By Luis Sandoval

A Floyd Mayweather fight wouldn’t be complete without a series documenting his and his opponents lives leading up to the big dance. Mayweather has a new dance partner this time around as 23 year Saul “Canelo” Alvarez brings new blood to the series and so far has done a suitable job.

Episode two of All Access Mayweather-Alvarez touched on a variety of subjects and some of the underlying storylines that are linked to this fight. It made for a good episode and the series is 2 for 2 so far.

Things start off with Mayweather reminiscing on his first professional fight and his $25,000 purse that came along with it. Things have certainly changed as the “half billion dollar man” is now used to collecting checks in excess of $30 million a fight. His money spending ways however have always garnered him criticism but Mayweather feels it’s his prerogative and is doing what he’s supposed to do.

“I’m a man, no different from no one else. I’m giving back to the people I’m supposed to give back to. I worked hard, I earned it so I’m able to spend it how I want to spend it” said the undefeated champion.

Back in Los Angeles we see how the vigorous demands of not only the fight, but of new found sponsors are taking on the young Alvarez who is getting accustomed to juggling all things at once. Filming an Under Armour commercial takes a toll on Alvarez but the young champ understands it comes with the territory and is beginning to learn how to incorporate it all into his daily routines.

Back in Las Vegas Mayweather knows all about marketing and handling other ventures as he attends the Magic Convention in Las Vegas as he continues to push his TMT clothing brand to the forefront. Floyd puts on a training show for those in attendance and signs autographs in his booth afterwards. His career as a fighter is near its end but he has plans for new beginnings as he wants to build an empire.

The catch weight of 152 pounds for this fight has been a big talking point amongst fans and media members as this is the only time Mayweather has contracted an opponent to fight below the 154 pound limit for a Junior Middleweight bout. But Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe quickly cleared the air and made it known this was not Floyd’s idea but rather an idea Canelo’s team birthed long before. And much like in the ring, whenever Floyd sees an advantage or a mistake, he will capitalize on it.

“His management put out something on BoxingScene that they would be willing to fight at a catch weight. Now because his management is inept, we take advantage of those kinds of things. Floyd would’ve fought him regardless but [Canelo’s] management put that out there and if you have an idiot manager, that’s what it is” said Ellerbe.

Another headlining point that was discussed was about reports coming out of Alvarez’s camp indicating he was running through sparring partners quicker than a hot knife going through butter. Alvarez is using former opponents Shane Mosley’s gym and while Team Canelo playfully invited him to spar Canelo, they probably should’ve pursued it much harder as he would’ve lasted longer than the guys they brought up with them.

Father and son manager/trainers Jose and Eddy Reynoso reveal one of the sparring partners suffered a broken rib while the other a dislocated shoulder; all injuries courtesy of one Canelo Alvarez.

“They can’t hang. They get hurt and that’s why the leave” said Canelo.

Mayweather is quick to dismiss the rumors and reports as he could care less what Alvarez is doing to his sparring partners as he reminds everyone he’s not one of them and he can “f***ing fight”. Floyd also addresses Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya for once again claiming one of his fighters will be the one to dethrone him.

“F*** Oscar De La Hoya. I kicked his ass and everybody that [he] gave the blueprint to. I kicked their asses too. F*** Oscar De La Hoya. How are you gonna have a blueprint on how to beat me if you didn’t beat me??” said Mayweather.

The episode concluded with a montage of both fighters training hard in the gym as the storyline surrounding this fight got just a little bit more interesting. It’s been 6 years since Mayweather and De La Hoya fought in the ring but their feud still lingers even in the present day. All Access delivered for a second week in a row and much like a boxing fight, things are starting to heat up.

Episode Grade: 4.5/5

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewet007. You can also tune in to Boxingscene’s official audio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with host Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.