Can Lopez topple Alvarez? The experts weigh in
Ryan Maquinana, CSNBAYAREA/BoxingScene.com
Saul Alvarez TKO10 Josesito Lopez: Josesito Lopez has become quite the captivating story, and he has earned that press with his prowess in the ring and for his audacity to take challenges like these.
However, I think it’s too much to ask for Lopez, a brawler at heart, to jump two weight classes in two fights against “Canelo” Alvarez.
Alvarez will not only be the bigger puncher on Saturday, but has also shown marked improvement in his jab against a departing but competitive Shane Mosley.
Record: 12-5
Rich Marotta, KFI Radio, Los Angeles
Saul Alvarez TKO 10 Josesito Lopez: This should be very entertaining, because you’ve got a kid in Saul Alvarez who wants to please the fans, against a challenger who is very brave, and clearly better than a lot of us thought.
I think Josesito Lopez will willingly engage the champ. But will be outgunned by the stronger Canelo. After an exciting and competitive four or five rounds, Canelo will assume command, wear down Josesito and stop him late in the fight.
Record: 5-2
Saul Alvarez KO 8 Josesito Lopez: Saul Alvarez will be too strong and powerful for the challenger Josesito Lopez, who has bulked up and as a result will fade the longer the bout runs.
Record: 3-1
Rick Reeno, Editor BoxingScene.com
Saul Alvarez KO 6 Josesito Lopez: I think that Josesito Lopez is going to give a very gutsy effort in the fight, but think that “Canelo” Alvarez’s physical advantages are going to be too much for him to overcome.
I don’t think that he will be able to hold Canelo off. I expect that either Canelo is going to win a dominating decision, or that Josesito’s corner is going to stop the fight. I think that will happen probably after six rounds.
Record: 3-1
Chris Robinson, The Examiner.com/BoxingScene.com
Saul Alvarez KO 10 Josesito Lopez: I like Saul Alvarez to stop a very game Josesito Lopez in the 10th round. I expect Lopez to give a great account of himself.
But I just feel that Alvarez is sharp enough with his punches and he will know when to box and when to pick his spots. I do, however, think that people will be surprised at how well Lopez does in the first half of the fight.
Record:9-3
Saul Alvarez TKO 10 Josesito Lopez: This is a stay-busy fight, perceptually, without the Victor Ortiz upset. Saul Alvarez isn’t as quick as Ortiz.
Josesito Lopez will have some reach on him. But the heavy hands, particularly the jab of Alvarez, won’t let Lopez get off enough to spring the upset.
Record: 11-7
Michael Rosenthal, Editor of THE RING
Saul Alvarez KO 5 Josesito Lopez: I wouldn’t put it past Josesito Lopez to give “Canelo” Alvarez problems. He’s a tough, determined fighter.
But the combination of Alvarez’s solid ability and considerable size advantage will be too much for the underdog to overcome. Alvarez by fifth-round KO.
Record: 13-3
Joseph Santoliquito/Ring Magazine/RingTV.com/CBS Sports
Saul Alvarez KO 8 Josesito Lopez: This may potentially be the most exciting fight of Saturday night in the dueling promotions.
I just feel Saul Alvarez has a little more firepower than Josesito Lopez. But I do feel Lopez has the attitude that he’ll keep coming, and coming. It should be fun to watch.
Record: 6-3
Saul Alvarez UD 12 Josesito Lopez: I’m going with “Canelo” Alvarez by unanimous decision. It’s unfortunate that Josesito Lopez couldn’t get an opportunity at his real weight of 140. But I suspect that he is getting paid well for this fight which is far more difficult than Victor Ortiz was.
Lopez’s best bet would be to do well enough where his stock goes up some, just as Steve Forbes managed against Oscar de la Hoya, and Brian Minto did somewhat against Chris Arreola.
Record: 11-4
Saul Alvarez KO 10 Josesito Lopez: I really like Josesito Lopez, and would love to see him win this fight. He does have a chance, considering he’s brimming with confidence coming off of having broken Victor Ortiz’s jaw during the ninth-round knockout win and because “Canelo” Alvarez may be looking past him to a possible matchup with Floyd Mayweather.
And Josesito is a better boxer than he gets credit for. But Canelo fights well beyond his 22 years. He gets better as a fight goes on, and unless Lopez can put him away early — which is highly doubtful given the natural size difference — Canelo will stop Josesito in the 10th round.
Record: 6-3
By a vote of 15-0, the experts have Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defeating Josesito Lopez in dominant fashion to retain his WBC junior middleweight belt.
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Photos by Gene Blevins, Hogan Photos, Golden Boy Promotions
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]