At the start of the decade, two roads diverged in a Mexican wood, and it might be argued that Julio Cesar Chavez Junior took the one less travelled. On Saturday night, he crosses paths with boxing superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a fight which is being billed as 'The Battle for Mexico'. Here's where to watch Canelo v Chavez Jr on Saturday night.
Once heralded as Mexico's next two global boxing sensations, Canelo and Chavez will do battle for indigenous legitimacy in Las Vegas at extremely different junctures in their careers. When the fight was first mooted as a possibility, Chavez [50-2-1, 32KOs] - son of a Mexican boxing deity by the same name - was an undefeated up-and-comer, fighting to escape his father's shadow. Oscar De La Hoya's prodigy Canelo [48-1-1, 34KOs] was touted as a potential boxing superstar, and remains on course to become so. The latter's sole defeat arrived at the fast fists of Floyd Mayweather, but has since been rectified via a string of world title victories at both 154 and 160lbs.
Conversely, Chavez's defeat to Sergio Martinez - documented superbly in 'Maravilla' (available on Netflix) - derailed his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport. Indiscipline, weight and the odd 'pot cigarette' quickly saw his career descend to farce; he's fought just five times since losing to Martinez in 2012, winning four without a stoppage and losing to Poland's Andrzej Fonfara up at light-heavyweight.
Canelo, pictured above, is now Mexico's king where Chavez has been downgraded to courtyard jester, but there remains a significant legion of fans who wish to see the son of legend Chavez fulfil some of his promise, while Canelo's popularity has waned slightly in that he (or his team, or both) have flat-out refused to fight the legitimate middleweight champion, Gennady Golovkin.
And so we arrive at Saturday's crossroads, where talent, form and odds would suggest Canelo will continue his rise, while Chavez will be beaten back into obscurity. The only thing we know for sure is that the rivalry is legitimate and bitter, and there will be fireworks. It's Mexico's Golden Boy versus the Son of God. The tough kid from Guadalajara versus the rich boy with daddy issues (albeit those issues revolving around the fact that, through no fault of his own, Chavez was born into extreme fame, and a father who suffered from substance addiction since Junior was five years old). There will be fireworks.
Where to watch Canelo v Chavez Jr
In Ireland and the UK, Canelo v Chavez will be broadcast live on BoxNation, which is now also part of the BT Sport package.
Where to watch Canelo v Chavez Jr: What time is coverage on BoxNation?
Coverage begins at 2am, but there are at least two fights beforehand; Middleweight banger David Lemieux throws down with Marcos Reyes, and Argentine powerhouse Lucas Matthysse returns from injury, facing American Emmanuel Taylor at welterweight.
Where to watch Canelo v Chavez Jr: What time is the main event?
The fight could take place any time between 4am and 5:15am, depending on the undercard. You might be best getting cosy in front of the tv at about 4am to be safe.
