New Mexican star expected to make winning LA debut on Shane Mosley undercard
Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez has been installed as a hot favourite to beat former world champion Carlos Baldomir and promoter Oscar De La Hoya is expecting big things of his new star in Los Angeles on September 18.
The 20-year-old Alvarez, who could easily be mistaken for an Irishman with his pale skin and giner hair, is unbeaten in 34 pro bouts, has built up a huge fan base in his home country and is as short as 1/7 with sportingbet to come out on top.
This fight represents a significant step up in class, as Baldomir is an ex-WBC welterweight title holder and has beaten the likes of Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah, whilst also going the distance with Floyd Mayweather and Vernon Forrest.
However, Goldon Boy supremo De La Hoya is confident 'El Canelo' Alvarez will rise to the challenge at the Staples Center, on the same card as Shane Mosley versus Sergio Mora.
"Saul Canelo Alvarez is making his debut here in LA and a lot of people are looking forward to that," declared De La Hoya. "Saul is a Mexican sensation, filling up arenas and selling out fights.
"It's a special treat to have a young and up-and-coming fighter among the greats like Shane, Sergio and Victor Ortiz.
"I walked the streets myself the other day in Mexico where I watched Alvarez fight. I was asking people from all walks of life, 'Have you heard of Canelo Alvarez?' and everyone answers with a glowing face 'He's our next promise. He's our next guy.'"
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer added: "When Alvarez recently fought in Mexico, there was an average of between six and eight people per home were watching this fight. The fight got a 17.8 rating which is equivalent to 600,000 homes watched by 60 million people."
Alvarez has claimed 10 of his last 11 victories inside the distance and is 5/4 at sportingbet to again secure a stoppage success, while it is 11/10 he prevails on points.
"I'm glad to be on such an important card with such good fighters," said the youngster. "But it's business as usual when I step into the ring...I fight with desire. I hope everyone comes out to watch because this is a really exciting night of boxing."
Trainer Jose Chepo Reynoso is also aware of the significance of the timing of this bout, stating: "This is a very important date. As Mexicans, we are celebrating the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence.
"He is number one in Mexico and now we want to conquer the world. A big part of that is being successful here in LA."
Baldomir can be backed at 9/2 to spoil the party, 6/1 to win via the judges' scorecards and 11/1 to knock out Alvarez.
