The crowd at Guadalajara lauded his victory on home soil. But Canelo Alvarez‘s unanimous victory failed to impress many critics and fans. Instead, the boxer they saw at Estadio Akron against John Ryder seemed to struggle. Such a lackadaisical performance against a hitherto unknown fighter raised questions about whether the undisputed Super Middleweight champion was past his prime. But many believe there’s still a lot of boxing left in Alvarez. One of them incidentally fought him over a decade ago.

‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley was nearly forty when he fought some significant bouts of his career, mostly against much younger boxers. He was thirty-eight when he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr., six years junior to him. Next year he fought Manny Pacquiao. Then, he fought Canelo Alvarez. Mosley went on a temporary retirement after the match. Even then, he spoke highly of the young Mexican: “His defense was really good, and he was fast. He can go a long [way]….”

No way his former opponent has gone obsolete believes Shane Mosley

It seems his opinion of Alvarez hasn’t faltered even after a decade. At least, fans got an inkling of his thoughts from an interview he gave to the Fight Hub TV early today. The reporter discussed the upcoming crossover boxing match between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz. As many know, Mosley was essential in introducing Paul to the boxing world. Though the two parted ways after the latter’s loss to Tommy Fury, they got back together, chalking out a plan against Diaz when they meet on August 5.

Roughly five minutes later, the reporter changing the subject, asked, “Canelo, for right this, um, this past weekend, what’d you make of that performance, and what’d you make of people saying that Canelo’s past his best?” Smiling, Mosley flayed the ‘couch potatoes’ for whipping up such commentary and appreciated Ryder for lasting twelve rounds against Alvarez.

He said, “Canelo being past his prime, I don’t think, so you know, maybe let’s see where’s he like 32-33. Maybe he’s about right here, and maybe he’ll start doing this, but he’s not. He hasn’t [gone] here. He’s not passed his prime at all, maybe, maybe a little past, but not really. I don’t think so…think he’s good. I think he’s great.” The reporter continued about the Super Middleweight champion’s clash with Dmitry Bivol, to which the former three-division champion replied that it would be a tough battle and highlighted the Russian’s physical advantages over the Mexican, making it more than a challenging task to overcome.

Read More: “It’s Over for Other People in the Scene”: Reports About Shane Mosley Rejoining Team Jake Paul Ahead of Nate Diaz Fight Sends Shockwaves Through Boxing World

Do you agree with ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley? Do share your views and thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: “He has no business fighting Bivol again”: Despite unanimous decision victory, fans disappointed with Canelo Alvarez’s performance in homecoming fight vs. John Ryder