) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas to see who is the legitimate Light Middleweight Champion of the division. Alvarez has been the target of much speculation and stark criticism by the boxing press who have questioned his authenticity as king of the 154 pounders. Boxing pundits have still remained unyielding in their uncertainty surrounding the Mexican Champion as of late. Even Richard Schaefer of GBP told the press regarding Austin Trout as an opponent for Saul Alvarez that, “It is an extremely, in my opinion, extremely dangerous fight”.
With so much at stake, and a disbelieving public to contend with, Alvarez will need to implement his game plan with precision. “No Doubt’s” style is a challenging configuration comprised of effective jabbing, proper movement and technique, and an up-tempo work rate in the ring. “Canelo’s” style is more along the lines of overwhelming power shots, effective body work, and capable combination punching. Should Trout pick up the pace early against Alvarez; “Canelo” will have to try and implement more footwork than he is used to, or take the risk of being out jabbed by a fighter who tends to use his jab more than most in the light middleweight division, should Austin box his way through the opening rounds. Also, “No Doubt” is a big proponent of lateral movement, something that the public witnessed firsthand in his bout against physically smaller opponent Miguel “Junito” Cotto 37-4 (30 KOs), where he implemented his boxing prowess and decisioned the former Puerto Rican Champion with ease.
In fighting a natural 154 pounder in Trout, Saul Alvarez will have to continue to perfect his ability to adjust during the bout if he plans on landing his power punches successfully. It is Alvarez’s punishing power that he will need to continue to use efficiently to tip the scales in his favor in order for him to be successful on April 20 at the Alamodome. Speed could be a question mark, as both fighters have fairly matched hand speed, with “Canelo” being the harder puncher obviously. Trout’s arm punching and inside smothering will not work on Alvarez as it did against Cotto. At 22, Alvarez has not found himself in the deeper waters yet during his career, having KO’d 71% of the opposition he has faced thus far. Saul is a strong counter puncher as well, and will give to the body just as good as he gets. The test will begin if and when Austin starts to dig the body. Will Alvarez’s stamina hold out upon an accumulation of received body shots, or will “Canelo” rip back into “No Doubt’s” core, hammering back with some decisive and game changing blows of his own?
Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya 39-6 (30 KOs) has been resolute in defense and support of his fighter, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and has shared his opinions on several occasions with the boxing media. “The confidence that I have in Canelo, I even think that he might even stop him. Canelo, right now, is only improving and all the doubters, every single one, should watch this fight very closely, because they will become believers”, said De La Hoya. So for a majority of boxing fans and the media out there the scintillating contest between Alvarez and Trout for division supremacy seems to come down to a few keys to victory. For Trout, he needs to get on the stick early and utilize that educated boxing jab that he has in his toolbox. As long as he fights behind his stick and keeps to his sound boxing fundamentals, he could find himself in the later rounds and on his way to setting up the rest of his arsenal. “No Doubt’s” ring generalship could prove taxing for “Canelo”, as the Mexican superstar is used to dictating pace and momentum in most of his bouts.
Alvarez must stay true to whatever game plan was devised during training camp and follow it. Some refer to the young fighter as a “one-trick pony”, but there are several more layers and dimensions to “Canelo” than meet the eye. And no matter how many times you say it, his power remains a serious factor. Even with Trout being the more dynamic boxer, Alvarez still has the power to change the look of the fight. Some have stated out there that Alvarez looks stiff and lacks movement in the ring. This is something that could promise to pose extreme difficulty for “Canelo” with “No Doubt” fighting in a style dramatically opposed to his, as Trout is all about movement and angles. In any event, Austin “No Doubt” Trout will go down as the toughest opponent that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has faced so far during his extensive career. Whatever the outcome, fans are guaranteed to be not only entertained but amazed by what transpires in the ring regardless of the victor. Best of luck to both Champions!
Should you have any questions, comments, concerns, or complaints that you would like to throw at Jason please don’t hesitate to e-mail him at boxingwarrior@hotmail.com. Your opinions matter.
