Floyd Mayweather Jr. is taking on Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on Saturday night, and one of the key figures who made this superfight happen, Oscar De La Hoya, won't be in the building.
De La Hoya shocked the boxing world by checking himself into rehab after admitting a substance abuse addiction. In a statement, De LA Hoya said, "I will not be at the fight this Saturday to cheer Canelo to victory, since I have voluntarily checked myself into a treatment facility. I explained this [to] Canelo and he understood that my health and long-term recovery from my disease comes first."
Some have suggested that De La Hoya's admission may be a macabre ploy to mask a rift between his promotional company, Golden Boy, and Mayweather Promotions. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer strongly insisted that isn't the case at all.
"The timing isn't the best," Schaefer said. "But I'm happy Oscar is going to get the help he needs. If you have the issues he's dealing with, you don't wait a week or two. This is an illness that demands an immediate response."
A rift would likely be foolish for both sides, as Mayweather's bout with Canelo is set to break records money-wise. Mayweather is guaranteed to make $41 million for this fight, while Alvarez will pull in at least $12.5 million, the highest total of his career. "Money" Mayweather spoke with The New York Times and said, "You see that arena Saturday? It's all Mayweather money. Want a hot dog? Mayweather money. Want a T-shirt? Mayweather money. I need all that."
While this is Floyd's biggest money bout to date, it's also his riskiest in the ring. Canelo Alvarez has advantages over Mayweather in the power and size departments, and might be Floyd's equal in terms of combination punching.
Mayweather, however, has distinct advantages in hand speed, defense, and high-profile fight experience.
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