It’s a wrap for training camps and time to get down to business. The volume on the comparisons along with the trash talking is now at full blast all because, Its fight week baby! Let’ s turn back the clock and revisit some of the most epic Mexican Independence Day bouts in the past 30ish years.
One of the most anticipated fights in modern boxing history, Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, took place on Mexican Independence Day weekend in 2013. Billed as “The One,” this fight was a mega-event, matching Mayweather, one of the greatest defensive boxers in history, against the young rising star from Mexico, Canelo Álvarez. The event had all the makings of a historic night, from the buildup and expectations to the revenue it generated.
Youth vs. Experience
At the time of the fight, Mayweather was an undefeated boxing adding to his legendary status, holding a 44-0 record.
Known for his shoulder roll and unmatched defense, Mayweather had already slayed a slew of world champions and was considered the pound-for-pound king.
Canelo Álvarez, meanwhile, was the youthful hope of Mexican boxing, entering the fight with a 42-0-1 record and holding the WBC and WBA light-middleweight titles.
The contrast in styles—Mayweather’s precision and defense against Canelo’s power and aggression—made this fight intriguing.
Canelo, just 23 years old, was eager to prove himself on the biggest stage, while Mayweather, at 36, was looking to further cement his legacy.
The fight was marketed as a classic matchup of youth versus experience, with fans and analysts speculating whether the young Mexican star could finally hand Mayweather his first loss.
Mayweather’s Masterclass
On September 14, 2013, the two fighters met at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in front of a sold-out crowd. From the opening bell, it became clear that Canelo was facing an entirely different level of skill.
Mayweather’s defense and ring IQ were on full display as he expertly controlled the pace of the fight, dodging Canelo’s powerful punches and landing crisp, accurate counter-shots.
While Canelo remained aggressive throughout the fight, he struggled to land any significant blows against the elusive Mayweather.
By the later rounds, it was evident that Canelo’s inexperience was no match for Mayweather’s years of experience and technical mastery.
Despite his youth, Canelo was unable to adjust to Mayweather’s tactics, and the fight quickly became one-sided.
After 12 rounds, Mayweather was awarded a majority decision victory, though many observers believed it should have been a unanimous decision in his favor.
The scorecards read 114-114, 116-112, and 117-111, with the lone draw being widely criticized as overly generous to Canelo.
A Record-Breaking Event
“The One” was not only a battle of skills but a massive financial success. The fight generated over $150 million in revenue, thanks to 2.2 million pay-per-view buys, making it one of the highest-grossing boxing events of all time.
The live gate at the MGM Grand alone brought in over $20 million, and sponsors lined up to be part of the spectacle. The economic footprint of this event was enormous, further solidifying the tradition of big fights taking place on Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Additionally, the fight was broadcast in over 150 countries, drawing a massive global audience. The Mexican fanbase, in particular, tuned in to see their young hero, though many were disappointed by the outcome.
Nonetheless, Canelo’s popularity surged even further after this fight, as fans respected his willingness to challenge the best so early in his career.
A Learning Experience for Canelo
For Floyd Mayweather, the victory over Canelo Álvarez was another feather in his cap, showcasing his unmatched skills at the tail end of his career.
The win helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history.
For Canelo, the fight was a humbling yet invaluable learning experience. Though he lost, Canelo would go on to become one of the biggest stars in the sport, eventually earning his place as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time.
The fight taught him the importance of patience, technique, and adaptability, and it shaped the rest of his career.
Crowd Impact and Cultural Importance
The atmosphere on fight night was electric, with thousands of fans from Mexico and around the world packing the MGM Grand.
Mexican Independence Day weekend had always been synonymous with big boxing events, and this fight took that tradition to new heights.
Fans of both fighters were vocal throughout the night, and while Mayweather’s dominance muted the crowd at times, the excitement surrounding the event was undeniable.
Final Bell
In the end, Mayweather vs. Canelo wasn’t just a fight—it was a global event, filled with cultural and economic significance, especially for Mexican fans celebrating their Independence Day.
