Tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET on HBO Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO) will take on James Kirkland (32-1-0, 28 KO) on HBO in a bout that all but guarantees hard-hiting fireworks. Live stream the matchup online by clicking this link.

"Some people weren't too content with the May 2 performances but one thing is for sure: People are very excited to watch some action with Canelo Alvarez and James Kirkland," Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya said.

Alvarez is not overly aggressive, but he counterpunches with great power and accuracy and stands in front of opponents ready to trade. Kirkland, nicknamed "The Mandingo Warrior" never stops coming forward and swings for the fences. He is also known to take big punishment at times, and isn't a stranger to the canvas.

Kirkland's career has been derailed multiple times due to legal trouble as well as inactivity, so this fight is of the make-or-break variety. He knows he must impress-win or lose-and he will be selling out for the victory.

"I know that I come with excitement, which is what fight fans want to see. Knowing that my fans and supporters are spending their hard-earned money to come to this fight motivates me. I work just as hard as them when they are out there punching that clock to make the money to come see the fight," Kirkland said.

Kirkland has big-time power, but he has never faced a pure boxer that packed as much punching ability as Alvarez. Kirkland is a threat to damage any foe, but style-wise he fights in a way that's conducive to making Alvarez look good. If he can hurt avoid getting hurt early by Alvarez, his spirit and stamina could carry the day, but Alvarez has a shot to get him out early.

Prediction: Alvarez def. Kirkland by KO (Round 4).