Canelo Alvarez entered the ring for Saturday’s return in San Antonio and already assumed the label as the pound-for-pound king of the game. He dropped the pair of Super Middleweight World titles and warned anyone else wearing the belt, “We’re coming for more.”
Alvarez won a major world title in his fourth division in a unanimous decision (119-109 twice, 117-111) by completely knocking out Call Lum Smith inside the Alamodom. The Mexican superstar, who entered with a secondary WBA title, won Smith’s full WBA belt and an empty WBC championship.
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“I did a great job after 13 months of layoffs. I’m very happy,” Alvarez said. “I’m the best in the world. During the third round, I tried to see what it brings in terms of skills but I showed what I am.”
Not only was Alvarez never in trouble, he easily took advantage of Smith’s enormous seven inches in ease height by going inside and sitting on the rope. Alvarez worked the body and split Smith’s high guard with epicurts and a hard right hand at will.
Alvarez, 30, was even more statistically strong. He slammed Smith’s power shot left and right. Alvarez also knocked him out in 12 rounds between 209 and 97. In addition to landing percent percent overall, Alvarez raised 57 percent of power shots.
“I look great at 168. I don’t want to fight with any standard,” Alvarez said. “After 13 months, you see what I can do. This is the best night for me and it’s a great night that I’ve got the title of Reconciliation. Soon, I’ll go for more work.”
Alvarez (-1 54-6-7, K 36 KO), who also won the WB Middleweight title, vacated the WBC Light Heavyweight title, which he won in 2019 and is now focused on a unified title at Super Middleweight. Looks like it’s promotional and network now. Free agent.
“I want to unite. I want all the belts and it doesn’t matter who is there,” Alvarez said.
Asked if he still imagines a triangular fight with rival Gennady Golovkin, one night after GGG easily defended his IBF title at 160 pounds, Alvarez could only roll his eyes and smile.
“I don’t run away from anyone. I just showed that I fought the best,” Alvarez said. “If he’s going to fight, I’ll take it. But I showed the world that I’m fighting the best.”
Smith (27-1, 19 KOs) was simply ineffective from start to finish. The 30-year-old England native did better than his older brother Lim, who was stopped by Alvarez for 2016 154 in his 2016 title bout, but not much more.
“I had faith and I never wanted to lose,” Smith said. “I came here to win but this was not my night. It was tonight that he was playing very well. I had a sore throat and the weight may have increased. I didn’t feel as impressive as I was. No excuses. He was the best man tonight. ”
Although Smith was able to walk the distance, he was constantly retreating and was never willing to risk Alvarez for a chance to hurt him. There was a lot of difference in speed between them. But Smith also got easier with Alvarez’s talent and ring IQ at every turn.
“He’s just smart and clever. He puts a little trap and keeps you thinking,” Smith said. “Before you know it, he’s there. I credit him for being smart. His pocket was good for the short guy. His defense was good. It’s very hard to clean, but I think it will be the same.” “
CBS Sports was with you all the way through Saturday, so. Don’t forget to follow the live results and highlights below.
Fight card, results
- Canelo Alvarez (C) Def. A unanimous decision for the WBA, WBC, Super Middleweight title by Callum Smith (119-109, 119-109, 117-113)
- Marc Castro Def. Luis Javier Valdes third-round T.K.O. By
- Frank Sanchez Def. Julian Fernandez, seventh-round T.K.O.
- Raymond Ford Def. Juan Antonio Lopez is the seventh round TKO. By
- Aust Stein Williams Def. Asia Jones first-round T.K.O.
Canelo vs Smith scorecard, live coverage
| Canelo | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 120 |
| Smith | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 108 |
