Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr: Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For PPV Fight

Two high-profile Mexican fighters meet on Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Canelo Alvarez (48–1–1, 34 KOs) the heavy favorite over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50–2–1, 32 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Oddsmakers list Alvarez at -600, while Chavez Jr. has +450 odds in their matchup Saturday night at a 164.5-pound catch-weight.

Alvarez, among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, has won six consecutive fights after losing in a majority decision to Floyd Mayweather in September 2013. Chavez has lost two of his last six fights and hasn't won a fight by knockout since defeating Andy Lee in June 2012.

Both boxers are coming off wins at a much different weight. Chavez defeated Dominik Britsch at 169 pounds in December, while Alvarez defeated Liam Smith at 154 pounds in September.

For Chavez, 31, this fight represents an opportunity to step out of his famous father's shadow. He has fought uninspiring challengers in recent years and a victory over arguably the most famous Mexican boxer since his father would be considered the defining moment of Chavez's career.

“He knows he can’t lose to Canelo," Chavez's assistant manager Sean Gibbons told the Los Angeles Times. "Because if he wins, he’s no longer going to be Junior. He’s going to be himself.”

Alvarez appears prepared to withstand any challenge by Chavez. The hard-hitting 26-year-old has been in top form in recent fights and likely has a huge payday in this near future. A defeat to Chavez, who is not considered among the pound-for-pound elite, would raise questions as to whether Alvarez can defeat highly regarded Gennady Golovkin.

National pride, meanwhile, will certainly be on the line with thousands of Mexican spectators expected to be in attendance and watching on pay-per-view.

"[Chavez] never represented Mexico," Alvarez said on HBO's "24/7."

"He was never a dignified representative of Mexico. He was on a path to become one, but he reached a point where he couldn't give anymore and that's why he simply wasn't. He never was nor did he ever reach to become it.

"He says I fight with smaller boxers; I have fought with the best ones—with the best ones of my weight. I fought with the current champions of the time."

There are five fights on the undercard of the pay-per-view event, which will be broadcast by HBO PPV, at a price of $59.99.

Prediction: Chavez shouldn't be underestimated considering his excellent fitness and more stringent preparation against a top opponent like Alvarez. But even Chavez competing at his potential is probably not enough to overcome the light middleweight champion over 12 rounds.

Chavez, who has admitted that he is a late starter, may be forced to make up for losing early rounds by taking more chances than he'd prefer. Expect Alvarez to seize on Chavez leaving himself vulnerable to power punches by going on the attack in the late rounds.

Alvarez by TKO