Canelo vs Bivol LIVE result: Alvarez suffers first defeat in almost nine years in WBA light-heavyweight title fight

Relive all the action from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

Dmitry Bivol celebrates his victory (AFP via Getty Images)

Canelo Alvarez has been defeated in a unanimous points decision which allowed Dmitry Bivol to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title and maintain his unbeaten record.

Alvarez moved up a divison to the heaviest weight of his career to endure 12 rounds in Las Vegas with the Russian, who joined Floyd Mayweather as the only people to beat the 31-year-old.

Bivol, also 31, landed cleaner and harder shots throughout the night, with Alvarez’s night summed up when he resorted to lifting his opponent during a clinch in the 11th round.

After three tight opening rounds, the Kyrgyz-born boxer began to use his superior height and reach to pepper Alvarez with jabs and largely kept him at bay for the rest of the encounter.

The three judges all handed down scores of 115-113 in favour of Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs).

Alvarez, whose last loss came via majority decision against Mayweather in 2013, said “of course” he wanted a rematch following the defeat, adding: “This doesn’t end like this.” Relive all the action below:

Canelo vs Bivol

• Bivol wins 115-113 on all three scorecards
• Canelo confirms he wants rematch

[8 May 2022 05:05 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol - Round Three

Canelo lands a nice uppercut on the inside but Bivol takes it in his stride and continues to use his range and accuracy very well. His volume is so impressive and he is confounding Canelo for large parts of the round. The Mexican lands several power punches to the Russian’s arm in an effort to weaken that high guard.

[8 May 2022 05:02 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol - Round Two

Another great round for Bivol who’s slightly hesitant to commit to his power punches but continues to pepper Canelo with jabs in relentless bunches. Canelo is getting frustrated and although he rallies with some strong shots towards the bell, it’s another impressive round for the Russian

[8 May 2022 04:56 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol - Round One

Bivol immediately starts peppering Canelo with a jab, using his superior reach to great effect. Canelo manages to close the distance and wing in hooks on the inside, although Bivol manages to step back and take the sting out of the Mexican’s heavier punches. Bivol’s jab doesn’t relent, relying on high volume to occupy Canelo. The first round goes to the Russian.

[8 May 2022 04:51 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

The referee gives his final instructions and the first bell rings!

[8 May 2022 04:48 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

Both fighters are now in the ring and David Diamante is making the final announcements. The fight is just moments away.

[8 May 2022 04:47 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

And now it’s Canelo’s turn and his entrance is far grander as he revels on a podium while a live band serenade his way to the ring.

[8 May 2022 04:41 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

Boos ring out as Bivol walks to the ring. It is by far the biggest stage the Russian has competed on but he looks very relaxed, smiling as he makes his way through the crowd, and now he waits...

[8 May 2022 04:39 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

The anthems are over and the crowd chants Canelo’s name.

Bivol begins his walk from his locker room to the ring.

[8 May 2022 04:36 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

[8 May 2022 04:35 · Tom Kershaw]

Canelo vs Bivol

The fighters are making their final preparations in their dressing rooms. While they do that, the national anthems of Mexico and then the US will be played in the T-Mobile Arena. There will be no Russian anthem.