By Steve Kim
On September 14th, 2013, a 23-year old Saul Alvarez squared off against Floyd Mayweather and quite frankly, didn't have all that much success in losing a unanimous decision. 'Canelo' was a talented young fighter who came into that bout with the WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles but was simply out-classed by Mayweather.
In many respects it was boy versus man on that night.
When asked how much he's evolved as a fighter since that juncture as he prepares to face Miguel Cotto on November 21st, 'Canelo' answered," Obviously, I'm a fighter now who's very, very different now. I've had some tough fights in-between, some very good victories and I'm a more mature fighter, I'm stronger and this is the perfect timing for this fight."
Since that point Alvarez(45-1-1, 32 KO's) has defeated the trio of Alfredo Angulo, Erislandy Lara and James Kirkland.
"This is the perfect moment for 'Canelo' Alvarez," said the head of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya on Tuesday at a media roundtable in Los Angeles.
"I wish he would've taken Floyd Mayweather at this point of his career, right now, today - 25 years old. He's progressed, he's growing, learning, he's maturing, he's going to be dangerous for many years to come.
"He's a very mature young man, very dedicated. He knows what he wants and that is to be the best for many years to come."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com