Saul “Canelo” Alvarez produced a beautiful display on Saturday night after he held his ground against Callum Smith to earn the unanimous decision of the judges.
The match marked Smith’s first professional defeat, out of 28 fights. It also marked Canelo’s 57th victory. Canelo defeated Smith for the WBA belt and also took home the vacant WBC belt. He now aims for a unification match. The match took place in front of a controlled crowd at Alamodome, Texas.
From the very first round, Alvarez was hitting the better blows. He delivered a jab at towards the end of the first round, repeating it the same way in the second round, this time with a left hook. Smith stepped out of his shell in the third round after suffering some beatings earlier in the round, launching at Alvarez who blocked some. Alvarez then gave Smith a hard left just before the round ended. Alvarez began the fourth round with a right hand that stunned Smith. Smith was quick to retreat, missing the blow Alvarez had for him.
Smith was more active in the fifth round, giving Alvarez a full dose of his power. Alvarez did not slow down though and Smith was mindful of his opponent. The sixth and seventh round saw a determined Alvarez land some tough shots on Smith and in the eight round, Alvarez gave Smith an uppercut that caused some real damage.
By the ninth round, Smith was already bleeding from his mouth and nose but he did not back down as he keep his feet up, still going for Alvarez who continued to inflict more blows. Smith took the reins in the tenth round, showing Alvarez that he was not ready to back down anytime soon. Alvarez took the reins back in the eleventh round, delivering an uppercut to his opponent. He then went on to finish his opponent with shots. By the twelfth round, there was nothing more for Smith to do but he still held on, still fending off Alvarez till the match came to and end.
Alvarez got the favour of the three votes (117-111, 119-109, 119-109). After the match, a victorious Alvarez said, “I’m the best in the world. Since the first round, I tried to see what he brings, the skills or whatever. But like you see, I showed what I am. Smith is a great fighter, but like you see, I did a great job.” Meanwhile, Smith admitted that there was no excuse for his failure, stating that Alvarez was a better fighter.
Written by: Leon Osamor
