Saul Alvarez rips WBO Super Welter title away from Liam Smith in 9.

On Mexican Independence Weekend in Arlington, Texas, Saul Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) captured the WBO super welterweight title at the AT&T Dallas Cowboys Stadium, with a 9th round Stoppage of reigning champion Liam Smith (23-1-1, 13 KOs). Canelo put Smith on the floor in the 7th, 8th and 9th rounds, from various body shots.. The champion wasn't about to go quietly and fought competently up until the 7th round..  The final knockdown was a wicked left hand that finally saw off the tough Brit. Smith did extremely well to overcome the previous knockdowns and battle back gamely, even backing Alvarez up on occasion..  Alvarez looked a good ten pounds heavier than he appeared at Fridays weigh in and used his size and power to dominate Smith throughout most of the bout, Alvarez did acquire a small cut around his left eye in the third, but maintained his composure to secure victory..  The official time of the KO was 2:28 of the 9th round.