On September 14, 2013, Floyd “Money” Mayweather 44-0 (26 KOs) will face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 43-0 (30 KOs). The epic battle will take place at the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Thousands will attend, however millions worldwide will watch to see history in the making.

Mayweather, who is a destined legend in boxing, will place his WBA Super Light Middleweight title on the line. In return Mayweather will seek to gain the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Middleweight titles from Alvarez.

It’s Las Vegas and all the stakes are on the table for both champions.

Mayweather has faced a long list of world champions throughout his career. With each battle he has encountered, his masterful boxing skills have led him to victory each and every time. As Mayweather begins to descend toward the end of his career, he maintains that his record will remain untarnished.

Alvarez, who is a rising star and the current pride of Mexico, has a different outlook.

At age 23, Alvarez has accomplished what most boxers could only dream of. Despite his glory, Alvarez has a major obstacle he must face—dethroning Mayweather and establishing his reign as the new king of boxing.
Mayweather, who is one of the most skilled fighters in boxing history, is known for adapting to his opponents’ style. Mayweather’s ability to execute victories is a story in itself.

In regard to this particular bout, what will it take for Mayweather remain unbeaten?

There are many different views and theories on how both boxers can achieve victory. Every war requires a strategy, an intellectual design of offensive gains, and defensive counters.

While examining both fighters, there are three particular keys to success that could grant Mayweather the given name of, “The One.”

[tps_header]Distance[/tps_header]

Maintaining distance will place Mayweather at an advantage. Alvarez is certainly a greater threat at close range. By keeping distance, Mayweather will have a clearer view on his target.

It is with distance that Mayweather has mastered the skill of timing his opponents. On this night, timing will be crucial in order for Mayweather to effectively land his infamous strait right counter.

Although Mayweather is famous for avoiding impact with the shoulder roll, it would be fair to say that Alvarez will attack his arms first to expose the body.

At a distance, Alvarez will not be able to effectively deliver shots at full force. It is the combination of speed and power which Mayweather must avoid and distance certainly diminishes this dangerous trait.

At a distance, Mayweather can also still explode with a series of counters.

[tps_header]Ring Control[/tps_header]

Mayweather will have to establish ring control from Round 1. Ring generalship is a key factor in the judges scoring criteria.

Mayweather has been successful in the past by avoiding substantial risks while against the ropes.

In this particular bout, it can be argued that given the speed and power of Alvarez, the ropes could potentially be a disastrous place for Mayweather to be.

While evaluating both fighters’ styles, it would appear that Mayweather’s greatest advantage would be in the center of the ring.

Mayweather is considered by most to be a master of ring control. The apparent factor in this bout is having the discipline to minimize backward movement and focus on lateral movements.

In doing this it will limit the ability of Alvarez to cut off the ring and close distance.

[tps_header]Pace & Tempo[/tps_header]

If Mayweather can control the fights tempo with movement, he stands the greatest chance of victory.

Although Mayweather can be considered one of the most physically in-shape athletes, he is also known for slower paced tempos. This allows Mayweather to exhibit variations to his opponents timing.

While matching his skill with Alvarez, it would be of great advantage if Mayweather controlled the pace and tempo of the fight, making it exhilarating with movement.

Alvarez has shown that he tends to exert his energy in the first six rounds of a fight—hungry for knock outs.

If Mayweather can entice Alvarez to follow him around the ring, while depleting his energy with missed punches, the odds become more favorable for Mayweather as each round passes.

Action is scientifically faster than reaction. Mayweather will need to act accordingly in order to obtain the desired reaction from Alvarez.

[tps_header]Strategy[/tps_header]

There are many factors to consider when analyzing strategy. It is no secret that the Mayweather camp is infamous in capitalizing on their opponent’s weakness. Mayweather himself is best known for breaking a boxer down frame by frame in the ring.

Although Mayweather has matched up against former champions who all carry some form of Alvarez’s style and traits, Alvarez cannot be overlooked and should be considered dangerous.

Developing a physical strategy is something that a fighter’s camp can assist with. Understanding your opponent’s mental state of mind on fight night is something much bigger.

Distance, ring control, pace, and tempo are all areas that Mayweather is very familiar with. His record has proven through the course of history that he is one of the most elite fighters of all time. He has accomplished his legacy by nothing short of preparation and displaying perfection.

[tps_header]Hard Work & Dedication[/tps_header]

Mayweather’s famous words, “Hard Work & Dedication”, have provided truth while leading him on a voyage in boxing beyond expectation.

Mayweather has conquered every opponent who has crossed his path, however, recent bouts have shown that no man is unbeatable.

The perception of many is that Mayweather will enter the ring focused and exit the ring victorious holding the WBC belt like boxing royalty. Some skeptics however, are unsure if the legacy will continue to 45-0.

It is certain that Mayweather holds all the physical and mental traits needed to dominate the fight against Alvarez. To say that the outcome of this bout has already been determined is simply premature. Alvarez is a proven fighter and a rising star in the sport.

Despite all of their previous opponents, no two boxers ever match up the same. The speed, precision, and discipline of Mayweather alone are unique.

Is there really a “blue print” which holds the long lost secret on how to defeat Mayweather?

Regardless of its existence, it is certain that “blue prints” are always subject to change. It would be fair to say that Mayweather is his own architect and therefor holds a continuously evolving design.

The showdown between Mayweather and Alvarez is highly anticipated. Has Mayweather really factored in his opponents true capability. Can he execute his plan without error?

It is certainly a question with an answer that will reveal itself in the days to come. Who is truly “The One”, you decide!