Ryan Garcia Says Prime Canelo Knocks Out Prime Mayweather

WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia believes his stablemate Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez would’ve beaten Floyd Mayweather had both fighters been in their prime when the fought.

Canelo’s lone career loss came at the hands of Mayweather back in 2013 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 152lb catchweight contest was dominated by ‘Money’ who eventually picked up a majority decision win.

Since then ‘Canelo’ has gone on to cement his place as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The 30-year-old has unified at middleweight and super middleweight, he also knocked out Sergey Kovalev to win a title at light-heavyweight.

Mayweather retired from the sport in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor to stretch his unbeaten record to 50-0. The 43-year-old continues to pursue exhibition bouts and is currently in line to fight YouTube celebrity Logan Paul later this year.

In an interview with ESPN, Garcia expressed his belief that a prime version of ‘Canelo’ would beat any version of Mayweather, he said.

“Canelo wins. At his best, he is much smarter and knows how to maneuver in the ring much better. Pretty Boy was good but if he went directly against Canelo, he would be knocked out. He would have to box and he (Saúl) is a big guy by nature.”

Garcia respects Mayweather as an athlete but disliked the ‘Money’ persona that came with the boxing legend.

“What I had a problem with [when it came to] Floyd was how he represented himself when he got to the top,” Garcia said. “He threw around the image of glorifying money. I don’t like that.” (Transcribed by Boxing Scene)

Garcia is riding high off the biggest win of his career. The 22-year-old beat Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell last month. Garcia climbed off the canvas to finish the Englishman inside seven rounds. He now looks forward to potential fights with Manny Pacquiao, Gervonta Davis, or even Teofimo Lopez.

Do you agree with Ryan Garcia? Does a prime version of ‘Canelo’ beat Floyd Mayweather?