Here are the 10 greatest knockouts in Canelo Alvarez’s decorated career.
Canelo Alvarez has become one of the more polished boxers in the game, making him as complete a fighter as anyone.
However, as we know, the Mexican star can also crack. Alvarez (54-1-2) has stopped 36 opponents in his decorated career, one of the larger knockout totals among active fighters.
And, obviously, there are more to come. It appears he will defend his super middleweight belt against overmatched Avni Yildirm late next month, although we’re waiting for an announcement.
In the meantime let’s take a look back on 10 of the four-division titleholder’s most memorable stoppages, starting with his most-recent knockout and working our way back in time.
Here are the 10 greatest knockouts in Canelo Alvarez’s decorated career.
Canelo Alvarez has become one of the more polished boxers in the game, making him as complete a fighter as anyone.
However, as we know, the Mexican star can also crack. Alvarez (54-1-2) has stopped 36 opponents in his decorated career, one of the larger knockout totals among active fighters.
And, obviously, there are more to come. It appears he will defend his super middleweight belt against overmatched Avni Yildirm late next month, although we’re waiting for an announcement.
In the meantime let’s take a look back on 10 of the four-division titleholder’s most memorable stoppages, starting with his most-recent knockout and working our way back in time.
The rise of a youth movement was one of the positive things to emerge in a difficult 2020.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
David Morrell (left) is on a long list of talented young fighters. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
One positive thing I’ll remember about 2020 was the success of so many good young fighters.
I can start with the gifted Teofimo Lopez, who, at 23 years old, dethroned pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko by a convincing decision on Oct. 17 in Las Vegas. It hardly ends with Lopez, though.
We saw two more young fighters with great promise on Saturday, David Morrell and Jesus Ramos.
Morrell, a 22-year-old former Cuban amateur star, destroyed overmatched Mike Gavronski en route to a third-round knockout in Los Angeles. His combination of ability and maturity beyond his years is representative of many young fighters today.
The same can be said for Jesus Ramos, who, at only 19, methodically annihilated Naim Nelson in four rounds on the same card. He has champion written over him.
And the encouraging list goes on in a sport bursting with prodigies destined to be the stars of the next generation. Among others 24 or younger to make statements this year:
Ryan Garcia (22), a knockout artist and social media star who is on the verge of becoming a major star.
Devin Haney (22), a gifted all-around fighter who already has won a title and appears to be on Lopez’s heals.
Shakur Stevenson (23), the former Olympian who gave up a 126-pound title and began his pursuit of another at 130.
David Benavidez (24), who already is a two-time 168-pound titleholder and potential foe of Canelo Alvarez.
Vergil Ortiz (22), who has stopped all 16 of his opponents and is poised to challenge the best 147-pounders.
Jaron Ennis (23), arguably the most-gifted – in terms of both ability and power – of the bunch.
Chris Colbert (24), a superb boxer-athlete who is on the cusp of a break-through victory.
Jaime Munguia (24), a bruising middleweight who won a title at 154 pounds and is getting better.
Edgar Berlanga (23), a super middleweight who has stopped all 16 of his opponents in the first round. Yes, you read that correctly.
This list isn’t meant to be complete. I could go on and on … and on. The intention was to demonstrate that boxing continues to produce superb all-around fighters, fighters who could’ve been successful in any era.
Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t paying attention.
***
BAD
This might be our final image of James Kirkland in the ring. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
James Kirkland had a good career. The “Mandingo Warrior” wasn’t a great fighter but, because of his fiercely aggressive style, he was one of the more entertaining boxers of his era. Arturo Gatti became a legend because of that quality.
And Kirkland was able to do it in spite of several interruptions, namely stints in jail for a variety of offenses. He won the first 27 fights of his career, 24 by knockout, to generate excitement.
Then, back in 2011, he ran into a relatively unknown Japanese fighter named Nobuhiro Ishida, who stopped Kirkland less than two minutes into the fight. Kirkland fought without trainer and motivator Ann Wolfe in that bout, which seemed to indicate that he wasn’t the same without her.
That might be true but, more important, Ishida simply exposed Kirkland’s limitations.
Six fights later he received the opportunity of his career, a date with Canelo Alvarez in Houston. Things didn’t go well for the Texan. The Mexican star put him down three times before stopping him in Round 3. It was arguably the most-spectacular knockout of Alvarez’s career.
Kirkland, determined to get his life in order, left boxing for four years after that setback. He returned last year, beat two journeymen and then agreed to fight Juan Macias Montiel on the Morrell-Gavronski card on Saturday.
It was Nobuhiro Ishida all over again. Kirkland, 36, went down three times and didn’t survive a full two minutes. The ability to take a punch is gone. So are the reflexes. It’s time to call it quits.
Kirkland (34-3, 30 KOs) didn’t have a extraordinary career. He never won a major title. In fact, he never beat an elite opponent, except perhaps a young Alfredo Angulo. He’s best known for being on the wrong end of a brutal knockout.
He entertained a lot folks, though. And isn’t that the most important thing to fans? Enjoy your retirement, warrior.
***
WORSE
Frankie Randall (left) was the first to beat Julio Cesar Chavez. AP Photo / Jose Luis Magana
Frankie Randall represented the best and the worst of boxing.
Randall, who died at 59 on Wednesday, is a testament to perseverance. He received his first title shot in 1994, at 32 years old and 11 years into his career. And he won the fight by decision to capture the first of his three 140-pound titles.
His opponent that night in Las Vegas? Julio Cesar Chavez.
Randall became both the first to defeat the future Hall of Famer – who was 89-0-1 going into the fight — and the first to put him down, giving the talented, durable boxer-puncher an indelible place in boxing lore.
Three-time champion, conqueror of Chavez and victories over other top fighters of the day. Randall had a lot of which to be proud.
The problem is he fought too long. He went 3-13 in his last 16 fights, the last one when he was 43 years old. In all, he fought professionally for 22 years. That might’ve contributed to his condition later in life: His son said he died after a battle with dementia and Parkinson’s.
Perhaps the two primary lessons he will have taught fighters who followed him are these: never give up when you can still fight and walk away when you can’t.
The rise of a youth movement was one of the positive things to emerge in a difficult 2020.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
David Morrell (left) is on a long list of talented young fighters. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
One positive thing I’ll remember about 2020 was the success of so many good young fighters.
I can start with the gifted Teofimo Lopez, who, at 23 years old, dethroned pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko by a convincing decision on Oct. 17 in Las Vegas. It hardly ends with Lopez, though.
We saw two more young fighters with great promise on Saturday, David Morrell and Jesus Ramos.
Morrell, a 22-year-old former Cuban amateur star, destroyed overmatched Mike Gavronski en route to a third-round knockout in Los Angeles. His combination of ability and maturity beyond his years is representative of many young fighters today.
The same can be said for Jesus Ramos, who, at only 19, methodically annihilated Naim Nelson in four rounds on the same card. He has champion written over him.
And the encouraging list goes on in a sport bursting with prodigies destined to be the stars of the next generation. Among others 24 or younger to make statements this year:
Ryan Garcia (22), a knockout artist and social media star who is on the verge of becoming a major star.
Devin Haney (22), a gifted all-around fighter who already has won a title and appears to be on Lopez’s heals.
Shakur Stevenson (23), the former Olympian who gave up a 126-pound title and began his pursuit of another at 130.
David Benavidez (24), who already is a two-time 168-pound titleholder and potential foe of Canelo Alvarez.
Vergil Ortiz (22), who has stopped all 16 of his opponents and is poised to challenge the best 147-pounders.
Jaron Ennis (23), arguably the most-gifted – in terms of both ability and power – of the bunch.
Chris Colbert (24), a superb boxer-athlete who is on the cusp of a break-through victory.
Jaime Munguia (24), a bruising middleweight who won a title at 154 pounds and is getting better.
Edgar Berlanga (23), a super middleweight who has stopped all 16 of his opponents in the first round. Yes, you read that correctly.
This list isn’t meant to be complete. I could go on and on … and on. The intention was to demonstrate that boxing continues to produce superb all-around fighters, fighters who could’ve been successful in any era.
Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t paying attention.
***
BAD
This might be our final image of James Kirkland in the ring. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
James Kirkland had a good career. The “Mandingo Warrior” wasn’t a great fighter but, because of his fiercely aggressive style, he was one of the more entertaining boxers of his era. Arturo Gatti became a legend because of that quality.
And Kirkland was able to do it in spite of several interruptions, namely stints in jail for a variety of offenses. He won the first 27 fights of his career, 24 by knockout, to generate excitement.
Then, back in 2011, he ran into a relatively unknown Japanese fighter named Nobuhiro Ishida, who stopped Kirkland less than two minutes into the fight. Kirkland fought without trainer and motivator Ann Wolfe in that bout, which seemed to indicate that he wasn’t the same without her.
That might be true but, more important, Ishida simply exposed Kirkland’s limitations.
Six fights later he received the opportunity of his career, a date with Canelo Alvarez in Houston. Things didn’t go well for the Texan. The Mexican star put him down three times before stopping him in Round 3. It was arguably the most-spectacular knockout of Alvarez’s career.
Kirkland, determined to get his life in order, left boxing for four years after that setback. He returned last year, beat two journeymen and then agreed to fight Juan Macias Montiel on the Morrell-Gavronski card on Saturday.
It was Nobuhiro Ishida all over again. Kirkland, 36, went down three times and didn’t survive a full two minutes. The ability to take a punch is gone. So are the reflexes. It’s time to call it quits.
Kirkland (34-3, 30 KOs) didn’t have a extraordinary career. He never won a major title. In fact, he never beat an elite opponent, except perhaps a young Alfredo Angulo. He’s best known for being on the wrong end of a brutal knockout.
He entertained a lot folks, though. And isn’t that the most important thing to fans? Enjoy your retirement, warrior.
***
WORSE
Frankie Randall (left) was the first to beat Julio Cesar Chavez. AP Photo / Jose Luis Magana
Frankie Randall represented the best and the worst of boxing.
Randall, who died at 59 on Wednesday, is a testament to perseverance. He received his first title shot in 1994, at 32 years old and 11 years into his career. And he won the fight by decision to capture the first of his three 140-pound titles.
His opponent that night in Las Vegas? Julio Cesar Chavez.
Randall became both the first to defeat the future Hall of Famer – who was 89-0-1 going into the fight — and the first to put him down, giving the talented, durable boxer-puncher an indelible place in boxing lore.
Three-time champion, conqueror of Chavez and victories over other top fighters of the day. Randall had a lot of which to be proud.
The problem is he fought too long. He went 3-13 in his last 16 fights, the last one when he was 43 years old. In all, he fought professionally for 22 years. That might’ve contributed to his condition later in life: His son said he died after a battle with dementia and Parkinson’s.
Perhaps the two primary lessons he will have taught fighters who followed him are these: never give up when you can still fight and walk away when you can’t.
Relative unknown Juan Macias Montiel stopped James Kirkland less than two minutes into their fight Saturday in Los Angeles.
James Kirkland could be — should be? — finished as a professional boxer.
Kirkland, once a feared slugger, went down three times and was stopped by Juan Macias Montiel only 1 minutes, 56 seconds into a scheduled 10-round middleweight fight on the David Morrell-Mike Gavronski card Saturday in Los Angeles.
Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs) put the 36-year-old Kirkland (34-3, 32 KOs) down and hurt him with a left hook to the temple about 30 seconds into the fight, which set up target practice for the hard-punching Mexican.
Moments later Kirkland went down again from two left uppercuts and a right hand. Then, after he received one last reprieve, another upper cut and a left-right combination sent him to the canvas a third time and prompted referee Jerry Cantu to end the slaughter.
Kirkland had won two fights against journeymen opponents in his comeback after a four-year hiatus from the sport, which followed his knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez.
Now, after a thorough beating that seemed to reveal his slow reflexes and inability take punches, it’s difficult to imagine the Texan stepping back into the ring.
Meanwhile, Montiel, who has stopped all of his victims, took advantage of a good opportunity: beating a well-known opponent in spectacular fashion on national TV.
We’ll probably be hearing more for the 26-year-old resident of Los Mochis.
In other preliminary fight, welterweight prospect Jesus Ramos (14-0, 13 KOs) put Naim Nelson (14-5, 1 KO) down twice, beat him up and stopped him after four rounds.
Relative unknown Juan Macias Montiel stopped James Kirkland less than two minutes into their fight Saturday in Los Angeles.
James Kirkland could be — should be? — finished as a professional boxer.
Kirkland, once a feared slugger, went down three times and was stopped by Juan Macias Montiel only 1 minutes, 56 seconds into a scheduled 10-round middleweight fight on the David Morrell-Mike Gavronski card Saturday in Los Angeles.
Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs) put the 36-year-old Kirkland (34-3, 32 KOs) down and hurt him with a left hook to the temple about 30 seconds into the fight, which set up target practice for the hard-punching Mexican.
Moments later Kirkland went down again from two left uppercuts and a right hand. Then, after he received one last reprieve, another upper cut and a left-right combination sent him to the canvas a third time and prompted referee Jerry Cantu to end the slaughter.
Kirkland had won two fights against journeymen opponents in his comeback after a four-year hiatus from the sport, which followed his knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez.
Now, after a thorough beating that seemed to reveal his slow reflexes and inability take punches, it’s difficult to imagine the Texan stepping back into the ring.
Meanwhile, Montiel, who has stopped all of his victims, took advantage of a good opportunity: beating a well-known opponent in spectacular fashion on national TV.
We’ll probably be hearing more for the 26-year-old resident of Los Mochis.
In other preliminary fight, welterweight prospect Jesus Ramos (14-0, 13 KOs) put Naim Nelson (14-5, 1 KO) down twice, beat him up and stopped him after four rounds.
David Morrell and Mike Gavronski will not fight for a secondary title Saturday after Morrell came in over weight Friday.
David Morrell, the “interim” WBA super middleweight titleholder, was supposed to be fighting Mike Gavronski for a secondary title Saturday in Los Angeles on FOX.
However, Morrell weighed in two pounds over the limit Friday. Thus, the fight will be a 10-rounder with no belt at stake.
Morrell, 22, is a former Cuban amateur star. He is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Lennox Allen on Aug. 8. Gavronski, a 34-year-old from Illinois, has won two fights since he was stopped by Jesse Hart in 2018.
David Morrell (left) came in two pounds over the limit for his super middleweight fight with Mike Gavronski on Saturday. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
Also on the card Saturday, former junior middleweight challenger James Kirkland (34-2, 30s) continues his comeback against Juan Macias Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout. Kirkland weighed 162, Montiel 161.4
Among other bouts: Jesus Ramos (13-0, 12 KOs) weighed 144.4 and Naim Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) 143.2 in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout; Angel Barrientes (4-0, 3 KOs) weighed 123.4 and Travon Lawson (3-0, 2 KOs) for their four- or six-round junior featherweight bout; and Mark A. Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) and Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12 KOs) weighed 166.6 and 167.2, respectively, for their 10-round super middleweight fight.
David Morrell and Mike Gavronski will not fight for a secondary title Saturday after Morrell came in over weight Friday.
David Morrell, the “interim” WBA super middleweight titleholder, was supposed to be fighting Mike Gavronski for a secondary title Saturday in Los Angeles on FOX.
However, Morrell weighed in two pounds over the limit Friday. Thus, the fight will be a 10-rounder with no belt at stake.
Morrell, 22, is a former Cuban amateur star. He is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Lennox Allen on Aug. 8. Gavronski, a 34-year-old from Illinois, has won two fights since he was stopped by Jesse Hart in 2018.
David Morrell (left) came in two pounds over the limit for his super middleweight fight with Mike Gavronski on Saturday. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions
Also on the card Saturday, former junior middleweight challenger James Kirkland (34-2, 30s) continues his comeback against Juan Macias Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout. Kirkland weighed 162, Montiel 161.4
Among other bouts: Jesus Ramos (13-0, 12 KOs) weighed 144.4 and Naim Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) 143.2 in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout; Angel Barrientes (4-0, 3 KOs) weighed 123.4 and Travon Lawson (3-0, 2 KOs) for their four- or six-round junior featherweight bout; and Mark A. Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) and Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12 KOs) weighed 166.6 and 167.2, respectively, for their 10-round super middleweight fight.
James Kirkland vs. Juan Macias Montiel: how to watch, start time.
Former junior middleweight contender James Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) continues his comeback Saturday night on FOX.
Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face Juan Macias Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout on the David Morrell-Mike Gavronski card in Los Angeles.
The card starts at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the main event due to begin about an hour into the show. You can watch it on on FOX (the network’s main channel).
Kirkland, who left boxing for four years after he was knocked out in three rounds by Canelo Alvarez in 2015, is 2-0 in a comeback that began last year. The 36-year-old lives and trains in San Antonio.
Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) is a big puncher from Los Mochis, Mexico. He’s coming off a split draw with Hugo Centeno Jr. in December of last year.
Morrell, 22, has had only three pro fights (3-0, 2 KOs) but already is an “interim” titleholder and has his sights set on a legitimate world title shot. Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) is a 34-year-old from Lockport, Ill., who has won two fights since he was stopped in three rounds by Jesse Hart in 2018.
Morrell and Gavronski will be fighting for what the WBA calls its “regular” world title, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize. Alvarez is the WBA champ.
When: Saturday, Dec. 26
Start time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Where: Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, Los Angeles
James Kirkland vs. Juan Macias Montiel: how to watch, start time.
Former junior middleweight contender James Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) continues his comeback Saturday night on FOX.
Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face Juan Macias Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout on the David Morrell-Mike Gavronski card in Los Angeles.
The card starts at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the main event due to begin about an hour into the show. You can watch it on on FOX (the network’s main channel).
Kirkland, who left boxing for four years after he was knocked out in three rounds by Canelo Alvarez in 2015, is 2-0 in a comeback that began last year. The 36-year-old lives and trains in San Antonio.
Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) is a big puncher from Los Mochis, Mexico. He’s coming off a split draw with Hugo Centeno Jr. in December of last year.
Morrell, 22, has had only three pro fights (3-0, 2 KOs) but already is an “interim” titleholder and has his sights set on a legitimate world title shot. Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) is a 34-year-old from Lockport, Ill., who has won two fights since he was stopped in three rounds by Jesse Hart in 2018.
Morrell and Gavronski will be fighting for what the WBA calls its “regular” world title, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize. Alvarez is the WBA champ.
When: Saturday, Dec. 26
Start time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Where: Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, Los Angeles
