On Saturday, May 7, 2016, Canelo Alvarez takes on Amir Khan in a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal Middleweight world Championships.
The HBO Pay-Per-View event, which is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, features a three-fight televised undercard with David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia in the co-featured bout.
Also in action will be Mauricio Herrera vs. Frankie Gomez, as well as Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for each bout and let us know who you think will win.
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All photos by Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
Curtis Stevens
vs.
Patrick Teixeira
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Teixeira
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
Curtis Stevens is the definition of a one-trick pony. His style has always been dependent on block-countering with the left hook.
He’s essentially mastered this trick, but if you take this away from him, he’s not such a devastating figure after all. In order to detonate this counter hook, the distance must be perfect. Get too close, and the punch won’t get proper leverage. Get too far, and Stevens will be out of range.
That is where Stevens is at a massive disadvantage to Patrick Teixeira. The Brazilian prospect is lengthy and knows exactly how to utilize his natural advantages.
Teixeira has nearly four inches of height and reach over Stevens. Teixeira utilizes his reach to bomb away with power shots at long range. He’s also surprising agile on his feet, as he pivots very well after throwing a combination.
Against the mobile Hassan N’Dam and Gabriel Rosado, Stevens chased them all night, unable to set up his power shots. Stevens best bet is to hope Teixeira gets close enough to land a massive left hook.
All in all, however, Teixeira should be able to safely outwork Stevens over the course of 10 rounds.
Prediction: Teixeira
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Solid southpaw prospect Patrick Teixeira seeks to extend his winning streak against rugged Curtis Stevens in Middleweight action.
While Teixeira sports a gaudy record, Stevens represents a step up in competition and has certainly faced the more seasoned opposition.
This should be a fun match to watch and expect both fighters to take and relinquish momentum throughout.
In the end Teixeira will have his hand raised, a victor by close if not unpopular decision.
Prediction: Teixeira
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Stevens
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Stevens
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Curtis Stevens will fight Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena for the first time in nearly two years. Stevens will be facing Patrick Teixeira a young fighter with a blemish-free record. While Stevens is looking to prove he is still a top contender in the Middleweight division, Teixeira has a great opportunity to showcase his skills and gain more followers opening the HBO Pay-Per- View undercard of Canelo vs. Khan.
Stevens has made significant changes since his last fight. Saturday night, his uncle and lifelong trainer Andre Rozier will no longer be the face in his corner. Stevens is now being trained by John David Jackson, who also trains Sergey Kovalev, Chris Algieri, and several other fighters. He also chose to change his nickname from “Showtime” to “Cerebral Assassin”—a metaphor for his total self-reinvention.
His reasoning was this: “I wanted it to be a new beginning. My uncle’s been training me since I was 5 years old so that name came about when I turned pro. Being that I’m with a new trainer, it’s a new name and a new Curtis Stevens. I don’t want to think about the past from my losses or from what happened in the past. I want the whole new identity and a new me, like I’m redefined and newly constructed.”
Honestly, I am interested to see how this fight plays out. With all this talk of reinvention for Stevens, I am hopeful but not 100 percent convinced. On the other hand, Teixeira is young and has only fought in the U.S. a handful of times. This will most definitely be the biggest stage he has been on, fighting the stiffest competition he has faced thus far in his career. I am torn but I am predicting Stevens’ “banger” style will lead him to victory.
Prediction: Stevens
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I like this fight. It’s a good step up fight for the southpaw and Golden Boy Promotions prospect, Patrick Teixeira and one last chance on the big stage for Curtis Stevens.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Stevens and new trainer John David Jackson hope so, and they’ll have to pull out something different or else Stevens will get out-boxed like he did against Hassan N’Dam.
I’ll take Teixeira, but if Stevens connects with a hook it might be Teixeira making this face.
Prediction: Teixeira
Mauricio Herrera
vs.
Frankie Gomez
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
I love this veteran vs. prospect matchup, which I do see being competitive. Mauricio Herrera can make a night awkward for anyone, as shown before, and Frankie Gomez can box, but also unload some excellent combinations.
I see this being tentative at first, but I see Gomez running away with the fight eventually once the fight starts opening up.
I believe Gomez offers more dimensions as a fighter. I feel his combination punching on the inside will win the rounds and as a consequence, I see him winning by decision in a competitive fight.
This will be a great opponent on the record of Gomez if he wins, and is an ideal opponent for this stage of his career.
Prediction: Gomez
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Gomez
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
If all goes well and judges decide to not be blind, incompetent fools, Mauricio Herrera should actually be able to win a decision, controversy-free.
Stylistically, Herrera is poison for the prospect Frankie Gomez. Herrera’s late start to the sport helped to produce his awkward, unconventional style. This lack of formality truly shines against fighters with polished, amateur credentials.
Herrera picked apart Danny Garcia and José Benavidez, confusing them with his jerky movement and off beat jab.
Gomez, an amateur standout, offers the same skill set Herrera is known to neutralize. Gomez also brings along a host of bad habits. He keeps his hands low, inviting the jab of Herrera
to sneak in. Gomez also has a habit of backing himself into the ropes, a place Herrera truly shines. Finally, Gomez’s disciple to the sport has always been in question. Too often, he comes
in out of shape or misses weight for his fights. His trainer Freddie Roach has even stated how Gomez should be fighting as a light welterweight with proper discipline. The fact that this fight is taking place at welterweight…not a good sign.
Frankie Gomez definitely has talent, he shouldn’t be completely blown away by Herrera. However, “El Maestro” should be too crafty for the young prospect to handle. Let’s just hope the judges get it right.
Prediction: Herrera
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Mauricio “El Maestro” Hererra squares off against undefeated, but relatively untested Frankie Gomez in his Welterweight maiden voyage.
Expect “El Maestro” to conduct a symphony on Gomez’s face for the majority of the night and cruise to a clear 10-round decision.
Prediction: Herrera
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Gomez
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Herrera
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Veteran Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, 22-5, 7 KOs will be taking on the young and hungry Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez who has an undefeated record going into Saturday night’s fight, 20-0, 13 KOs.
This fight will undoubtedly be one to remember in what is expected to be an all-out battle between one of boxing’s hottest up-and- coming prospects and one of the most respected contenders in boxing.
Gomez’s explosive offensive style makes for exciting fights to watch. He has the ability to close distance quickly which allows him to punish the body of his opponents. His nickname “Pitbull,” is testimony to his unrelenting aggression coming forward. While Gomez is here to prove he is a legitimate world-title challenger, at the age of 35, Herrera wants to continue to prove he is nobody’s stepping stone.
Herrera uses his jab and crafty footwork to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm and take away their angles of attack, which also allows him to stay out of dangerous situations. Though I think Gomez will be the more active of the two fighters, I see Herrera landing more shots.
I am expecting this fight to be a close one, much like Herrera’s previous fights against Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez in 2014. I see this fight being close enough that the judges will give the decision to Gomez though many fans will feel Herrera deserved the win.
Prediction: Gomez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve never been sold on Frankie Gomez, and maybe Golden Boy Promotions isn’t either. I would not want my fighter to be facing “El Maestro” his first step up fight.
I think Herrera, while excruciating to watch, is effective and crafty and will give Gomez tons of trouble.
Herrera by decision.
Prediction: Herrera
David Lemieux
vs.
Glen Tapia
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
This is an interesting fight on paper that pits two fighters who need to bounce back from stoppage defeats, albeit David Lemieux lost at a much higher level than Glen Tapia did.
Tapia is also moving from Super Welterweight to face a guy who has trouble to make Middleweight, and will no doubt be extremely heavy on fight night.
Additionally, consider Lemieux’s knockout ratio, and this is a formidable opponent for Tapia to face in his Middleweight debut.
I see Lemieux having too much for Tapia from the start. I feel he will overwhelm Tapia with his pressure and size, and once his wild (yet damaging) hooks land, he will break down Tapia to get a stoppage within five rounds.
Prediction: Lemieux
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Tapia
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
A great make-it or break-it fight for both fighters, David Lemieux should be too much for the brave Glen Tapia to handle.
Both a limited brawlers, although Tapia has tried refining himself as a boxer more recently. Lemieux’s method of attack may be hollow, but it’s damn effective once he gets into a rhythm. Lemieux is a master of getting close and chopping away with power shots.
Tapia’s best chance of survival is to pump his jab into Lemieux’s face and work the body. Last October, Gennady Golovkin broke down Lemieux using a precise jab and body shots
under Lemieux’s high guard. I don’t think Tapia has the power to bother Lemieux, however. Tapia is coming up in weight, and even then, he has never truly been known a thunderous puncher. Lemieux’s chin is solid, evidence of standing up to all of Golovkin’s power shots.
Tapia has an abundance of heart, but look for Lemieux to make a statement. Hopefully with this win, Lemieux can move work his way back to the top, perhaps a fight with Andy Lee? Lemieux by early TKO.
Prediction: Lemieux
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Glen Tapia, who is coming off a thrashing four-round stoppage loss at Super Welterweight is stepping up not only in weight but quality of opponent to confront hard punching Middleweight contender David Lemieux.
Lemieux would like nothing more than to claim the vacant WBO NABO trinket at stake in this contest and make his case for another title shot (think Alvarez vs. Lemieux).
Tapia has other plans. In the words of the immortal Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Lemieux by knockout in Round 5.
Prediction: Lemieux
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Lemieux
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
I get why people like Glen Tapia; he’s a tough customer and he’s willing to go out on his shield–which makes for entertaining fights.
After losing his last fight by KO, this is getting close to dangerous, as Tapia’s in with another big puncher in David Lemieux.
This has the makings of a showcase fight for Lemieux, as he has all the advantages on paper. Though Tapia is somewhat of a puncher himself, Lemieux has the edge in experience and hand speed.
While I expect Lemieux to win this fight by knockout in the early rounds, I wouldn’t put it past Lemieux to get caught as we’ve seen that happen before.
Prediction: Lemieux
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Lemieux
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, David Lemieux will face Glen Tapia on the undercard of Canelo vs. Khan. Both Lemieux and Tapia are coming off knockout losses. Tapia lost via TKO against Michel Soro almost exactly a year ago from Saturday night and this is Lemieux’s comeback fight after being stopped by Gennady Golovkin last October in a Middleweight unification bout.
Tapia is moving up in weight for this fight, even though he is the taller fighter with a three-inch reach advantage. Both fighters are typically more focused on their offensive game. Lemieux is known for cutting off the ring and throwing powerful combinations to both the head and body.
Tapia is great at applying pressure, and because he typically has a reach advantage, he is able to fight from the outside which allows him to control the pace of the fight.
Though both fighters are heavy-hitters and have a strong offensive game, whoever recognizes the other’s weaknesses and effectively adapts their game plan will be the one who comes out on top.
When Lemieux is unable to control the pace of the fight, he struggles to adjust. Tapia isn’t afraid to exchange with anyone, but he can sometimes forget to keep his hands up while trading shots with his opponents.
Both men are great fighters with something to prove Saturday night and this fight is extremely important to both of their careers. This fight could go a lot of different ways, but I am predicting that Lemieux’s power will be too much for Tapia.
Tapia has been known to relax his hands, leaving him vulnerable. I think Lemieux is going to take advantage of this weakness, ending the fight via TKO late in the bout.
Prediction: Lemieux
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
In my opinion, Glen Tapia was fed to the wolves too early. That James Kirkland war messed him up, and David Lemieux might just finish the job.
Perhaps the move up to Middleweight will be good for Tapia who has said he’s had to battle to make weight in the past, but I just think Lemieux is ready to prove something and knock someones block off after being dominated by Gennady Golovkin.
I think Tapia will be gutsy and hang tough, but get stopped in the middle rounds.
Prediction: Lemieux
Canelo Alvarez
vs.
Amir Khan
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Despite the physical disadvantage, I do feel Amir Khan can tag Canelo Alvarez with his speed, as well as make it awkward for Canelo to hit him when retreating on the back foot. However, as we know, it’s not that simple. In order for Khan to win, he has to throw and not be intimidated.
But when you throw, you leave the opportunity for a counter-shot, and the man he faces is a canny counter-puncher, with decent speed of his own. Particularly those vicious uppercuts that Canelo dishes out.
Add on top Canelo’s physical strength, and it wouldn’t be disrespectful to Khan to suggest it’s a matter of time until he gets caught and overwhelmed. Boxing is not black and white, but because he has been stopped by smaller fighters, it’s natural to assume a heavier fighter will replicate that, and more.
Though, I’m going to push the boat out and say Khan surprises people. Not that he wins, but he goes the distance in a gutsy effort that we are accustomed to seeing when Khan fights. That itself would deserve respect, as well as the respect he deserves for stepping up to fight Canelo.
I feel Canelo will be patient, and his crude shots will land once Khan starts throwing combinations and provides openings. Maybe even a knockdown or two, but Khan will hang on. He will probably target the body to slow Khan down and negate his movement.
Canelo by decision in a comprehensive victory. But of course, I won’t be surprised if this ends early.
Prediction: Canelo
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Canelo
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
This has got to be one of the strangest big match ups of the last couple of years. Just like last week’s Andre Berto vs. Victor Ortiz, who knows what to expect?
A lot of people are hating this match up. A Canelo wipeout over a glass-jawed welterweight. Understandable. I say nay. Canelo Alvarez could potentially be setting himself up for disaster.
Canelo’s offense is completely dependent on planting his feet and firing combinations. If you keep him on his toes and chasing, Alvarez’s aggression drops to ineffective levels. Against Lara and Mayweather, Alvarez looked absolutely befuddled and lost in the ring.
Both Lara and Mayweather stayed light on their feet, picked off Canelo from a distance, then got out of the pocket. Khan has the legs and hand speed to give Canelo nightmares. Khan can glide across the ring and pepper the lumbering Alvarez from a distance. If Canelo manages to get inside, Khan’s mastery of smothering will keep him safe and sound.
All of this sounds wonderful for the Khan supporters, but Amir has a crucial bad habit that will cost him-consistency. Khan has a tendency to dominate early in a bout, but from there, seemingly ease up. In Khan’s toughest fights, he dominates early, but eventually slows down enough to let his opponents get going. Khan cannot ease up against Canelo, otherwise he’s going to get ripped apart.
Truth be told, I see the match up panning out in my head-Khan will start fast. Canelo will lose the opening rounds. Khan will fade, allowing Canelo to connect with power shots, specifically the straight right, a punch Khan is notoriously open for. From there, the bigger, stronger Canelo will seize the moment, flooring the finishing the brave Englishman. Canelo by mid-round KO.
Prediction: Canelo
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
WBC Middleweight (a relative term these days but that’s for another article) champion Canelo Alvarez laces ’em up Saturday night to take on Amir Khan in his first defense of his freshly acquired crown.
It is an interesting matchup featuring two very popular fighter in their prime facing off for a major belt…for as long as it lasts.
The challenger Khan has an uphill battle despite substantial hand speed, his only advantage entering this bout. He was knocked out in devastating fashion, not merely stopped but knocked…out..at Super Lightweight and Lightweight respectively with the most recent against Danny Garcia in July of 2014.
Since moving up in weight he has had three fights at Welterweight and struggled to edge a decision against Chris Algieri in his last outing a year ago this month. This title fight is his first match as a Middleweight.
The champion Alvarez also doesn’t have much experience at Middleweight, but is naturally the far larger man and will likely enter the ring at 175 pounds after rehydrating.
The hard punching Mexican has underrated hand speed and ring generalship. Motivated to make a statement Canelo does exactly that.
Alvarez by decapitation in Round 7.
Prediction: Canelo
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Canelo
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
I could spend this brief write up complaining about the hypocrisy of this matchup, but I’m going to digress. I do believe Amir Khan’s skill sets, particularly his hand speed and movement, will present issues for Canelo Alvarez, if Canelo comes in trying to “outbox” Khan–a la the Floyd Mayweather fight.
However, I also believe that Canelo’s size and power give him the biggest edge in this fight, if he can effectively cut off the ring and catch up to Khan.
Khan’s chin has always been his most obvious flaw. The question to this fight is: how long until Canelo catches up to Khan and lands something meaningful?
I think it’ll take about seven or eight rounds. Canelo wins by stoppage in the middle to later rounds.
Prediction: Canelo
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Khan
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez takes on Amir Khan at the inaugural boxing event held at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez won the vacant WBC world Middleweight title last November against Miguel Cotto, fighting at the agreed upon weight of 155-pounds.
This Saturday night, Canelo and Khan will do the same. This will be Khan’s first career appearance beyond the 147-pound weight class. Khan is coming off of five wins, with two losses in a row previous to those – losing to Lamont Peterson in 2011 and Danny Garcia in 2012.
Alvarez has won four fights in a row, with his only loss being to Floyd Mayweather in 2013. Though there is a perception that Alvarez is much larger than Khan, Alvarez is only a half inch taller, with a half-inch shorter reach.
I think this fight will go in Khan’s favor in the early rounds because of his faster hands and feet and slight reach advantage. If Khan can effectively mirror the boxing style of “track-star” Erislandy Lara, he will be able frustrate Alvarez. While it is likely Khan will win the beginning rounds of the bout, Alvarez will simply be using these rounds to size up Khan and assess the best tactics to use going forward.
As Alvarez “lets” Khan pull ahead on the scorecards in the first stretch of the fight, he will wait for Khan’s initial energy fade, cut of the ring, eliminate escape routes, and get himself in position to land powerful shots.
While there is a small piece of me that believes Khan has a chance to surprise boxing fans world-wide with a huge upset, he would have to avoid taking heavy punches early on and conserve his energy. If he is able to avoid Alvarez’s wrath and still look virtually untouched and confident mid-fight, his chances of an upset will rise dramatically.
But, I don’t see that happening. Instead, I see Alvarez taking full control of the fight by the sixth or seventh round. I am expecting Canelo to score at least one knockdown during this fight, coming in the seventh or eighth round, which will be the beginning of the end for Khan, with a stoppage soon after—no later than Round 10.
Prediction: Canelo
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Kudos to Amir Khan for taking this fight. To be great, you have to take risks and this is the biggest risk he can take. For all of the shit we give fighters, this isn’t a game. He’s facing a damn Super Middleweight (come fight night) who can punch and the potential of getting starched by him is enough to make anyone think twice.
It’s not like Khan is 35 and looking for that last big payday, so he’s got some balls stepping up and taking this fight. Now, having said all that, I can’t pick Khan knowing what we know. We know Khan has been knocked out by Bredis Prescott and Danny Garcia, plus he had fits with Chris Algieri.
Yes, “styles make fights,” but if Canelo imposes his size and attacks early, this one shouldn’t go past three rounds. Canelo should make a statement and do what you’re supposed to do against the smaller fighter with a suspect chin–knock him out.
Prediction: Canelo
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