Two of boxing’s biggest stars, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, will collide this Saturday in Las Vegas. It’s a fight that kindles the intense Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry and pits a legend against a rising sensation. Cotto vs. Alvarez is larger than life, and you can bet on the entire card here at BookMaker. Let’s break down the fight.
Please note, the odds listed here may have changed, as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
Boxing odds at BookMaker.eu
WBC AND RING CHAMPIONSHIP
MIGUEL ANGEL COTTO +205
SAUL “CANELO ALVAREZ -245
Over/under 11.5 rounds, over -170, under +145
ODDS ANALYSIS
In some sportsbooks, Canelo is as much as a -300 favorite, with Cotto checking in close to +250. The odds at BookMaker.eu show the Mexican is significant betting favorite going into the match. He has youth and size in his favor, as he’s nine years younger and two inches taller than Puerto Rico’s Cotto.
A LEGIT MEGAFIGHT
In many ways, Canelo is the face of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and is poised for plenty of big fights in the future. What’s more, unlike other boxing stars, he always seeks out the toughest competition, from Erislandy Lara to James Kirkland to Floyd Mayweather. He is by far Mexico’s most popular fighter - a huge feat for a boxing-crazed country.
Cotto, at 34, because the first Puerto Rican to win a world championship in four weight divisions with a one-sided beatdown of Sergio Martinez this past June. The fight marked Cotto’s second under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. Many thought his time as a significant fighter was over after back-to-back losses to Floyd Mayweather and Autin Trout, but he’s rebounded nicely since then.
In the ring, Cotto is all about controlled aggression. Age has taken some of the ferocity out of him and replaced it with smarts. He’ll throw crisp body-head combinations in bursts, and is most most comfortable in close quarters. While he’s decent fighting on the counter, he’s far more comfortable as the aggressor.
Cotto has become a very savvy boxer in the past few years. His ring generalship is top notch, and he’s superb in creating advantageous situations and making opponents uncomfortable. In terms of technical skill, his ability to fight at all ranges gives him a slight advantage.
When it comes to power, Canelo has a clear advantage. In fact, he’s probably the strongest fighter that Cotto has ever faced - and the scary thing is that his strength is still developing. He flashed one-shot KO power against James Kirkland, and we’ve seen numerous instances where he overwhelms opponents with a high volume of big shots.
When it comes to defense, both men prefer the offensive approach. Cotto’s willingness to engage in trench warfare is why he’s so popular today. Canelo loves to be on the attack, and will sacrifice defense to do so. While Canelo has the ability to be defensively sound, he tends to ignore that part of the game. And with national pride on the line for both fighters, there’s a great chance this will be a slugfest.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
With all due respect to Cotto’s heart, grit and achievements, Canelo is too young, fresh and powerful for the legend. One could make the argument that Cotto has never faced a fighter in his prime that was bigger and stronger than him. Canelo changes all that.
I think the early rounds are going to a dogfight - Cotto has always been a fast starter. But in a prolonged war, the late rounds are going to have the most impact. Both men are going to inflict some real damage on each other, but Canelo is better equipped to handle a prolonged war at this point in his career.
PREDICTION: Canelo TKO Cotto R10
HOW TO BET
Check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. Cotto-Alvarez takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be televised on HBO pay-per-view.
