by David P. Greisman

Ronnie Shields (Alvarez): “I don’t think Josesito Lopez really deserved this fight. There’s so many 154-pounders in the world today that deserved to fight this guy, Canelo Alvarez. I think a lot of people are probably upset about this, because this guy is really a 140-pounder. But the kid has lots of heart, as you saw in the Victor Ortiz fight. But again, Ortiz was only a welterweight. Now he’s moving up divisions to face Canelo Alvarez.

“I think all the pressure’s going to be on Alvarez because he knows that everyone knows that this is a smaller guy. I think he has to look impressive, and I think he will, because Canelo’s a very good fighter despite people thinking he’s not fighting the top 154-pounders out there. Despite all that, he’s a really good fighter, and I’m going to say Canelo Alvarez by knockout by the sixth round.”

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (Alvarez): “Canelo is too strong for him. He’s going to put the pressure with body shots. He’s going to find out that Josesito can’t hurt him, and he’s going to go right to him. Canelo by stoppage. Lopez doesn’t have anything, moving up to the next weight, to really hurt Canelo, to have the firepower. He can’t match Canelo’s firepower.”

Sam Garcia (Alvarez): “I got Canelo big by knockout. I’m going to take him in seven or eight. I think Lopez will be game. He’ll be tough, just like he always is in every single fight. But I think Canelo is the next level. I really do. I think he’s the real deal at 154. I think he can compete against the best in the world right now, let alone in two or three years. He’s just really developed into a really good fighter. I’m big on Canelo in this one.”

John Scully (Alvarez): “I have to go with Canelo. I just think he’s too big, too strong has too much momentum going his way right now. I’ll take him in a unanimous 12-round decision in a fight that definitely has its crackling moments.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com

Tags: Josesito Lopez , Saul Alvarez , Canelo-Lopez , Canelo vs. Lopez