Canelo vs Ryder LIVE result: Latest boxing fight updates
Canelo retained his undisputed super-middleweight championship via unanimous decision
Canelo Alvarez was forced to settle for a points victory against a gutsy and bloodied John Ryder at a raucous Mexican homecoming.
Canelo, handed victory by the judges 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109 on the scorecards, retained his undisputed super-middleweight world championship in front of approximately 50,000 fans at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara.
But it was the Briton, covered in blood throughout the contest after suffering a suspected broken nose, who salvaged a morale victory after recovering from a heavy knockdown in the fifth round.
Ryder, who earned his shot at the champion with victories over Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker last year, could not grasp his second chance at a world title after a hard-fought defeat to Callum Smith in 2019, but emerges with great credit after 12 gruelling rounds.
While Canelo, despite building more momentum after victory last time out against Gennady Golovkin following defeat to light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol, continues to show signs that his best is behind him.
Bivol is likely to relish a probable rematch later this year with the Mexican’s output fading in the closing stages of tonight’s fight.
Bivol vs Canelo 2? Eddie Hearn provides update
Eddie Hearn provides update on Bivol vs Canelo 2 negotiations.
Canelo reveals Bivol rematch wish
Canelo: “Everybody knows, we want the rematch with Bivol, if the fight with Bivol doesn’t happen, then we’ll see, but I'm available to fight everybody.
“Same rules, same everything, I just want it in that way.”
Canelo ringwalk in front of 50,000 fans for his Mexican homecoming
Canelo reacts to Ryder victory
“It was a historic moment for me, I’m glad to be here with my people.”
Canelo Alvarez celebrates victory over John Ryder
Frustrated Canelo Alvarez can take valuable homecoming lesson from gutsy John Ryder
A bloodied John Ryder rocked the canvas after being sent tumbling by Canelo Alvarez in the fifth round. A fast, crisp combination from the Mexican superstar appeared to satisfy a feverish crowd at his Guadalajara homecoming.
And then the Briton summoned immense courage, despite a brief, yet uncertain stare into the abyss. The echo of trainer Tony Sims’ advice and encouragement fixed Ryder’s concentration to beat the referee’s count before fending off the belligerent force of Canelo with a knockout in sight.
Plan A had been left in pieces with precious seconds between rounds frittered away after cotton buds momentarily stemmed the flow of blood from his nostrils to his mouth. But as Canelo licked his lips, eager to snatch a morale-boosting stoppage to gain valuable momentum for a rematch against Dmitry Bivol, Ryder grappled, closed the distance and left 50,000 fans frustrated across seven more gruelling rounds.
Will Canelo win Bivol rematch?
All smiles for Canelo, but will tonight bring fresh doubt about jumping back up to 175 pounds?
Bivol will relish the rematch, especially at 175 pounds, yet the Russian evidently wants the added reward and prestige of beating the Mexican a second time at a second weight class.
Eddie Hearn on Canelo Alvarez
Eddie Hearn: “It was very competitive in stages, John probably didn't believe enough in himself in the early stages, but he's tough. He's so well conditioned, which gets him through those moments. John had to get up and inside, I thought Canelo was spiteful, I'm not sure about his hands, something to look at.
“I thought he looked good, similar to the Callum Smith victory, dominated, but couldn’t get him out of there.
“I think he’ll be happy to get the rounds in the bank ahead of a tougher fight against Bivol. He wants a shot at the belts at 168 pounds, but Canelo only wants the rematch on the same terms. It’s Bivol giving Canelo the opportunity now, most people think he’s crazy and people will make him a big outsider against Bivol.
“He wants to step up. What other fight will you see Canelo as an underdog, we want to give this guy props. He doesn’t need to fight Bivol, he lost and it eats him up every day.
“Ryder has realised he’s a world class fighter. He’ll wake up and enjoy himself. He busted his nose, he won rounds later on, a fantastic effort, he didn’t look for a way out.”
Canelo beats Ryder by UD (120-107, 118-109 and 118-109)
Canelo beats Ryder by UD with the judges handing the Mexican victory 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109
Canelo retains his undisputed super-middleweight championship
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