Krusher Crushed !
Las Vegas, Nevada (2nd Nov)
A spectacular 11th round two punch combo from Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 53-1-2 (36 KO’s) was enough to secure the WBO Light Heavyweight title from Russian champ Sergey Kovalev 34-4-1 (29 KO’s). It also made him a four weight ‘world’ champion from Light-middleweight (11st) to Light heavyweight (12st 7lbs). He currently holds titles at Middleweight and Super-middleweight, through to his latest coronation.
There was much play of him equalling Henry Armstrong’s record of holding world titles at three weights simultaneously, but this is speculative hyperbole given the splintering of current world title belts.
The official cards at the time of the 2:15 min stoppage read 96-94, 96-94 to Canelo and 95-95 even. However, that didn’t tell the story of the fight with Kovalev providing the superior boxing skills and workrate throughout. His excellent jab with strong power punches behind gave Kovalev on your editor’s card a clear five round lead.
As the fight moved into the championship rounds it was looking increasingly likely an upset was in store, although the cards would amazingly suggest otherwise. A real case of the marquee and hometown fighter receiving generous advantage. Canelo although landing power punches, just couldn’t keep up with Kovalev’s workrate, and was looking increasingly desperate until BOOM ! A left hook pushed the Russian to the ropes and Canelo followed up with a big right hand cross, scrambling Kovalev’s senses and leaving him slumped for the referee to stop the fight immediately. The suddenness of the finish was both devastating and impressive. Credit to Canelo for turning the fight around.
The event was marred by inexplicable delays of up to an hour for the fighter’s entrances whilst a UFC fight was concluding (also broadcast by DAZN) and then a drawn out anthems period.
Kovalev in the post fight interview referred to a stamina problem in the later rounds “A little bit I didn’t recover from the last fight” and Canelo payed particular reference to El Dia de Muertos (the day of the dead), coinciding with fight night. “I want to honour the dead – the day of the dead in Mexico”.
When asked about a third Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin fight, he was consistent with his view that it no longer presented a challenge to him, then adding “If it represents business, then why not ?”. On this evidence it would appear the probability is back on and certainly on GGG and Canelo’s recent outings, you would favour the Mexican, but moving back down from 175 to 160lbs may significantly even the odds.
Manchester, England (2nd Nov)
Queen Katie
Ireland’s London 2012 Olympic Champion Katie Taylor 15-0 (6 KO’s) succeeded in winning her second professional world title by convincingly outpointing WBO super-lightweight champion Christina Linardatou 12-2 (6 KO’s). Taylor entered the contest as the undisputed Lightweight champion, and her first fight at the higher weight category was nothing short of brilliant. Despite a nasty early swelling over her right eye Taylor’s superior boxing skills and ring generalship were too much for her Dominican-Greek based opponent. Final scores read 96-94, 97-93 and 97-93 to Taylor.
Katie stands as an icon in her country, and in our sport should now rightly be recognised as a future Hall of Famer. Her charisma, fanbase, boxing ability and accomplishments to date should now receive full acclaim. In the post fight interview, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn made considerable reference to this and that is only rightly deserved. Look for Taylor to seek further challenges within and outside the lightweights.
Anthony Crolla wins and confirms retirement
Former WBO Lightweight Champion Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla 35-7-3 (13 KO’s)rounded off a successful and popular career by gaining the decision in his final fight. It was arguable whether the 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 majority decision in Crolla’s favour was fully deserved, and his opponent Frank Urquiaga 13-2-1 (1 KO) left the ring immediately on the cards being announced, but no one could deny Crolla his final moment in the ring.
Adored by his hometown fans; following the fight Crolla admitted he’d done the best he could, thought he’d done enough and that it was great to go out with a win. Happy retirement Anthony.
The Undisputed 