Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is favored to win against James Kirkland in their upcoming fight on May 9 at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, but boxing trainer Ronnie Shields believes the Mexican boxing superstar is facing a dangerous foe.
Shields told On The Ropes Boxing Radio that while Alvarez is considered as the bigger draw because of his popularity, it does not necessarily mean that he should be an overwhelming favorite in the May 9 fight in Texas.
Shields pointed out that Kirkland is a dangerous opponent for Alvarez despite the fact that the Texas native has not fought since scoring a sixth-round knockout win against Glen Tapia in December 2013.
The boxing trainer said that Kirkland has the power to hurt Alvarez, but Shields is also unsure how effective Kirkland will be after parting ways with trainer Anne Wolfe, who is being credited for helping the 31-year-old reach his potential.
"He's in a lot of danger in that fight, he's fighting a puncher," Kirkland said of Alvarez. "James Kirkland is no slouch, no matter who he fights, James Kirkland is going to be in the fight. Here is the thing that I think is going to hurt James Kirkland, that he doesn't have Anne Wolfe in the corner. Anne Wolfe knows how to motivate him."
Like Kirkland, Alvarez is also coming off a long layoff. The 24-year-old former world champion has not fought since scoring a split decision win against Erislandy Lara in July last year.
Alvarez also has had difficulties losing weight in previous fights. If both fighters experience difficulties in losing weight before the fight, Shields think it could work into Kirkland's favor because of the difference in the two fighter's stamina. If the fight goes the distance, Shields thinks Kirkland could pull off an upset.
"The problem that I know that James is going to have is losing the weight. Canelo has the same problem of losing the weight but at the same time, I know Kirkland has a lot of stamina and Canelo doesn't," Shields added. "So if Kirkland can stand up to Canelo's punches early, Kirkland is going to be in the fight late."
Alvarez, the former world super welterweight champion, has a 44-1-1 record with his lone defeat coming against Floyd Mayweather in September 2013. On the other hand, Kirkland has a 32-1 record in 33 professional fights, including 28 wins by knockout.
