Saturday in Las Vegas, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defended his undisputed super-middleweight world title after defeating Gennady Golovkin to conclude their epic three-fight series.
Alvarez was dominant for the majority of the 12 rounds at the T-Mobile Arena, resulting in wild scenes of joy among the Mexican supporters who made up the majority of the sold-out crowd.
One judge scored the match 116-112, whilst the other two scored it 115-113.
“Thank you so much, my friend,” Alvarez said to Golovkin in the ring after a fight that was preceded by acrimonious discourse. “We offered the spectators three entertaining bouts. “Many thanks for everything.”
It was a welcome return to form for Alvarez, who suffered his second career loss after moving up to light-heavyweight to face Dmitry Bivol earlier this year.
“You must continue to progress,” he urged. “I have demonstrated that failures can demonstrate that you are capable of greatness and that you can reclaim your humility.
Golovkin is a superb boxer, a genuine fighter, he added. “I am pleased to give him the ring.”
This return to 168 pounds was unquestionably advantageous for Alvarez, while Golovkin was left to lament a poor start in which he failed to ignite until it was too late.
Alvarez extended his record to 58-2-2 with 39 knockouts, although he admitted he knew in the first round that he would not achieve the KO he desired.
“After the first round, I knew he was tough. He is a fierce warrior. The condition of my left hand necessitates surgery. But I am strong and a warrior, which is why I am here. I cannot grasp a glass. It is extremely awful. But I’m a fighter.”
Canelo wins the final bout! #And Still Undisputed at 168 Pounds. King, Saul @Canelo Alvarez 👑👑👑👑
Thank you both for a generation-spanning competition. pic.twitter.com/TleAtvr1wz
— World Boxing Council (18 September 2022) (@WBCBoxing)
This highly anticipated rematch between two of the world’s hardest-hitting fighters occurred four years after their previous encounter.
In 2018, it was Alvarez’s hand that was raised at the conclusion of 12 hectic, high-quality rounds that resulted in Golovkin’s first loss as a result of a narrow majority decision.
The first fight between these two fighters a year ago resulted in a draw, and the results of the second fight was difficult for the Kazakh warrior, who has little respect for Alvarez and made no secret of his feelings throughout the buildup to this week’s fight.
Since the Mexican failed a drug test and was banned for six months, bad blood has been boiling, delaying the completion of this thrilling trilogy.
Golovkin, whose record dropped to 42-2 with one tie and 37 knockouts, declared that any conflict with Alvarez was “completely” resolved.
“I want to shake Canelo’s hand,” he said. “If you don’t get it, you don’t get anything.”
Alvarez entered the ring to the roars of his adoring fans, many of whom were still in the mood to party after celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Sin City.
Canelo Alvarez holds all of his super-middleweight titles after completing the trilogy against Gennady Golovkin… pic.twitter.com/raN522qbYn
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 18, 2022
GGG has been on the road for over a decade, so facing Alvarez — and the energized audience — was nothing new, unlike the 40-year-debut old’s at super-middleweight.
Alvarez began strongly, but he was unable to penetrate Golovkin’s rearguard, which was accompanied by chants of “Mexico! Mexico!”
The first couple of rounds were cagey, with Alvarez throwing frequently but missing many of his shots.
Golovkin’s face began to flush in response to Alvarez’s punch.
The Mexican was in commanding position. A massive right hook struck Golovkin’s granite chin in the fifth round, but the Kazakh was able to absorb the energy and continue to fight against his much more aggressive opponent.
Golovkin began to show his age as Alvarez continued his assault on the GGG defense with a barrage of punches.
In the ninth round, Alvarez was pressed against the ropes, but Golovkin was unable to make any breakthroughs despite throwing more blows.
Golovkin threw everything he had at his Mexican opponent in the final few rounds, but it was too little, too late, as Alvarez held firm.
Alvarez stated that he was not shocked by Golovkin’s late pressure.
“It didn’t surprise me. I know him; he’s a formidable boxer.”
And he stated that he would welcome revenge for his loss to Bivol, but first he must recover his health.
“My body needs rest,” stated Alvarez. “My hand and body require recuperation, but I shall return stronger.” It is vitally crucial. I’ll defeat him.”
Golovkin, meanwhile, scoffed at the notion that the loss could force him to retire.
“Remember, I’m still the champion at 160 pounds,” stated Golovkin, the IBF and WBA middleweight world champion. “I’m back, and I’m still the champion.”
AFP