The first thought that came to my mind when I heard Mike Alvarado was facing Juan Manuel Marquez was Top Rank was sending Alvarado to the pastures. There is no doubt Alvarado has earned his right for some big fights and big paydays, however after his last three previous outings with back to back fights with Brandon Rios and Rulsan Provodinkov, two of which ended by stoppage, Alvarado earned a little rest. Instead, Alvarado was paired with one of the best counter punchers in the game, not to mention the fact that Marquez has looked a little bigger these days and there was no other way to view Top Ranks pairing as Alvarado’s nail in the coffin as being a attraction for the promotional company.
This past Saturday night the assumption felt half right. One, other than the knockdown in the 9th round for Alvarado, little said he should have been in the ring with the Mexican great.Two, while Alvarado looked outclassed all night, he again proved to be able to hang in there until the end. Which is great for ratings and being a viable option for Top Rank once again. Arum already mentioned that Alvarado would most likely be paired up with Timothy Bradley in his next outing, which feels like another step towards Alvarado begin phased out of the Top Rank stable.
Perhaps I am looking into this a bit much. Top Rank has stuck by Alvarado over the years, from his stints in jail to his most recent brush with the law with a hit and run issue looming over Alvarado, Top Rank has not turned their back on Alvarado. However, if you wanted to argue for the other side, then Alvarado has faced some stiff competition over the last few years and not only faced tough opponents but the fights have been all out wars. Alvarado’s style is not made for longevity and his brawls have definitely taken some steam off of Alvarado’s power.
In the end, Alvarado is an entertaining fighter, his right can drop the best of them and he has yet to be in a boring fight and boxing fans and TV networks welcome fights like that. However as a fan of Alvarado and as someone who followed him since he turned pro, I wonder how long he can sustain this level. Alvarado did not do well with Provodnikov and his pace and it’s hard to imagine that he will be able to keep up with the constant pressure Bradley brings as well, but that’s why they get in the ring.
Calm down.
I am not sure why Pacquiao signing an extension with Top Rank is a surprise to anyone. While many of us wanted to see a Pac-Mayweather showdown, to believe that there was an actual chance of that happening is just foolish. That fight had its time and it has passed.
They will forever be linked in an era where they chose pride and money over legacy or history.
Boxing is in full swing, with the heavy hitters such as Canelo, Pacquiao, Mayweather, Marquez already giving fight fans some good fights, fighters such as Gamboa, Cotto vs Martinez and even Canelo returning to the ring in July to face Erislandy Lara. This summer should be fun.