Alvarez Dominates Smith to Capture Super-Middleweight Title
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Canelo Alvarez had a simple explanation for his ability to dominate a previously undefeated champion and emerge unscathed against an opponent that physically towered over him.
‘’I am better,’’ Alvarez said. ‘’Because I’m better and I have many abilities. I make them think about what they are going to throw and simply because I’m better.’’
Alvarez unanimously outpointed Callum Smith to win the WBA & Ring super-middleweight championships and vacant WBC super-middleweight title Saturday night at the Alamodome.
Two judges scored the bout 119-109 and the third had it 117-111.
Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) dominated his only bout this year, repeatedly hitting Smith (27-1, 19 KOs) with straight rights and right hooks to the head and punishing his upper arms over 12 rounds.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said doctors believe Smith tore his left bicep or triceps muscle. There was a noticeable protrusion coming from the bottom of Smith’s arm beginning in the fourth round from Alvarez’s repeated blows.
Alvarez previously knocked out Callum’s older brother, Liam, on Sept. 17, 2106, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Many speculated Callum wanted revenge for the ninth-round knockout, but Alvarez dominated the younger Smith, too.
At 5-foot-8, Alvarez was the aggressor against the 6-foot-3 Smith.
Alvarez controlled the fight, continually pressing forward and only taking a step back to evade one of the numerous punches that Smith missed.
Alvarez threw 494 total punches, landing 43% of them compared to just 18% of 539 punches thrown by Smith.
Alvarez and Smith were fighting for the first time this year due to the restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and the ring rust was evident in the first five rounds. It took nearly a minute before the first punch of the bout was thrown, a lunging right by Alvarez. Punches were sparse and the exchanges were brief in the opening round as the fighters shadowed each other.
‘’I am better,’’ Alvarez said. ‘’Because I’m better and I have many abilities. I make them think about what they are going to throw and simply because I’m better.’’
Alvarez unanimously outpointed Callum Smith to win the WBA & Ring super-middleweight championships and vacant WBC super-middleweight title Saturday night at the Alamodome.
Two judges scored the bout 119-109 and the third had it 117-111.
Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) dominated his only bout this year, repeatedly hitting Smith (27-1, 19 KOs) with straight rights and right hooks to the head and punishing his upper arms over 12 rounds.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said doctors believe Smith tore his left bicep or triceps muscle. There was a noticeable protrusion coming from the bottom of Smith’s arm beginning in the fourth round from Alvarez’s repeated blows.
Alvarez previously knocked out Callum’s older brother, Liam, on Sept. 17, 2106, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Many speculated Callum wanted revenge for the ninth-round knockout, but Alvarez dominated the younger Smith, too.
At 5-foot-8, Alvarez was the aggressor against the 6-foot-3 Smith.
Alvarez controlled the fight, continually pressing forward and only taking a step back to evade one of the numerous punches that Smith missed.
Alvarez threw 494 total punches, landing 43% of them compared to just 18% of 539 punches thrown by Smith.
Alvarez and Smith were fighting for the first time this year due to the restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and the ring rust was evident in the first five rounds. It took nearly a minute before the first punch of the bout was thrown, a lunging right by Alvarez. Punches were sparse and the exchanges were brief in the opening round as the fighters shadowed each other.