Alvarez retains titles with unanimous victory over Ryder in boxing match.

Alvarez Retains Super Middleweight Titles with Unanimous Victory

Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez put on a show for his home crowd in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday, retaining his titles with a unanimous victory over Britain’s John Ryder.

Alvarez dominated the early exchanges, leaving Ryder with a bloody nose in the third round before sending him to the canvas in the fifth with a powerful left-right combination. Although Ryder grew into the contest as it wore on, he was unable to offset the punishment he received in the first half of the bout. Alvarez received scores of 120-107, 118-109, and 118-109 from the three judges to seal the win.

“It’s a historic moment for me. I’m blessed to be here with my people who have supported me from the beginning,” said Alvarez, who was born in Guadalajara and grew up in the neighbouring town of Juanacatlan.

Alvarez, who now has a record of 59-2-2, called for a rematch with Dmitry Bivol after the fight. Bivol inflicted the second of only two losses on Alvarez’s resume when the pair clashed in a light heavyweight bout last year. Alvarez added that any future rematch with Bivol would take place at 175 pounds.

Alvarez on His Hand and Respect for Opponents

Asked about his hand, Alvarez said it felt good, adding: “Not in the beginning. I needed a couple of rounds, three rounds, to start punching to know I was good with the hand.”

Alvarez also spoke about his respect for his opponents, saying: “He’s a very strong fighter, man. When they’re going for everything (all the championship belts), they turn it on. They become more difficult than usual. But I know that. I’m in this position a long time and I know. I respect my opponents because I know they’re coming for everything.”

• Alvarez retained his super middleweight titles with a unanimous victory over John Ryder.
• He dominated the early exchanges, leaving Ryder with a bloody nose in the third round before sending him to the canvas in the fifth.
• Alvarez called for a rematch with Dmitry Bivol after the fight.
• Alvarez’s future rematch with Bivol would take place at 175 pounds.

Alvarez’s win was his first since undergoing hand surgery after beating rival Gennady Golovkin last year.