Will Canelo Utilize The Mexican Headroll?

For purpose sake, please take note this is a highly advanced boxing skill I only recommend as a diversionary tactic.

The boxing Mexican headroll is the process of baiting in the opponent (Boxer A) by a weak jab, purposely bring the jab back low repeatedly to lure in the opponent. The semi-advanced boxer (Boxer B) will almost always counter with a strong right hand over the jab. What the boxer is not anticipating a “faint”. As the overhand right is thrown by Boxer B, the Boxer A is anticipating the overhand right so he rolls with the punch – moving his head to the right to soften the blow.

The sole intent of performing the Mexican head roll is to create a counter. As the head is rolled, the boxer will either counter with their own right, or a series of hooks to the body and head, generally scoring 3 punches to 1 half punch.

The problem with the headroll is that the strong right hand is generally the shot seen, and not the counters. After accepting what appears to be a strong right hand by three after punch shots is hard to judge.

Canelo Alvarez can be seen here performing the Mexican Headroll at 1:55. The full head roll is not in use as he only uses it in this instance to take the sting off the punch at 1:55

Futher down the sparring session with Derrik Innis, who seems equally impressive during this session, you can see Canelo perform the Mexican Headroll. Please see here at at 2:40

In this sequence is lessens the blow of 1 right hand and lands 2 of his own.

With Mayweather notorious for his quick right hand over the top, or as a pop shot punch, it may favor Mayweather if Canelo decides to use this technique. Creating what appears to be a hard right hand exaggerated may increase a pop shot to look like a heavy blow.

As a betting site, I don’t recommend Canelo to use this boxing technique. While it may work, it may work against him depending on the judges and the fans ability to change a fight.

On a side note, Roberto Duran has also been known to use the headroll. Some of his highlights can be seen here.