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.
Canelo vs Ryder: Round 12
Chris Mannix, DAZN’s official scorer for the fight, has it 106-102 to Canelo after 11 rounds.
Can Ryder hurt Canelo here? Is it worth the risk or will he see it as unlikely and not worth suffering a knockout himself, settling for a defeat on points?
Wow, Ryder trying to bully Canelo on the ropes in the closing seconds. Remarkable.
Canelo vs Ryder: Briton survives again as Mexican drops the pace in Round 11
Can Canelo get another late knockout?
Ryder knows he’s close to a minor victory in itself now, two more rounds against the mighty Canelo, even if a points victory would likely require multiple knockdowns at this stage.
A lead uppercut from Ryder and then the clubbing left hook lands too. Canelo not using his left hook too much in the last few rounds after an early sighting in the contest.
Canelo drops the pace, is this now a real trend? Will challengers base a gameplan around a late flurry? These are all fascinating talking points after this fight.
Another round banked for Ryder. He’s reached the 12, magnificent.
Canelo vs Ryder: Round 10
Now into the 10th and Ryder is once more showing his toughness.
This would be some achievement to go the distance against Canelo given his nose is likely broken.
And then there was the hard knockdown in the fifth too.
Some boos from the Mexican crowd now too, which is a morale victory for Ryder you would think.
Canelo vs Ryder: Round 9
Ryder now able to get close, force an uppercut home, this is impressive from the challenger.
Canelo looking to drop the hands and entice Ryder in to throw a lead shot.
A good left hook clips Ryder’s ear. Does Ryder take a risk with the rounds running out?
Canelo vs Ryder: Briton frustrating Mexican in Round 8
Canelo not finding his range tonight, missing to the body and upstairs as Ryder’s movement keeps him in the fight.
The Mexican starting to get frustrated, the durability of Ryder has been impressive.
Canelo now flicking out the jab. Ryder now crouching nicely and pivoting away from the Canelo assault.
Ryder DOWN! But that’s a trip, called early by the referee.
Canelo vs Ryder: Round 7
Ryder actually tripped after taking that hard right on the gloves, replays show.
The sixth also saw one of the best moments on the front foot for Ryder: A hard left hook, followed by a hard left uppercut landing flush on Canelo.
Did Canelo expect this courage after dropping his opponent so early?
Ryder has matched Canelo’s output through seven rounds, throwing 203 punches to the Mexican’s 218. But the efficiency has come from the Mexican, landing 81 compared to the challenger’s 41.
Canelo vs Ryder: Briton mounts brave comeback in Round 6
Canelo tied up by Ryder, that’s good experience in this tough moment for the challenger.
A thudding right is blocked, but Ryder is still staggered back into the ropes, such is the power.
Stunning from Ryder, where did that come from, a gorgeous combination. The uppercut snapped Canelo’s head back.
Canelo vs Ryder: Mexican drops Briton with crushing right in Round 5
Ryder struggling to breathe out of his nose.
The challenger’s defence is still sturdy at this stage, but Canelo controlling the centre of the ring.
Jabbing and then throwing to the chest of Ryder.
WOW! What a shot, down goes Ryder, Canelo with a thudding right.
Canelo swarms Ryder, who hugs the Mexican in desperation. Can Canelo close the show?
A gorgeous uppercut from Ryder, given the circumstances, this is a desperate moment for the challenger.
Canelo vs Ryder: Mexican peppers challenger’s body in Round 4
Ryder looks to get in close and let those uppercuts go, but Canelo squats down and prevents any leverage.
Now Canelo starts to connect with the jab. Ryder’s body is now covered in blood.
Canelo’s leg is even splattered with crimson.
The low lead right from Ryder is somewhat unpredictable for Canelo, but the Mexican is able to drop a left hook into the body.
Canelo vs Ryder: Mexican busts up Briton’s nose in Round 3
There is blood!
Ryder’s nose is busted up by a clean right.
Now the pressure comes, Ryder will need to give something back to deter Canelo here.
Ryder backed up some more, this is worrying for the Briton. Clubbing right hands from Canelo.
Can Ryder hurt Canelo to keep him off?
There we go, a chopping right hook lands on Canelo's chin and neck area, but that was a worrying minute or two for the challenger, the blood is a real issue.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies