Weaknesses For Each Man
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Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez is quite flat-footed, which can detract from him moving successfully in the ring when he needs to. He’s the most comfortable when he can set and throw punches, but this ventures into dangerous territory against a guy like Kirkland. Canelo will have to decide if being at home in his flat footed stance (and potentially getting hurt), or moving around more than he’s used to is more important.
Though Canelo is known for his power, he tends to throw his punches at the same speed and intensity. When boxing or fighting, it’s important to mix up your punches in terms of type, speed, and intensity to keep your opponent guessing. He tried it against Alfredo Angulo by fainting with the uppercut and following up with a hook, and it worked. This is also important for Canelo’s stamina. By only throwing hard shots, he tires much quicker than he would by mixing it up and preserving his energy.
AP Photo/Isaac Brekken
James Kirkland
James Kirkland has a few weaknesses to consider before hopping in the ring with Canelo. Besides being a slow puncher that can be outmatched by Canelo, his most apparent weakness is his defense. Kirkland barely moves his head, if at all, and comes straight forward. Even on the inside, you can tell he’s only thinking offensively, with no regard for protecting himself.
He may be a knockout artist, but with a crisp power puncher like Canelo, who also has excellent punch placement, Kirkland can find himself on the canvas if he doesn’t think about defense going into this fight. Kirkland has been dropped before, even in bouts he’s won. Kirkland isn’t a natural boxer, but going up against Canelo he shouldn’t abandon fundamentals such as the jab. If he fights without using the jab a lot (as he normally does) he’ll make it even easier for Canelo to pick him apart.
We can’t overlook that Kirkland is entering the ring without his best asset, former trainer Ann Wolfe. The two have had an on-again-off-again relationship, though the fact his only career loss was without Wolfe, remains the elephant in the room. For this fight Kirkland’s trainer is Morones Jr.
