Strengths For Each Man
Canelo Alvarez
Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images
Many people (including 50 Cent) are expecting this bout with James Kirkland to be a slugfest, but I estimate the fight will be about 50 percent boxing, 45 percent inside work and 5 percent brawling. Canelo Alvarez has a greater command of boxing than Kirkland, and he makes up the 50 percent statistic.
Though Canelo prefers to come forward and work on the inside, his opponents often underestimate his ability to box in order to set-up his inside work and control the exchanges. He can also move fairly well for being flat-footed, which also pleasantly surprises his opponents.
On the inside Canelo has great skill, including his punch placement and combinations. In addition to a tight defense, he’s much quicker compared to Kirkland, and his combinations are sharper and crisper. We know Canelo has power on the outside and the inside, which is a tremendous benefit considering his other advantageous skills.
James Kirkland
Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Kirkland has mainly three strengths coming into this fight: power, combinations, and relentlessness. The first strength, power, almost goes without saying—it’s why Kirkland is called a knockout artist. With this said, Kirkland should have no problem gaining Canelo’s respect if he is able to land a good shot on him. If the punch is clean enough, we may get to see Canelo’s chin get tested.
Though Kirkland’s punches may be on the slower side, he can put them together once he finds his distance on the inside. Canelo likes to come forward, but it easy to play predator when there’s only prey. Kirkland is relentless in that, he will continue to keep coming forward and throwing punches no matter who is in front of him. As predator faces predator, this will be a unique challenge for Canelo to handle a pressure fighter who packs dangerous power.
