Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo Betting Tips: Back the Mexican for a late stoppage

Boxing superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez returns to the ring to defend his super-middleweight titles against undisputed super-welterweight champion Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas.

For more than a decade, Canelo has been one of boxing's biggest attractions. Boasting a career which spans almost 18 years and includes being a winner of multiple world championships in four weight classes from light middleweight to light heavyweight, we could be entering the endgame of the elite fighter's career after his roadmap was made clear by signing a three-fight deal under the PBC umbrella.

Claims that the Mexican's best years are behind him aren't unfounded, especially after he unspectacularly beat John Ryder but did not KO the Brit as expected last time out. It all comes down to whether this fight, or the next three for that matter, will be a farewell party of sorts or if they will orchestrate a reminder tour for the boxing great.

First up to run the gauntlet is Jermell Charlo - not to be confused with twin brother Jermall Charlo, whom Alvarez was tipped to face before this fight was scheduled. "Iron Man" is jumping up two weight divisions for this fight after successfully defending his titles last year in a win over Brian Carlos Castano. The 33-year-old American has lost only once in his 37-fight career, and aims to upturn conversation that his opponent is winding down at the backend of his time in the ring with a defining win over the champ.

If we're to assume that Canelo's last few subpar performances can be attributed in part to an injured left wrist which has been surgically repaired, then this contest becomes a lot clearer.

What we have is a classic big man vs little man matchup, and history tells us how that scenario usually goes.

It's doubtful that Iron Man can really hurt Saul, but he could outbox and outwork him if the Mexican isn't 100% healthy or his apparent decline is the result of other factors.

What we expect to see is Alvarez stalking his opponent, cutting off the ring, wearing Charlo down and getting the stoppage.

If Canelo proves that his recent performances aren't a deterioration but rather a momentary blip, then the levels between this pair are expected to be on show.

Let's not forget that Canelo used to fight at 154lbs and is shorter than his opponent, so it's a dubious idea to think that size will be a determining factor in the outcome.

Charlo's movement could be evasive enough for him to take his adversary to a decision, however, the American's sharpness is only going to drop the longer the fight goes on.

Between the Mexican's superior strength, top-range fight IQ and his undoubted experience, Saul Alvarez has the tools to deliver Charlo his second career defeat.

Charlo's arms will come down at some point and if Canelo throws those big bombs then he can chop him down and score a late stoppage.