Where Does Canelo Alvarez Rank Among Middleweight Legends?

After defeating Jaime Munguia (43-1) via unanimous decision on Saturday, Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2) notched another victory under his illustrious belt. The undisputed super middleweight champion ended Munguia’s undefeated streak, establishing himself as a boxing legend.

Speaking of which, there is a legitimate claim that Alvarez is one of the greatest middleweight fighters of all time. After all, he’s spent his career dominating his opponents with his hammer hands. That’s especially true when a boxer compiles numerous titles and a record of 61-2-2.

So let’s look at where Alvarez stands among the middleweight elites. How does he stack up against fighters like Marvin Hagler? Can he go toe-to-toe with Carlos Monzon? It’s time to examine how Canelo would fare against the best middleweights ever.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Marvin Hagler

“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (62-3-2) was a durable fighter. Widely regarded as having one of the most durable chins in boxing, it was impossible to knock the native of Newark, New Jersey, down. Even his lone knockdown (Argentina’s Juan Roldan) was a controversial defeat. That’s how he became the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987.

Hagler’s durability might prove to be problematic for Alvarez. But they said the same thing about Munguia, who endured a barrage from the champion on Saturday. One thing Alvarez would watch for is Hagler’s hard hands: Hagler had 52 KOs throughout his illustrious career.

Harry Greb

Harry Greb (108-9-3) would be a unique challenge for Canelo Alvarez. “The Pittsburgh Windmill” is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of all time, using an aggressive style to devastate his opponents.

One problem Alvarez might face with Greb is his speed. The Pittsburgh native was also known for being quick, using a flurry of punches to overwhelm foes. Greb also used dirty tactics to win matches, resorting to using the heel and laces of his gloves to fight. Therefore, there isn’t much definition to this fight for Greb, with Alvarez having a better playing field.

Carlos Monzon

While Carlos Monzon (87-3-9) had a great boxing career, he had some demons to battle out of it. That included a bad temper and physically abusing women. Still, Monzon knew how to destroy his opponents methodically. He was a force to be reckoned with.

How can Canelo Alvarez defeat the Argentinian boxer? Use Monzon’s fighting style against him. Let the former world middleweight champion come out swinging and counter accordingly. If Alvarez were in a hypothetical fight with Monzon, he would use tactical punches to tame the Argentinian beast.