Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez had a successful homecoming as he dominated John Ryder to earn a unanimous decision victory and retain his titles at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
It wasn’t the knockout that the 50,000-plus fans wanted to see from their hero — who returned to fight in Mexico for the first time in over a decade — but it wasn’t remotely close as the judges saw it with scores of 120-107 and 118-109 twice.
Canelo scored a knockdown in round five and appeared to be on the verge of getting the stoppage, but Ryder refused to back down and allow the Mexican superstar to get what he wanted. Instead, Canelo used a strong body attack and a stiff jab to give Ryder problems throughout the fight. Ryder turned in a valiant effort in defeat as he can take home a moral victory by not allowing the champion to get the finish he desired.
After an epic entrance that included a Mariachi band of over 150 members, Canelo aimed to prove that he should still be recognized as the best fighter in the world as he campaigns for a rematch with Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight.
However, there will be some questions considering that Canelo was unable to finish Ryder as there are concerns that we may be seeing the 32-year-old on the downslope of his career.
WATCH: Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder, exclusively on DAZN
“He’s a very strong fighter,” Canelo said of Ryder. “It was more difficult than usual. I’ve been in this position for a long time and I know my opponents are coming for everything…I’m happy with the fight.”
Canelo never stopped applying pressure from the opening bell and was clearly unconcerned with what Ryder offered offensively. It took a few rounds for Canelo to feel comfortable firing his surgically repaired left hand but he eventually got to that point and used it to pop an effective jab.
Ryder was unable to find openings and wasn’t strong enough to back Canelo off of him during the early stages. Eventually, the pressure got to Ryder as Canelo smashed him with a right hand that appeared to break the Brit’s nose.
Canelo smelled blood and landed a hard right hand that sent Ryder down to the canvas in the fifth round. For a moment, it appeared that the visitor wouldn’t beat the count but he eventually made it to his feet. Showing true grit, Ryder would fight back and not allow Canelo to take him out of the fight.
Nevertheless, Alvarez was dominant throughout and repeatedly landed left hooks to the body and a strong jab. A restless crowd wanted a finish in the final round and Canelo sought to oblige. But Ryder retaliated and produced some solid work during the championship rounds that allowed him to see the final bell.
With his 168-pound titles secure, Canelo made it clear what he wants next.
“Everybody knows we want Bivol,” Canelo said when asked about fights with either Bivol or WBC interim super middleweight champion David Benavidez. “If the fight with Bivol doesn’t happen, we’ll see. (I want Bivol) Same rules, same terms, same everything.”
Here’s how it all went down in Mexico.
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Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder as it happened
Canelo Alvarez bt John Ryder by UD (120-107, 118-109, 118-109)
That was a formality on the cards in the end. Ryder was incredibly brave and even had some late success, but Canelo was a clear winner. How much that means for a potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol or a showdown with David Benavidez is up for debate.
Round 12: Ryder charges in and Canelo backs him off with a right hand. Canelo lands a pair of jabs but Ryder isn’t going to back off. They bang on the inside and Canelo keeps pressing forward. Ryder won’t give Canelo what he wants and lands a right hand. Canelo clearly wants to knock him out but Ryder won’t go away. Ryder bulls forward and bangs to the body and head. Good round for Ryder, who had a much better second half. He also won the round.
SN Unofficial Scorecard: 10-9 Ryder (119-108 Canelo)
Round 11: Canelo sneaks another right hand in there and another to the body. Ryder is pesky and keeps fighting back. Ryder seems more energized than he was earlier. Left hand by Canelo and a straight right behind it. Ryder lands a left hand down the middle. Another left to the body and a right from Canelo as he is back to applying pressure. Jabs and a right hand from Canelo land. Ryder makes it out of the round and it feels like he could make the final bell in a losing effort.
SN Unofficial Scorecard: 10-9 Canelo (110-98 Canelo)
Round 10: Canelo steps in behind a jab and lands a hook. Hard right hand from Ryder lands. He won’t go away even if he’s losing. Pair of jabs from Canelo land but Ryder is still fighting. Canelo with a one, two but Ryder fires back. Big right hand from Canelo and Ryder takes it well.
SN Unofficial Scorecard: 10-9 Canelo (100-89 Canelo)
Round Nine: Uppercut to the body by Canelo as Ryder lets his hands go a bit and lands a right hand to the head. Ryder landing on the inside but Canelo continues to land the jab. Ryder digs to the body and lands a right over the top. Big right hand by Canelo rocks Ryder but Ryder i
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