Canelo Álvarez, the reigning super middleweight champ, showcased why he’s elie and a future hall of famer, leaving Jermell Charlo in the dust with a dominating unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena’s Saturday night main event. The event, aired on SHOWTIME PPV, was brought to us courtesy of Canelo Promotions in collaboration with Premier Boxing Champions.
Ever confident, Canelo said, “Look, I always bring my A-game, no matter who’s in the opposite corner. Let’s be honest, there’s only one Canelo. This version of Canelo is unbeatable”
Starting strong and never letting up, Canelo’s blend of tactical brilliance and sheer power made it clear why he’s viewed as a boxing legend in the making. Charlo, the respected junior middleweight, climbed two weight divisions hoping to put on a good fight. He did have his moments, landing some solid hits, but every time, he was greeted by Canelo’s unwavering couunterattacks.
A reflective Charlo mused, “It just wasn’t my night. But hey, that’s the fight game – you win some, you lose some. No excuses from this end.”
Charlo started feeling the heat early on, especially when Canelo’s trademark hooks targeted his body. Round seven was especially eventful, with Charlo tasting the canvas after a masterfully executed overhand right from Canelo.
Discussing his strategy, Charlo mentioned, “The weight was a significant factor. I had added 14 pounds. My pride remains intact in my original division. Every fighter faces setbacks. It’s about dusting off and moving forward. I gave it all, representing the ‘lil Charlo’ tag with all my heart.”
Canelo’s superior tactics were evident not just in the visuals but in the numbers. Dominating the CompuBox stats, he landed 134 punches to Charlo’s 71, making a significant statement with 42 body hits.
Explaining his focus, Canelo remarked, “We drilled on body shots. Respect to Charlo; he’s got skills. Three grueling months of mountain training – away from family and all – paid off.”
The final rounds echoed earlier ones, with Canelo smoothly sailing to victory amid roaring chants from his fans. Grateful for the support, Canelo hinted at future fights, saying, “My heart beats for boxing. It shaped me, defined me. And a huge shoutout to my fans. Come Cinco de Mayo, I’m ready for any challenge – bring it on!
Elijah Garcia vs. Armando Reséndiz (Sept 23, 2023): Middleweight Showdown Ends in Thrilling TKO
In the PPV curtain-raiser, Elijah Garcia (16-0, 13 KOs), a burgeoning middleweight talent, celebrated his eighth-round TKO victory over Armando Reséndiz (14-2, 10 KOs) with explosive flair.
“Easily the most challenging fight of my life,” admitted the young Garcia. “Reséndiz? He’s pure heart. Tough as nails. I poured everything into that ring tonight.”
Reséndiz reflected, “Should’ve heeded my corner more. Garcia? Top-notch. I acknowledge his superiority tonight.”
Round two saw the temperature rise with each fighter trading menacing blows. Garcia found himself briefly reeling from a Reséndiz onslaught, but surged back with punishing power shots.
With each round feeling like a seesaw battle, Garcia’s tactical shift in round five proved significant. Avoiding Reséndiz’s circling dance, Garcia discovered room to unleash his lethal left, boasting a remarkable 46% power punch connect rate. By fight’s end, Garcia’s power punch count stood at a respectable 165 to Reséndiz’s 102.
Garcia remarked, “I took it to the body, then went upstairs. Never used the double hook much, but I sensed he was in trouble. Those ropes? Became his downfall. Pounded him hard till he gave.”
Round eight showcased Garcia’s genius. An electrifying right floored Reséndiz. Though he found his feet, Garcia’s relentless hooks convinced referee Tony Weeks to end the show at 1:23.
A gracious Reséndiz shared, “Next time, I’ll be more attuned to my corner. My fans deserve better. Yet, trust me, I’ll bounce back fiercer.”
Garcia’s ambition remains unquenched. “Eyeing that title shot. I’ll be 21 soon. Each fight’s a lesson. Perhaps gave him a tad too much control this time.”
Earlier, the digital streams on SHOWTIME SPORTS’ platforms saw heavyweight hotshot Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez (23-0, 16 KOs) dominate with a fourth-round TKO against Scott Alexander (17-6-2, 9 KOs). Following a fiery first round, Sanchez seized control with a knockdown in the second, eventually starting the make-or-break sequence in the fourth that prompted an inter-round stoppage.
Additionally, fans enjoyed 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (24-3-1, 12 KOs) clinching a majority decision over KeAndrae Leatherwood (23-9-1, 13 KOs) after eight rounds of prime middleweight combat. Meanwhile, ex-light heavyweight king Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) unveiled a round two knockout punch, sending Isaac Rodrigues (28-5, 22 KOs) packing only 54 seconds in, courtesy of referee Tony Weeks.