Canelo vs Bivol LIVE result: Alvarez suffers first defeat in almost nine years in WBA light-heavyweight title fight
Relive all the action from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Canelo Alvarez has been defeated in a unanimous points decision which allowed Dmitry Bivol to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title and maintain his unbeaten record.
Alvarez moved up a divison to the heaviest weight of his career to endure 12 rounds in Las Vegas with the Russian, who joined Floyd Mayweather as the only people to beat the 31-year-old.
Bivol, also 31, landed cleaner and harder shots throughout the night, with Alvarez’s night summed up when he resorted to lifting his opponent during a clinch in the 11th round.
After three tight opening rounds, the Kyrgyz-born boxer began to use his superior height and reach to pepper Alvarez with jabs and largely kept him at bay for the rest of the encounter.
The three judges all handed down scores of 115-113 in favour of Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs).
Alvarez, whose last loss came via majority decision against Mayweather in 2013, said “of course” he wanted a rematch following the defeat, adding: “This doesn’t end like this.” Relive all the action below:
Canelo vs Bivol
After a cagey opening round, Love drops Valenzuela just a few seconds before the bell with a sharp counter right hook. It’s not the hardest punch and Valenzuela recovers quickly to his feet, but he didn’t seem to see it coming at all.
Canelo vs Bivol
Montana Love proved he can be a contender at 140lbs with an impressive stoppage victory against former world champion Ivan Baranchyk last year.
Valenzuela, who is coached by Canelo’s trainer Eddie Reynoso, may be familiar to some British fans for his victory over Robbie Davies Jr.
“We know he, like any other Mexican, come forward,” Love said. “You know, we know he coming to fight. And he got a good idea. You know, he try to do the counter-punching and everything. It’s a good idea, just with the wrong guy. You know, we’re gonna continue to stick to our game plan. We worked hard, had a very long camp. And we ready, ready for whatever. A shootout, whatever they wanna do we can do it.”
Canelo vs Bivol
Next up is the co-feature bout of the evening in which Montana Love faces Gabriel Valenzuela.
Canelo vs Bivol
Giyasov lands another vicious uppercut that drops Gomez early in the tenth! That punch took all the sting out of Gomez’s late assault and Giyasov celebrates at the sound of the final bell. He’ll win a wide decision on the scorecards after an entertaining fight.
Canelo vs Bivol
Giyasov drops his hands and showboats towards the end of the ninth but that cannot disguise the dip in his output. It’s enough to hold off Gomez for now, though, who will have one round to try and find a knockout.
Canelo vs Bivol
Giyasov looks to be tiring towards the end of the eighth as Gomez tries to press the action. The Mexican’s punches are full of intent but lacking in finesse and Giyasov is able to weave and counter off the ropes.
Canelo vs Bivol
Giyasov drops Gomez again in the seventh with a fantastic counter-uppercut. Gomez gets back to his feet though and then seems to rock Giyasov right before the bell!
Canelo vs Bivol
Gomez has responded well to being knocked down and still looks dangerous when he manages to counter. Giyasov can’t afford to lose concentration against a heavy-handed opponent but is still very much in control of this fight and must have a significant lead on the scorecards.
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