5 Most Memorable Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Fights

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has been involved in many memorable fights throughout his career and has wowed us with his boxing skills and devastating punch power. The Mexican superstar has endured difficult moments during his career, including a recent defeat to Dmitry Bivol. As “Canelo” and Jermell Charlo kick off the media tour in New York City for their upcoming fight at super middleweight on September 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Big Fight Weekend wanted to pay homage to “Canelo” and look at 5 of his most memorable fights. The Mexican fighter will be determined to put on a show against the undisputed light middleweight champion, Charlo.

5 Memorable ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Fights

Here's how I stay inspired to go hard in the ring.

Así me inspiro para darle duro en el ring. #NobodyHitsLikeNetflix #LaAcciónEstaEnNetflix pic.twitter.com/0eLwIbq175

— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) August 14, 2023

‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs. Callum Smith

Alvarez decided to take a risk and take on unbeaten Liverpudlian-born Callum Smith. The Mexican superstar controlled the fight against the unbeaten Smith, who had a seven-plus-inch reach advantage. “Canelo” walked down the bigger man, landing thudding body shots at will, which seemed to make Smith keep his distance.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Light Heavyweights To Watch Out For In 2023

Alvarez and his pressure tactics negated his opponent’s strengths, as he out punched his scouse opponent throughout. The judges saw it as one-sided as the watching public, scoring the bout 119-109 x2, with the third judge scoring it 117-111.

Saul Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin II

“Canelo” was on a quest for pound-for-pound supremacy when he agreed to rematch Gennady Golovkin after the pair had fought to a split decision draw almost one year earlier. In the rematch, Saul adopted more aggressive tactics, which saw the Mexican superstar first to the punch, landing the more eye-catching work.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Middleweights to Watch Out for in 2023

His variety of punches and speed kept him in the ascendancy while negating Golovkin’s strengths. The aggressive style from “Canelo” saw him claim a majority decision win 115-113 x2 and 114-114 on the final judges’ scorecards.

Saul Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev

Only six months after defeating Daniel Jacobs, Alvarez went 15 pounds heavier to face off against WBO light heavyweight stalwart Sergey Kovalev. The heavy-hitting Russian had won 13 of 16 title fights, winning ten by KO. Despite Kovalev losing three of his last seven contests, it was a big risk for Alvarez to go up 15 pounds. The Russian started the brighter, working well behind his jab – and covering up and blocking shots from Alvarez.

Also Read: How Much Longer Will We See Canelo Alvarez?

The Mexican concentrated on his opponent’s body and put as much pressure on him as possible. Heading into the final two rounds, the scorecards were tight, with Kovalev down two points according to two judges and even in the eyes of the third. In the eleventh round, “Canelo” landed a heavy left hook to the side of Kovalev‘s head, staggering the Russian. The Mexican followed up with a right hand which sent Kovalev crashing to the canvas ending the fight.

Saul Alvarez vs. Austin Trout

Entering his 43rd fight, “Canelo” encountered a significant challenge in the shape of unbeaten Austin Trout. There was family pride at stake for Alvarez as Trout had defeated his older brother, Rigoberto, to win his title two years earlier. Trout and Saul met to unify the WBA and WBC shares of the 154-pound division.

Trout was the busier of the two fighters, but “Canelo” landed near the same number of punches, showing he was concentrating more on quality than quantity early on. He showcased his power in round seven, dropping his opponent with a beautifully timed right-hand counter.

Saul Alvarez vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr

A young “Canelo” faced off against fellow unbeaten fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr. It was a showcase of tactical brilliance from Mayweather as he slipped Alvarez punches and made him miss at will. He was extremely accurate throughout, picking off his Mexican opponent from round one. Alvarez struggled to land a significant blow on his American opponent.

Rounds seven, eight and nine saw Mayweather work brilliantly behind his jab and showcase his unbelievable counter-punching. It was a clinic in these middle rounds that taught Alvarez a lesson and what he would need to work on moving forward in his career. Two of the judges scored the bout 116-112 and 117-111 in favour of Mayweather, with the final judge scoring it a controversial 114-114 draw.