Many would argue that Saul Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) avoids the toughest challenges today, but over the years he has competed against the best of the best. In one of his most recent interviews, Canelo decided to name the opponent who has hit the hardest and who he considers to be the greatest puncher.
The Mexican star competed at featherweight almost a decade ago. He faced James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) in May 2015, and Alvarez won by an impressive third-round knockout. Before that, though, the American was able to land a few punches, and they made a formidable impression on the favorite.
"What I remember most was the power of James Kirkland's punching. At one point he hit me dirty and I caught a punch in the shoulder. No one had ever hit me that hard before or since. I thought to myself: "Damn, what would happen if he gave me a blow to the head like that?". So I changed tactics and decided to try to knock him out faster," Canelo recalled.
