Saul Alvarez vs Austin Trout: Showtime Boxing Preview and other random tidbits

Tomorrow is an absolutely epic day of sports, in particularly for fight fans. We have a decent card from the UK, a fight on NBC in the states, a stacked UFC card on Fox, the opening of the NBA playoffs and the Saul Alvarez/Austin Trout clash on Showtime. I had designs on doing several articles today, but I’ve had a long one and it’s already 10pm. So I’m going to indulge myself with some random rambling.

The most intriguing contest of the day for me is Saul Alvarez and Austin Trout unifying some form of titles, you know I don’t care which ones, in front of a packed and raucous crowd in the Alamodome. I’ve read comparisons to the Whitaker/Chavez fight (sorry Dan, we’re just not clicking this week) and that is laughable. I’m hyped for this too, but a southpaw versus an orthodox fighter, an African American versus a Mexican and the same venue doesn’t really equate to two long proven all time greats meeting to see whom the best fighter in the world is. One comparison I can see happening, and I pray we don’t, is absolutely wretched judging.

Canelo is rocketing to stardom, and more power to him, what I don’t see is the tools to advance that ticket selling to being one of the best in the world. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very solid fighter; excellent body puncher who throws great up and under combinations when he is comfortable. Comfortable is the key word, when he isn’t he tends to stand around a bit and wait for something. He’s always found it to date, but if we’re being honest; Alfonso Gomez had been his toughest opponent thus far.

In this fight he is meeting a young, equally hungry fighter who matches his size and could well exceed his skill set. To beat Trout, I think Canelo has to do his best Chavez impersonation. Body work will be essential and he can’t waste time hoping Austin is going to slow down and offer himself up. Frankly, he is going to need to get a bit wild and go for it.

Austin Trout is coming off a comprehensive performance in clearly beating Miguel Cotto. There is ‘No Doubt’ that he belongs in the ring with the world’s best. He’s one of those fighters that does his thing and people conjure up misconceptions about him. People pointed to his uninspiring performance against delving Rodriguez before the Cotto fight, the thing is his talent is the kind that can perform the same way against the best in the world as he does against a fringe contender. He isn’t a knockout puncher, but Boxing fans have long confused that with physical strength, this guy can maneuver you were he wants you and will not be pushed around.

The key for Austin is to be himself. I honestly liked him against Cotto but was afraid of the judges. There is no way that isn’t in his mind, but he has to shrug that off and do his thing no matter what the crowd reaction is to everything Canelo does. Stick that jab, walk him down and stay true to himself.

The second Cotto/Trout was announced I had a gut feeling I was going to see a Winky/Shane kind of fight. This time I’m thinking a more competitive Winky/Trinidad. I just don’t see how Alvarez is going to take the play from Austin. I have no doubt that he won’t just follow him around the ring because Saul does have quick feet, but I do see him puzzled by what’s in front of him and spending a lot of time thinking instead of doing. I’m not even going to screw myself with pondering poor judging, Trout by dominant decision!

*Random Ramblings*

–         I guess its upset day for me. On NBC tomorrow afternoon I see Steve Cuningham using his nearly even reach to jab Tyson Fury to death. The size disparity is huge and Tyson has a tremendous will and heart, but I think he is out-classed and USS will take a closer than it was decision.

–         Benson Henderson is undefeated in the UFC and I’ve backed him in every fight. Gilbert Melendez was nearly that in Strikeforce and this is the opportunity he has been waiting for so he will be supremely motivated. Unfortunately for him, I just don’t see what he does better than Henderson. Bendo is an athletic marvel and a huge Lightweight. Look for him to handle Melendez fairly easily and take a wide decision.

–         Frank Mir’s submissions are a thing of beauty and I’d love to pick him against Daniel Cormier. The way Cormier dominated Josh Barnett showed extremely disciplined grappling and I think his stand up is at least equal to Frank’s, so I’m going with Daniel by decision.

–         I’m an unabashed fan of the Diaz brothers, they are as tough as they come and almost always make for great fights. Josh Thomson has the skill that is their kryptonite and I expect him to wrestle his way to a tight decision upset over Nate.

–         Now for the truly bizarre, I love the NBA playoffs, every night for months it provides great theater and since I don’t shy away from controversy I’m going to put it down here. The Lakers are BETTER without Kobe Bryant. That’s not to say he isn’t a great player, but that team has a ton of great players that are stagnated by the way he plays. Look for Howard and Gasol to go nuts, especially Pau. He is fantastic with the ball in a free flowing offense.

–         Heat in 4, Knicks in 6, Pacers in 6, Bulls in 7

–         Thunder in 6, Lakers in 6, Warriors in 7, Clippers in 5

–         Forgive me for going so far off the beaten path; tomorrow is just one of those days that scream for plenty of beer, the remote in your hand and a comfortable recliner. Enjoy, I know I will!

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