On Saturday, May 6, 2017, Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) headline a four-fight HBO Pay-Per-View card live from T-Mobile Arena.
Former IBF Middleweight champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) and Middleweight contender Marcos “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs) will battle in the co-featured bout, while former WBC Silver Super Lightweight title holder Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) will battle Welterweight contender Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs).
Opening up the pay-per-view action will be two undefeated Golden Boy Promotions‘ fighters in NABF Featherweight champion, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. and IBA Featherweight champion, Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs).
The HBO Pay-Per-View portion will begin at 9:00 pm, EST/6:00 pm, PST.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing‘s staff predictions for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight card and let us know who you think will win.
Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions - 2020
| Name | Win | Loss | Total Fights | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Burgos | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.5 |
| Hans Themistode | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0.66666666666667 |
| R.L. Woodson | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Robert Contreras | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Jo Jo Diaz vs. Tino Avila
Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
Both undefeated fighters, but I’ll take the highly regarded Joseph Diaz by decision. Diaz attacks the body with spite, and he can throw eye-catching combinations.
His hooks, in particular, are excellent, and he has decent speed to complement his attacks. I see the aforementioned attributes leading Diaz to victory over Tino Avila.
Prediction: Diaz
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
This is Jo Jo Diaz’s toughest test of his young career. Diaz might not pack the power of other Featherweights such as Oscar Valdez or Carl Frampton, but he’s a technical boxer that uses the whole ring.
Avila, also a Golden Boy boxer, will be game on the big stage, but I see Diaz edging out a close decision.
Prediction: Diaz
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Olympian Jo Jo Diaz faces Tino Avila for a shot at Gary Russell Jr.? Count me in.
This could be one of the best matchups on the card. They are both coming in undefeated, highly touted and ready to take the next step.
I think Diaz wins because of his work to the body and his being a southpaw may give him an edge.
Avila has had issues with endurance, despite the undefeated record, and Jo Jo is going to exploit it.
Prediction: Diaz
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Diaz
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
The young southpaw Joseph Diaz (23-0, 13 KOs) shouldn’t have any problems with undefeated Manuel Avila (22-0, 8 KOs), regardless of the glossy record.
The quality of opposition will tell the tale as Diaz grinds out a decision victory.
Prediction: Diaz
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
Here’s an example of yet another hyped up fighter who I don’t see much promise in. Shy from being a good boxer in this early stage of his career, he’s already overrated (in my opinion), and he now has a chance to prove himself to those skeptics.
“Tino” Avila is a decent fighter that shouldn’t be too hard of an opponent for the rising Joseph Diaz (if Diaz is really as promising as they claim him to be). Otherwise, I see this fight going the distance. Diaz outpoints Avila winning on the cards, with Avila landing the few cleaner most effective shots.
One thing that I did see in Diaz last fight is that he succumbs to pressure, but the quality of opponents he’s had aren’t good enough to capitalize on this. If Avila did his homework, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores an upset TKO victory on the intermediate fighter “Jo-Jo” Diaz.
Prediction: Diaz
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Jo Jo Diaz vs. Tino Avila is a good matchup between two young and unbeaten Golden Boy Promotions fighters.
I think Diaz has faced the tougher opposition in the pros and coupled with his amateur experience, he’s shown more than Avila–thus the pick here.
With a win, Diaz will become the No. 1 contender for Gary Russell Jr.’s WBC title, which is a fight that I don’t think Diaz is ready for–but let’s see what he does against Avila.
Avila is no slouch, but I think he’ll learn from this fight in a tough decision loss. Jo Jo by decision win.
Prediction: Diaz
Lucas Matthysse vs. Emanuel Taylor
Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
I am picking Lucas Matthysse by decision. Emanuel Taylor is not much of a mover, and seldom moves his head, which makes it an ideal opponent for Matthysse’s return.
I see Matthysse utilizing his boxing ability, by landing the jab and right hand often, as well as exploiting Taylor’s high guard with shots to the body.
Taylor is game and tough, so I don’t see a stoppage–but I see Matthysse winning comfortably by decision.
Prediction: Matthysse
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
Lucas Matthysse makes his return to the ring since a disappointing knockout loss to Viktor Postol in October of 2015.
Ring rust can be an issue here. Taylor, coming off of back-to-back KO wins seeks an opportunity here that can make him a player in the 147 -pound division.
I think this could be the best fight of the undercard and see Matthysse in a close decision win.
Prediction: Matthysse
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
“The Machine” is back after being out for almost two years, taking on a rebounding Emmanuel Taylor. Interesting matchup.
I like Lucas Matthysse over the Maryland native, despite the two years of rust and the healed eye injury, because he has too much experience at the highest level.
The last time I saw Taylor up against world-class opposition in former four-weight champion, Adrien Broner, he ran out of gas. He might actually get stopped this time.
Prediction: Matthysse
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Taylor
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Exciting 147-pound fighter, Lucas Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) takes on slick boxer Emmanuel Tayler (20-4, 14 KOs) in Vegas which is very appropriate as this fight is a gamble for both fighters.
Matthysse is coming off a recent devastating KO loss to Viktor Postol and his body language suggested his career may be ending as he has struggled in recent appearances including a loss to Danny Garcia. However, he rebounded with an exciting victory over “The Russian Rocky” Ruslan Providnikov.
Taylor is a slick boxer however its likely he is not in the same class as Matthysse, however I don’t say that with an enormous amount of confidence.
I believe this fight is somewhat of a “pick’ em” as it depends on which version of the inconsistent fighters show up this night.
Expect a competitive fight until Matthysse catches a game Taylor in round eight and garners a stoppage victory.
Prediction: Matthysse
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
It’s been a while since we last saw Lucas Matthysse in the ring and he didn’t look good, as he got stopped in the second half of the fight against the technician boxer Viktor Postol.
This time around, moving up in weight, I wonder how he’ll perform at Welterweight.
I predict a possible knockout in Matthysse’s favor in the late rounds due to ring rust and the added weight.
Prediction: Matthysse
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Couple of variables in this fight make it difficult to predict a winner. We don’t know if Lucas Matthysse will be back to his old ways after such a long layoff and at a new weight, who knows if his power will be the same.
Will it be the same ol’ “Maquina?” Only time will tell.
Emmanuel Taylor is tough enough to make Matthysse answer some questions–including does he even want to be fighting anymore.
I think it might take a few rounds for the Argentine heavy hitter to warm up, but if he still has some fight left in him he should be able to take a decision win or a late stoppage.
Prediction: Matthysse
David Lemieux vs. Marcos Reyes
Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
As most would predict, I believe David Lemieux will win by early knockout.
I see Lemieux stalking Marcos Reyes patiently, by throwing the jab in order to unsettle him, until he is within range to throw one of his crude hooks.
Once that happens, I envisage an early night.
Prediction: Lemieux
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
This is a showcase for David Lemieux. He very easily could be in line for Canelo’s first fight at 160 pounds in September.
Lemieux told reporters he only had a week break after the sensational KO of Curtis Stevens two months ago and got back to work.
Lemieux ends this one early.
Prediction: Lemieux
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
David Lemieux has to win this fight. There are talks of a shot at Canelo Alvarez should he beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or the rematch with Gennady Golovkin.
Journeyman Marcos Reyes is 2-2 in his last four fights and though he’s experienced, I’m not sure he has enough skill to topple the guy who demolished Curtis Stevens only two months ago.
I think the winning streak continues for Lemiuex, most likely by KO.
Prediction: Lemieux
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Lemieux
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Who the fook is Marcos Reyes? (In my best Conor McGregor voice).
He has lost three of his last five fights–one against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and the other two versus Abraham Han and Elvin Ayala.
Easy work for David Lemieux…it won’t go seven rounds.
Prediction: Lemieux
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
I have David Lemieux winning this fight. I haven’t witnessed his opponent fight, but from the stare off they had in Vegas this week, Lemieux won Round 1.
He broke his opponent the same way Vitali Klitschko broke Chris Arreola, making him fidget and nervously smile. If Lemieux starts as strong as he always does, there isn’t a reason he shouldn’t win this fight.
However, if his opponent has his game face on the night of the fight and plays it smart, should he take him the distance; I’m curious to see how well Lemieux will perform then.
Otherwise, Lemieux wins by knockout half way into the fight.
Prediction: Lemieux
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I like this fight for David Lemieux. He just fought less than two months ago against Curtis Stevens and scored–what is definitely up until this point–the knockout of the year.
I don’t care that Marcos Reyes isn’t a top-flight Middleweight, Lemieux is staying active and looking to set himself up for a big fight in September–potentially against Canelo Alvarez.
While I don’t want to see Lemieux vs. Canelo in September, I admire the hustle and stay-busy initiative from the Canadian.
Lemieux will score another KO and please the blood-thirsty fans at T-Mobile Arena.
Prediction: Lemieux
Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
To some, the size difference can be enough to sway opinion, but I am favoring skill over size.
I believe Canelo Alvarez will win by decision. Technically, he is far superior, as evidenced by his counterpunching, head movement, speed and punch variety.
I see Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. attacking, and Canelo using his smaller and more agile frame, to maneuver and counterpunch. Furthermore, Canelo’s attacks to the body are vicious, and I see this being key in the fight.
I would not be surprised if Canelo prioritizes the body of a potentially depleted Chavez Jr. However, Canelo has a tendency to retreat to the ropes, once fatigued, and Chavez Jr. has to caption these moments by imposing his size, and pressuring Canelo–in order to have any success.
Nonetheless, I believe Canelo will win comfortably.
Prediction: Canelo
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
I see Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. getting off to a good start. As Canelo Alvarez, unlike a lot of Mexican fighters, lets the fight come to him.
I’m very intrigued to see the weigh-in. Jr’s body language will tell the story. JC Jr. has to stick to his game plan, no matter the situation early on in the fight. That’s easier said than done.
Canelo is a better boxer in about every aspect, but he won’t be the bigger man in the ring on Saturday night. Chavez Jr. will take Canelo’s shots well and I think this one goes the distance. In the end, the better boxer wins for the Pride of Mexico.
Prediction: Canelo
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
This fight boils down to one question: Will a drained Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. drop Canelo Alvarez?
Because if it’s a boxing match, Canelo wins easily. He’s got the advantage in hand speed, defense and footwork. It isn’t unreasonable that Canelo could even stop Jr.
The logical pick is Canelo; the romantic pick is Chavez Jr. I’m going with logic.
Chavez Jr. could potentially stop Canelo, working the body with that left hook, but the catch weight puts that in jeopardy. Canelo has the skills, the experience and negotiations meet his demands. It’s his fight to lose.
Prediction: Canelo
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Canelo
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
In a clash of notable Mexican fighters, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) takes on the son of a legend (which is a shadow he may not enjoy) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs).
It is notable that both fighters had limited amateur careers and garnered much of their experience on the job in the professional ranks. It seems almost natural that these countrymen will meet in clash that will establish the next Mexican superstar both locally and worldwide.
Clearly, Chavez Jr. is the much larger fighter which many online sights have seized upon and has spawned many amusing memes.
There is a saying, however…It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.
Canelo is the Pit Bull in this fight.
Expect Chavez Jr. to come out strong (similar to James Kirkland) and try to impose his considerable size which will be somewhat effective for the first several rounds.
After Round 5, Alvarez will have established the rhythm and pull away from Chavez Jr., giving him a sustained beating and emerging victorious via late TKO.
Prediction: Canelo
Andrew Kang, Staff Writer
This one is very personal. Canelo Alvarez knows the only reason the fight has generated so much hype and interest, especially among legions of Mexican fans, is because of the name Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. bears.
Son of the country’s greatest champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., I agree. Whether he has underachieved and not quite lived up to the lofty expectations or has simply been exposed as a second-tier boxer is subject to debate. We should know this Saturday.
Canelo also told Julio that “once a quiter, always a quitter.” I also agree. Chavez Jr. quit in his fight against Andrzej Fonfara two years ago. Alvarez is bent on making Julio quit again.
I have never seen so much anger and fire from Canelo. This will not even be close. Chavez Jr. has enough power to occasionally rattle Alvarez, but only to momentarily thwart the pressure Canelo will apply on him all night.
Too strong, too fast and versatile, I like Alvarez by stoppage or convincing decision (although it may be a lot closer on the judge’s score cards).
Prediction: Canelo
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
I really dislike that my predictions end up being correct at the very least 85 percent of the time (to be modest). Reason why is because boxing isn’t doing its job by cherry picking opponents of caliber when a “mega-fight” is being sold.
Using Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko fight as a great example, that is the definition of what real boxing used to be about. Two equally matched opponents (no catch weight) in the ring, determined to break the other mans will.
But when mega fights are made only to favor one guy to disadvantage for the opponent, boxing loses its essential integrity, and everyone that knows boxing, becomes a prophet as their predictions aren’t that hard to make and always accurate.
That’s the reason why I don’t like predicting now-a-days, because it’s not predicting, it’s stating the obvious and boxing is the theater of the unexpected; not the theater of the predictable. I always hope that my prediction is wrong because that means boxing is doing its job.
As for my prediction on Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., its very easy, Alvarez wins by unanimous decision. If there is a knockdown, it’ll be from a crisp landed punch from Alvarez on Chavez, if there’s a knockout it’ll be from Alvarez but not because of talent or power, but because of exhaustion on Chavez Jr.’s side.
Either way, Canelo wins. Although I don’t see it, I hope Chavez Jr. lands something big, whether by luck, fear or desperation. I’m hoping that he does something to scare the arrogant Alvarez back to reality. All in all, I hope my prediction is terribly wrong.
Prediction: Canelo
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is a huge fight in terms of promotion and money, but not skill. Canelo Alvarez, aside from the size difference, is just bigger and better than Julio Cesar Chavez in all measurable categories.
Hell, even the intangibles–like heart and determination–have to go to Canelo.
Either way, Canelo is filling into a weight he walks into most fights at anyway, while Chavez Jr.’s skeleton will be what shows up in the other corner.
Canelo wins this one fairly easily, possibly by stoppage, behind quick combinations and solid power punching to the body.
Prediction: Canelo
