Canelo vs Kovalev result: Mexican brutally knocks out Russian in 11th round to capture light heavyweight world title

The Mexican overcame a tactical battle before stopping his opponent with a devastating combination at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Jack Rathborn
Sunday 03 November 2019 10:45 GMT
Comments
Canelo Alvarez prepares to face Sergey Kovalev

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Canelo Alvarez brutally knocked out Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to capture the WBO light heavyweight world title and become a four-division champion.

The Mexican was locked in a chess match against 'Krusher', who failed to live up to his long-time moniker in pursuit of victory with his smart game plan designed to bank rounds behind his piston-like jab.

Canelo's anticipated bodywork belatedly took effect though as the finish line came into sight for the Russian - who was level on one judge's scorecard entering the 11th, but down 96-94 on the other two officials, though Indy Sport had him up 96-94.

Kovalev tucked up after a flurry of shots and then staggered after Canelo unleashed a beautiful left hook.

With his opponent a sitting duck, Canelo wound up a hellacious straight right that sent his opponent sprawling, trapped between the canvas and the ropes and leaving referee Russell Mora with little choice but to quickly wave the fight off.

“This is just a step in my career, all I asked was for you to be patient, I will make history,” Canelo said after establishing himself as just the fourth Mexican to become a four-division king.

“The key was to be patient, we knew it would be five or six rounds and I would take time to get to him, he’s a great fighter, much credit to him, but we stuck to our game plan.

Canelo knocks out Kovalev in the 11th round
Canelo knocks out Kovalev in the 11th round (AP)

“It was a very close fight, he was defensive, closing up, all he was doing was to establish points, it was tough. But it all came out as we planned.

“We have to relax a bit, the plan was to go back down, but why not stay here?

“Let’s see what’s next in 2020, we want to deliver the biggest fights to the people.

Canelo left Kovalev on the canvas after a brutal combination
Canelo left Kovalev on the canvas after a brutal combination (AP)

A bristling Canelo offered up a semblance of hope for bitter rival Gennady Golovkin and his desire for a trilogy fight.

“I mentioned it before, it’s really not a challenge for me," Canelo claimed.

"We already did 24 rounds and I won, but if it represents business, then why not?”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in