Dethroned Golovkin holds key to third fight with Alvarez
The debate will rage long into boxing history as it did into the night in Las Vegas.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez claimed a majority-decision victory over archrival Gennady Golovkin in the most talked-about fight in the United States this year, as the Mexican took the No 1 middleweight world title spot in what proved to be a second, compelling struggle against the Kazakh.
It was another modern classic between two fighters of unshakeable self-belief. The first fight had been controversial for its improbably drawn verdict, with Golovkin the clear victor, but this second edition was a much closer fight.
A rematch had been scheduled for May 5, cancelled when Alvarez failed two drug tests for the performance-enhancing drug clenbuterol which led to a suspension of six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Alvarez was far more aggressive this time, planting his feet and attempting to take the centre of the ring, landing heavier punches.
Golovkin was more effective with his jab, landing more punches over the 12-round battle in which both men were cut around the eyes.
Given the closeness of the contest and the match-up of styles, there is every reason to believe the two elite fighters may yet agree to have a third fight. It may come down to whether the older man by eight years, Golovkin, 36, is willing to put his body through the mill again.
The victory for Alvarez ended Golovkin’s undefeated 39-fight streak and historic record of 20 middleweight title defences, shared with 160lb legend Bernard Hopkins, a member of Alvarez’s promotional team.
The judges Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld scored the fight 115-113 for Alvarez – effectively seven rounds to five. The third judge, Glenn Feldman, scored it 114-114, six rounds apiece. Moretti and Weisfeld’s assessment that Alvarez won the 12th round – Feldman had it for Golovkin – effectively gave the Mexican the spoils. It was that close; that debatable.
“I showed my victory with facts. He was the one who was backing up,” said Alvarez, outlining that he had planned to be more aggressive than in their first encounter.
There was no complaint from Golovkin’s team afterwards, though the defeated champion left the Tmobile Arena immediately after the scores were made public. “I can’t complain. That’s what we have the judges for,” said Abel Sanchez, Golovkin’s trainer.
“It was a great fight but, in the end, it was a victory for Mexico,” said Alvarez. “I want to shout out to my opponent, the best in boxing.”
Meanwhile, the family of Enzo Calzaghe, the father of former world champion boxer Joe Calzaghe, yesterday issued a statement to say that he remains seriously ill in hospital after false reports of his death emerged at the weekend.