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This time, Canelo Alvarez's victory over Gennady Golovkin was unquestionable.
One of boxing's greatest rivalries of the twenty-first century was effectively put to rest Saturday night when the Mexican boxing superstar defeated his opponent in their third fight.
In their 12-round, 168-pound championship bout at T-Mobile Arena, Alvarez outperformed the 40-year-old Golovkin in every manner. He was busier, more accurate, the harder puncher, and just all-around superior.
Even though it seemed like Alvarez was winning by a greater margin, judges Dave Moretti (116-112), David Sutherland (115-113), and Steve Weisfeld (115-113) all gave him the victory.
Between when they last met, four years ago, and Saturday night, there were apparent differences between the 32-year-old Alvarez and an older, slower Golovkin.
In the ninth round, Golovkin made a brief comeback, but Alvarez had already amassed what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. Even though Golovkin had his moments in the 10th and 11th rounds, Alvarez came back strongly to make Golovkin fearful of his power.
In the post fight interview Canelo told DAZN’s Chris Mannix that he will require surgery on his left hand. After completing their trilogy, the Mexican held onto his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles. He also recovered from his one-sided 12-round loss to undefeated WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7 at T-Mobile Arena, which was also decided by unanimous decision.
Canelo also showed respect to his rival with whom he shared 36 rounds inside the ring. He said “He’s a really good fighter,” Alvarez told Mannix. “He’s strong and a great fighter, and that’s why we are here. And I am glad to share the ring with him. … He did not surprise me. I know he’s a strong fighter and I am not surprised. For me, I am just glad to share the ring and we gave the fans three really good fights.”
The 12-round middleweight championship rematch between the four-division champion and Golovkin took place in September 2018 at T-Mobile Arena, and the champion won by majority decision. Nearly exactly one year prior, they battled to a highly contentious split draw at T-Mobile Arena.
Despite Golovkin's claims to the contrary, his rival's victory over him in their two 160-pound title fights is convincing.
GGG also clarified that he is not ready to retire now and he is looking forward to put on shows for the fans in the future.
“I have a lot left,” Golovkin said. “Congrats to Canelo, to all the fans. Remember, I have three belts at 160 and I am still champion. … Congrats to Canelo and his whole team. He is a real warrior.”