On Saturday night, Sep. 30, undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Álvarez successfully defended his IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO world titles against undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo.
Scorecards of 119-109 and 118-109 (x2) reflected as to just how dominant the Mexican superstar was as he performed inside of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I’m a strong fighter all the time, against all the fighters,” said Canelo post-fight. “I’m a strong man. Nobody can beat this Canelo.”
Canelo was in command from start to finish, as he stalked Charlo patiently. Canelo had success with powerful body blows and registered a big knockdown in the seventh round courtesy of a ripping right hand.
Charlo has shown himself to be a proud champion at 154 pounds against a myriad of quality opponents, yet he had little resistance to offer on this night.
“I just felt like I wasn’t me in there. I don’t make excuses for myself, so it is what it is,” said Charlo. “I take my punches and roll with it. It’s boxing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”
Canelo dominated the CompuBox stats as well as the scorecards, owning a 134 to 71 advantage in total punches landed, including an impressive 42 body shots.
In the end Canelo connected on 134 of 385 punches (35%) compared to 71 of 398 (18%) for Jermell Charlo.
“We worked on attacking the body,” said Canelo. “We know he’s a great fighter. He knows how to move in the ring. We worked on attacking the body for three months. For three months in the mountains without my family, without everything.”
After thanking his throng of supporters, Canelo declared himself open to facing anyone in the sport of boxing.
“I still love boxing,” said Canelo. “I love boxing so much. Boxing is my life. Boxing made me the person I am today. That’s why I love boxing so much. And I love boxing so much because of my fans, too. Cinco de Mayo I’ll face whoever. I don’t care.”
Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com