May 06, 2023; Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico; Saul “Canelo” Alvarez celebrates his win over John Ryder after their Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship fight at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.
Undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez(59-2-2, 39 KOs) returned home to Mexico, and he did disappoint. Alvarez dropped and dominated John Ryder(32-6, 18 KOs) for 12 rounds to win by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.
One judge scored the fight 120-107, and two others scored the bout 118-109.
In front of 51,000-plu fans, Alvarez did not have many issues with Ryder. In the fifth, Alvarez dropped Ryder with a beautiful combination that ended with a right hand. Ryder’s face was bloodied, but he fought on and got to the finish line.
“It’s a historic moment for me,” Alvarez said after the win. “I’m glad to be here with my people who supported me from the beginning. I’m very thankful to be here and very thankful with my people.”
According to CompuBox, Alvarez, who came off hand surgery, outlanded Ryder 179-80 and landed 46% of his power punches. It was good work for Alvarez and a relatively easy night.
What’s Next?
The 32-year-old Alvarez, who expects to return in September, has been on record saying he wants a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who dominated the Mexican star last year during Cinco De Mayo weekend. Alvarez wants that fight at 175 pounds.
The bigger fight for Alvarez could be against 168-pound contender David Benavidez, who some believe is the uncrowned king of the 168-pound division.
At this point, both of those fights would be challenging for Alvarez. Some believe Gervonta Davis is the face of boxing after defeating Ryan Garcia, but for right now, Canelo is still the face of the sport.
In reality, any fight Alvarez is involved in is a big one, so whether it is Bivol, Benavidez, or whoever chooses to fight next, people will watch.
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