On September 14, 2013, the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas witnessed the most anticipated boxing match of all time, as Floyd Mayweather Jr., an undefeated boxer with a perfect record, faced off against Canelo Alvarez, a young Mexican talent with an impressive 42-0 record. The event, billed as “The One,” had its fair share of classic moments, but the final result proved why Mayweather is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
The Difference in Weight and Experience
Canelo came into the fight with a huge physical advantage. He weighed 20lbs more than Floyd, giving him superior punching power. However, that difference could not make up for the skill, tactics, and experience that Floyd brought to the table.
Nicknamed “Money,” Mayweather used his agility and impeccable defense to negate Canelo’s attempts to attack. He controlled the pace of the fight from start to finish, making it impossible for Canelo to close in and land effective punches.
Dominant Fight
Throughout the 12 rounds, Mayweather put on a masterful boxing show. His precise jabs, quick footwork, and incredible evasiveness kept Canelo at bay. Floyd turned the fight into a real class, with each round becoming more and more evident.
According to statistics, Floyd landed an incredible 46% of his punches, while Canelo landed just 22%. This disparity was evident on the judges’ scorecards, with the two scoring 116-112 and 117-111 for Mayweather. Despite a controversial 114-114 draw, the final score was overwhelmingly in favor of Floyd.
A Lesson for the Future
Canelo did not give up after this defeat, but took it as a valuable lesson. He continued to improve and later became one of the best boxers of his generation, winning multiple titles in different weight classes. But the loss to Floyd was a clear demonstration of the difference between technique and raw power.
Mayweather’s Legacy
The victory over Canelo was a milestone in Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s career, affirming that he was not only a great boxer but also a master strategist in the ring. This fight reminded us that, in boxing, mind and skill always prevail over raw power.
Never forget the day Floyd Mayweather Jr. stepped into the ring and turned an opponent 20lbs heavier than him into a student in the boxing class. That match will forever be a highlight in boxing history.