Tag: Jermell Charlo

Weekend Review: Canelo Alvarez was as good as his word against Jermell Charlo

Weekend Review: Canelo Alvarez was as good as his word against Jermell Charlo on Saturday in Las Vegas.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Canelo Alvarez

The super middleweight champion’s unanimous decision victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas was far from the greatest of his decorated career given the fact the challenger moved up two divisions to face the future Hall of Famer. At the same time, Alvarez did exactly what he said he would do: He proved that he’s far from finished as one of the best fighters in the world. Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) insisted that recent sub-par performances – which damaged his reputation – were the result of an injured left wrist and promised he would perform like the great fighter of old now that’s he’s 100% healthy. And he was good as his word. He fought with the passion and sharpness that was missing in recent fights, overwhelming a smaller, but excellent fighter in Charlo with relentless pressure to win round after round and ultimately the fight. The challenger never really had a chance. A giddy Alvarez brimmed with confidence afterward, bellowing during his post-fight interview that, “nobody can beat this Canelo.” He might be right, although Dmitry Bivol certainly will have found that statement interesting.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Jermell Charlo

Jermell Charlo took a knee after taking a big right in Round 7. Sarah Stier / Getty Images

In terms of money, Charlo couldn’t have had a better night. His eight-figure payday will set him and his family up for life. In terms of his performance, well, the undisputed 154-pound champ would probably like to put it behind him as soon as possible. I won’t say that Charlo came merely to survive but he fought on his heels from beginning to end and didn’t take the risks necessary to make the fight competitive, which was disappointing given his dominance at 154 pounds and expectations going into the fight. He admitted afterward that he “should’ve come forward more.” The fact he didn’t do so produced a disappointing fight. Charlo will bounce back, although at his natural weight. He expects to face the winner of the Oct. 14 fight between newly appointed WBO 154-pound champ Tim Tszyu and Brian Mendoza, and he called out 147-pound king Terence Crawford. If he gets and wins those kind of fights, fans will come to realize that while he was horrible against a fighter he called “a beast” at 168 pounds, he remains the dominant figure at 154 and could have similar success at 160. As Charlo said, “I’m not going nowhere.”

 

WORST DECISION
Erickson Lubin UD Jesus Ramos

Jesus Ramos (right) seemed to do enough to get the victory.  Sarah Stier / Getty Images

I’m still scratching my head. Ramos controlled the first two thirds of his fight against the inactive Lubin, who averaged six punches landed in the first eight rounds (compared to 13 for Ramos), according to CompuBox. Ramos took his foot off the gas in the final four rounds, which opened the door for Lubin to make up some ground on the scorecards. However, it seemed to me – and a lot of others – that Ramos had built too big of a lead to be overtaken. That’s why the officials scoring was so shocking: 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113, all for Lubin. I had it 116-112 for Ramos, eight rounds to four. Lubin (26-2, 18 KOs) simply was too passive in too many rounds to have won a unanimous decision. Lubin’s inactivity also was stunning. I kept waiting for the fiery offensive fighter of the past to emerge. He never did, although he picked up his pace in Rounds 9-12. Lubin lucked out. Meanwhile, Ramos (20-1, 16 KOs) learned a painful, but valuable lesson: Never assume you can afford to lower your output down the stretch. You never know what the judges saw — or didn’t see — up to that point.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

What’s next for Alvarez? You can read about that here. In short, I have to think that the fight he really wants is a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, although they couldn’t come to terms during earlier negotiations. My first choice? David Benavidez. Maybe the fans can convince Alvarez that that’s the best fight for him. … Mario Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) recorded the biggest victory of his career on the Alvarez-Charlo card, easily outpointing former 147-pound contender Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs). Barrios, a former 140-pound beltholder, fought too carefully to my taste for much of the fight but he ended up closing Ugas’ right eye, putting him down twice and dominating the championship rounds. So, in the end, he had a terrific night. Ugas? The Cuban might not be able to overcome back-to-back losses and a vulnerable eye socket at 37 years old. … Twenty-year-old middleweight contender Elijah Garcia gave a strong performance on the Alvarez-Charlo undercard, stopping rugged Mexican Jose Armando Resendiz (14-2, 10 KOs) in eight rounds. Garcia (16-0, 13 KOs) needs to work on his defense but he’s impressive in all other respects. The southpaw from Phoenix is adept at setting up his shots, punches accurately, has world class power (the right hooks that finished Resendiz were vicious) and fights will poise beyond his years. He’s a threat to anyone now. If he continues to improve, he could become a star. …

News item: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed to fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship sometime this winter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, assuming Fury gets past MMA star Francis Ngannou on Oct. 28, also in Saudi Arabia. It’s about time. Boxing hasn’t had an undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis a generation ago. And the matchup is fascinating. I think Fury is too big and too good for Usyk but I wouldn’t put anything past the gifted Ukrainian, who has two victories over Anthony Joshua. … Boxing lost a legend when broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan died at 79 on Sept. 27. Sheridan reportedly broadcast more than 10,000 fights on radio and TV over the past half century, including some of the biggest events in history. He had a keen understanding of the sport and did an excellent job of projecting the drama of the fights he worked. More important to his colleagues, he was one of the most down to earth, friendly figures in the sport. Also, longtime Cincinnati-based trainer Mike Stafford recently died at 67. He worked with Adrien Broner, Robert Easter Jr. and Rau’shee Warron, among many others. He also worked with children in the community, which endeared him to residents and officials in his area.

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Weekend Review: Canelo Alvarez was as good as his word against Jermell Charlo

Weekend Review: Canelo Alvarez was as good as his word against Jermell Charlo on Saturday in Las Vegas.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Canelo Alvarez

The super middleweight champion’s unanimous decision victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas was far from the greatest of his decorated career given the fact the challenger moved up two divisions to face the future Hall of Famer. At the same time, Alvarez did exactly what he said he would do: He proved that he’s far from finished as one of the best fighters in the world. Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) insisted that recent sub-par performances – which damaged his reputation – were the result of an injured left wrist and promised he would perform like the great fighter of old now that’s he’s 100% healthy. And he was good as his word. He fought with the passion and sharpness that was missing in recent fights, overwhelming a smaller, but excellent fighter in Charlo with relentless pressure to win round after round and ultimately the fight. The challenger never really had a chance. A giddy Alvarez brimmed with confidence afterward, bellowing during his post-fight interview that, “nobody can beat this Canelo.” He might be right, although Dmitry Bivol certainly will have found that statement interesting.

 

BIGGEST LOSER
Jermell Charlo

Jermell Charlo took a knee after taking a big right in Round 7. Sarah Stier / Getty Images

In terms of money, Charlo couldn’t have had a better night. His eight-figure payday will set him and his family up for life. In terms of his performance, well, the undisputed 154-pound champ would probably like to put it behind him as soon as possible. I won’t say that Charlo came merely to survive but he fought on his heels from beginning to end and didn’t take the risks necessary to make the fight competitive, which was disappointing given his dominance at 154 pounds and expectations going into the fight. He admitted afterward that he “should’ve come forward more.” The fact he didn’t do so produced a disappointing fight. Charlo will bounce back, although at his natural weight. He expects to face the winner of the Oct. 14 fight between newly appointed WBO 154-pound champ Tim Tszyu and Brian Mendoza, and he called out 147-pound king Terence Crawford. If he gets and wins those kind of fights, fans will come to realize that while he was horrible against a fighter he called “a beast” at 168 pounds, he remains the dominant figure at 154 and could have similar success at 160. As Charlo said, “I’m not going nowhere.”

 

WORST DECISION
Erickson Lubin UD Jesus Ramos

Jesus Ramos (right) seemed to do enough to get the victory.  Sarah Stier / Getty Images

I’m still scratching my head. Ramos controlled the first two thirds of his fight against the inactive Lubin, who averaged six punches landed in the first eight rounds (compared to 13 for Ramos), according to CompuBox. Ramos took his foot off the gas in the final four rounds, which opened the door for Lubin to make up some ground on the scorecards. However, it seemed to me – and a lot of others – that Ramos had built too big of a lead to be overtaken. That’s why the officials scoring was so shocking: 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113, all for Lubin. I had it 116-112 for Ramos, eight rounds to four. Lubin (26-2, 18 KOs) simply was too passive in too many rounds to have won a unanimous decision. Lubin’s inactivity also was stunning. I kept waiting for the fiery offensive fighter of the past to emerge. He never did, although he picked up his pace in Rounds 9-12. Lubin lucked out. Meanwhile, Ramos (20-1, 16 KOs) learned a painful, but valuable lesson: Never assume you can afford to lower your output down the stretch. You never know what the judges saw — or didn’t see — up to that point.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

What’s next for Alvarez? You can read about that here. In short, I have to think that the fight he really wants is a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, although they couldn’t come to terms during earlier negotiations. My first choice? David Benavidez. Maybe the fans can convince Alvarez that that’s the best fight for him. … Mario Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) recorded the biggest victory of his career on the Alvarez-Charlo card, easily outpointing former 147-pound contender Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs). Barrios, a former 140-pound beltholder, fought too carefully to my taste for much of the fight but he ended up closing Ugas’ right eye, putting him down twice and dominating the championship rounds. So, in the end, he had a terrific night. Ugas? The Cuban might not be able to overcome back-to-back losses and a vulnerable eye socket at 37 years old. … Twenty-year-old middleweight contender Elijah Garcia gave a strong performance on the Alvarez-Charlo undercard, stopping rugged Mexican Jose Armando Resendiz (14-2, 10 KOs) in eight rounds. Garcia (16-0, 13 KOs) needs to work on his defense but he’s impressive in all other respects. The southpaw from Phoenix is adept at setting up his shots, punches accurately, has world class power (the right hooks that finished Resendiz were vicious) and fights will poise beyond his years. He’s a threat to anyone now. If he continues to improve, he could become a star. …

News item: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed to fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship sometime this winter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, assuming Fury gets past MMA star Francis Ngannou on Oct. 28, also in Saudi Arabia. It’s about time. Boxing hasn’t had an undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis a generation ago. And the matchup is fascinating. I think Fury is too big and too good for Usyk but I wouldn’t put anything past the gifted Ukrainian, who has two victories over Anthony Joshua. … Boxing lost a legend when broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan died at 79 on Sept. 27. Sheridan reportedly broadcast more than 10,000 fights on radio and TV over the past half century, including some of the biggest events in history. He had a keen understanding of the sport and did an excellent job of projecting the drama of the fights he worked. More important to his colleagues, he was one of the most down to earth, friendly figures in the sport. Also, longtime Cincinnati-based trainer Mike Stafford recently died at 67. He worked with Adrien Broner, Robert Easter Jr. and Rau’shee Warron, among many others. He also worked with children in the community, which endeared him to residents and officials in his area.

[lawrence-related id=39233,39227,39198,39194,39162,39164]

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

[lawrence-related id=39227,39198,39194]

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

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Watch it: Canelo Alvarez hasn’t been this happy after a fight in years

Watch it: Canelo Alvarez hasn’t been this happy after a fight in years.

Canelo Alvarez couldn’t have been more animated after his one-sided decision over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The super middleweight champ answered some questions in the ring after the victory. The theme of the interview: Don’t mess with this version of Alvarez.

[lawrence-related id=39198,39194,39162,39164]

Watch it: Canelo Alvarez hasn’t been this happy after a fight in years

Watch it: Canelo Alvarez hasn’t been this happy after a fight in years.

Canelo Alvarez couldn’t have been more animated after his one-sided decision over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The super middleweight champ answered some questions in the ring after the victory. The theme of the interview: Don’t mess with this version of Alvarez.

[lawrence-related id=39198,39194,39162,39164]

Photos: Canelo Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermell Charlo

Photos: Canelo Alvarez’s unanimous decision victory over Jermell Charlo.

Super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez defeated overmatched Jermell Charlo by a one-sided decision to retain his titles Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas..

The official scores were 119-108, 118-109 and 118-109. Boxing Junkie also scored it 118-109 for Alvarez, 10 rounds to two.

Here are images from the event. All photos by Sarah Stier and Ethan Miller of Getty Images.

Canelo Alvarez delivers vintage performance, easily outpoints Jermell Charlo

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo went 12 rounds but there was no question who would win when the final horn sounded.

[autotag]Canelo Alvarez[/autotag] looked a lot like Canelo Alvarez.

The undisputed 168-pound champion, who many suggested was in decline after three consecutive subpar performances, turned back the clock by dominating [autotag]Jermell Charlo[/autotag] from start to finish to win a one-sided decision Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The official scores were 119-108, 118-109 and 118-109. Boxing Junkie also scored it 118-109 for Alvarez, 10 rounds to two.

What a difference good health makes.

“I’m a strong fighter,” said Alvarez, who blamed his struggles on an injured left wrist that is now healed, “all the time, with all the fighters. I’m a strong man. This Canelo, nobody can beat this Canelo.”

[lawrence-related id=2684299,2684286]

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) was knocked from his pound-for-pound perch by 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol, who outpointed him in May of last year. Then he gave so-so performances in victories over Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder.

That’s why many opined that 18 years as a professional were beginning to catch up with him. His response to that? Wait and see what he could do injury free.

We saw on Saturday.

Alvarez applied overwhelming pressure on the highly respected Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) from the second round on, landing more than enough punishing blows to the head and body to win rounds and prevent Charlo from mounting an attack of his own.

Charlo, the undisputed 154-pound champ who moved up two divisions for the fight, tried to move and pepper Alvarez with quick, sometimes hard blows to keep him at bay but he had neither the punch volume nor the power to earn the stronger man’s respect.

Alvarez put Charlo down in Round 7, when a straight right dazed the challenger and forced him to take a knee.

Charlo survived that punch and proved to be both durable and clever enough to last the entire 12 rounds against a bigger, stronger man, which many believed would be difficult.

The challenger, an excellent technician, was adept at avoiding clean punches to the head, aside from a handful of them. And he took everything Alvarez managed to land, including 42 hard shots to the body, according to CompuBox.

[lawrence-related id=2684261,2684258]

Alvarez was asked about his body work. His response made it clear that he’s as passionate about the sport as he has ever been, an indication that he has now put his struggles behind him.

“I worked on that in the gym for three months in the mountains without my family, without my friends,” he said. “I still love boxing. I still love boxing. I still love boxing so f—ing much. Boxing is my life.

“Boxing made me the person I am today. That’s why I love it so much.”

And what about his failure to stop Charlo? Not an issue.

“No no no,” he said. “I feel great. That’s why we fight 12 rounds. If I don’t get the knockout, I get 12 rounds to show I’m the best, I’m the better fighter.”

Alvarez, 33, can now look forward to his next challenge with all the confidence he had when he climbed to the pinnacle of the sport.

He was asked whether he expected to fight next on Cinco de Mayo weekend, which has become his tradition. He seemed to indicate that that is the plan. Then he was asked who he’d like to fight, which sparked his passion again.

“We’ll see who’s next,” he said.

“David Benavidez?” he was asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of reiterating that no one can take down this version of him.

Charlo?

The proud Texan obviously wasn’t pleased afterward but he also wasn’t despondent.

“I just felt like it wasn’t me in there,” he said. “I don’t make excuses for myself. So it is what it is. I take my punches and roll with it. This is boxing. Hey, you win some, you lose some. … Truthfully you can feel the difference in the weight. I jumped up 14 pounds.

“I’m undisputed in my division. I was daring to be great right now. You fall short sometimes. You have just keep pushing. My road don’t stop right here.”

Indeed, it doesn’t. He said he plans on moving back down to 154, at which he expects to face the winner of the Oct. 14 Tim Tszyu-Brian Mendoza fight in defense of his titles. He also said he’d like to pick on a smaller man for a change.

“I want to fight [welterweight champ] Terence Crawford,” he said. “I could fight Terence Crawford in my weight division. I know he’s somewhere around this joint. Let him fight Errol Spence or whatever they got going. Get that out of the way.

“I’m waiting. I’m about to get right back into the gym.”

Win, lose, big things lie ahead.

Like boxing? Be sure to visit Boxing Junkie for all your coverage of the sweet science and follow @BoxingJunkie2 on Twitter.

Canelo Alvarez delivers vintage performance, easily outpoints Jermell Charlo

Canelo Alvarez delivered a vintage performance, easily outpointing Jermell Charlo to retain his titles Saturday in Las Vegas.

Canelo Alvarez looked a lot like Canelo Alvarez.

The undisputed 168-pound champion, who many suggested was in decline after three consecutive subpar performances, turned back the clock by dominating Jermell Charlo from start to finish to win a one-sided decision Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The official scores were 119-108, 118-109 and 118-109. Boxing Junkie also scored it 118-109 for Alvarez, 10 rounds to two.

What a difference good health makes.

“I’m a strong fighter,” said Alvarez, who blamed his struggles on an injured left wrist that is now healed, “all the time, with all the fighters. I’m a strong man. This Canelo, nobody can beat this Canelo.”

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) was knocked from his pound-for-pound perch by 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol, who outpointed him in May of last year. Then he gave so-so performances in victories over Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder.

That’s why many opined that 18 years as a professional were beginning to catch up with him. His response to that? Wait and see what he could do injury free.

We saw on Saturday.

Alvarez applied overwhelming pressure on the highly respected Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) from the second round on, landing more than enough punishing blows to the head and body to win rounds and prevent Charlo from mounting an attack of his own.

Charlo, the undisputed 154-pound champ who moved up two divisions for the fight, tried to move and pepper Alvarez with quick, sometimes hard blows to keep him at bay but he had neither the punch volume nor the power to earn the stronger man’s respect.

Alvarez put Charlo down in Round 7, when a straight right dazed the challenger and forced him to take a knee.

Charlo survived that punch and proved to be both durable and clever enough to last the entire 12 rounds against a bigger, stronger man, which many believed would be difficult.

The challenger, an excellent technician, was adept at avoiding clean punches to the head, aside from a handful of them. And he took everything Alvarez managed to land, including 42 hard shots to the body, according to CompuBox.

Alvarez was asked about his body work. His response made it clear that he’s as passionate about the sport as he has ever been, an indication that he has now put his struggles behind him.

“I worked on that in the gym for three months in the mountains without my family, without my friends,” he said. “I still love boxing. I still love boxing. I still love boxing so f—ing much. Boxing is my life.

“Boxing made me the person I am today. That’s why I love it so much.”

And what about his failure to stop Charlo? Not an issue.

“No no no,” he said. “I feel great. That’s why we fight 12 rounds. If I don’t get the knockout, I get 12 rounds to show I’m the best, I’m the better fighter.”

Alvarez, 33, can now look forward to his next challenge with all the confidence he had when he climbed to the pinnacle of the sport.

He was asked whether he expected to fight next on Cinco de Mayo weekend, which has become his tradition. He seemed to indicate that that is the plan. Then he was asked who he’d like to fight, which sparked his passion again.

“We’ll see who’s next,” he said.

“David Benavidez?” he was asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of reiterating that no one can take down this version of him.

Charlo?

The proud Texan obviously wasn’t pleased afterward but he also wasn’t despondent.

“I just felt like it wasn’t me in there,” he said. “I don’t make excuses for myself. So it is what it is. I take my punches and roll with it. This is boxing. Hey, you win some, you lose some. … Truthfully you can feel the difference in the weight. I jumped up 14 pounds.

“I’m undisputed in my division. I was daring to be great right now. You fall short sometimes. You have just keep pushing. My road don’t stop right here.”

Indeed, it doesn’t. He said he plans on moving back down to 154, at which he expects to face the winner of the Oct. 14 Tim Tszyu-Brian Mendoza fight in defense of his titles. He also said he’d like to pick on a smaller man for a change.

“I want to fight [welterweight champ] Terence Crawford,” he said. “I could fight Terence Crawford in my weight division. I know he’s somewhere around this joint. Let him fight Errol Spence or whatever they got going. Get that out of the way.

“I’m waiting. I’m about to get right back into the gym.”

Win, lose, big things lie ahead.

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Canelo Alvarez delivers vintage performance, easily outpoints Jermell Charlo

Canelo Alvarez delivered a vintage performance, easily outpointing Jermell Charlo to retain his titles Saturday in Las Vegas.

Canelo Alvarez looked a lot like Canelo Alvarez.

The undisputed 168-pound champion, who many suggested was in decline after three consecutive subpar performances, turned back the clock by dominating Jermell Charlo from start to finish to win a one-sided decision Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The official scores were 119-108, 118-109 and 118-109. Boxing Junkie also scored it 118-109 for Alvarez, 10 rounds to two.

What a difference good health makes.

“I’m a strong fighter,” said Alvarez, who blamed his struggles on an injured left wrist that is now healed, “all the time, with all the fighters. I’m a strong man. This Canelo, nobody can beat this Canelo.”

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) was knocked from his pound-for-pound perch by 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol, who outpointed him in May of last year. Then he gave so-so performances in victories over Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder.

That’s why many opined that 18 years as a professional were beginning to catch up with him. His response to that? Wait and see what he could do injury free.

We saw on Saturday.

Alvarez applied overwhelming pressure on the highly respected Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) from the second round on, landing more than enough punishing blows to the head and body to win rounds and prevent Charlo from mounting an attack of his own.

Charlo, the undisputed 154-pound champ who moved up two divisions for the fight, tried to move and pepper Alvarez with quick, sometimes hard blows to keep him at bay but he had neither the punch volume nor the power to earn the stronger man’s respect.

Alvarez put Charlo down in Round 7, when a straight right dazed the challenger and forced him to take a knee.

Charlo survived that punch and proved to be both durable and clever enough to last the entire 12 rounds against a bigger, stronger man, which many believed would be difficult.

The challenger, an excellent technician, was adept at avoiding clean punches to the head, aside from a handful of them. And he took everything Alvarez managed to land, including 42 hard shots to the body, according to CompuBox.

Alvarez was asked about his body work. His response made it clear that he’s as passionate about the sport as he has ever been, an indication that he has now put his struggles behind him.

“I worked on that in the gym for three months in the mountains without my family, without my friends,” he said. “I still love boxing. I still love boxing. I still love boxing so f—ing much. Boxing is my life.

“Boxing made me the person I am today. That’s why I love it so much.”

And what about his failure to stop Charlo? Not an issue.

“No no no,” he said. “I feel great. That’s why we fight 12 rounds. If I don’t get the knockout, I get 12 rounds to show I’m the best, I’m the better fighter.”

Alvarez, 33, can now look forward to his next challenge with all the confidence he had when he climbed to the pinnacle of the sport.

He was asked whether he expected to fight next on Cinco de Mayo weekend, which has become his tradition. He seemed to indicate that that is the plan. Then he was asked who he’d like to fight, which sparked his passion again.

“We’ll see who’s next,” he said.

“David Benavidez?” he was asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of reiterating that no one can take down this version of him.

Charlo?

The proud Texan obviously wasn’t pleased afterward but he also wasn’t despondent.

“I just felt like it wasn’t me in there,” he said. “I don’t make excuses for myself. So it is what it is. I take my punches and roll with it. This is boxing. Hey, you win some, you lose some. … Truthfully you can feel the difference in the weight. I jumped up 14 pounds.

“I’m undisputed in my division. I was daring to be great right now. You fall short sometimes. You have just keep pushing. My road don’t stop right here.”

Indeed, it doesn’t. He said he plans on moving back down to 154, at which he expects to face the winner of the Oct. 14 Tim Tszyu-Brian Mendoza fight in defense of his titles. He also said he’d like to pick on a smaller man for a change.

“I want to fight [welterweight champ] Terence Crawford,” he said. “I could fight Terence Crawford in my weight division. I know he’s somewhere around this joint. Let him fight Errol Spence or whatever they got going. Get that out of the way.

“I’m waiting. I’m about to get right back into the gym.”

Win, lose, big things lie ahead.

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