WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez 56-1-2 (38 KOs) scored an eighth round retirement stoppage over WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders 30-1 (14 KOs) on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Alvarez, arguably the best pound for pound fighter active today proved too strong for Saunders outgunning him gradually over 8 rounds before stopping him on his stool between the eighth and ninth rounds. Canelo walked Saunders down in the early sessions, slowly breaking through the visitors defensive shell, Saunders landed some clever counters from range and attempted to keep Alvarez off balance with the jab. Saunders did gain some confidence in the middle rounds, but was continually met with more significant return fire from Canelo who was now finding his measure. Alvarez began looking to land the right uppercut from round 5 onwards and as he began finding the target began throwing the show with more savage intent. It was in round 8 Alvarez landed the shot that caused a swelling around the right eye. At the end of the round Saunders looked subdued returning to his corner and after some brief deliberation a compassionate Mark Tibbs made the decision to pull his fighter out.
Alvarez leaves the Texas with the WBO belt from Saunders to go along with his WBC and WBA straps and now set his sights on IBF champ Caleb Plant this September for the undisputed title, which Canelo has indicated as his main objective.
Canelo told DAZN Chris Mannix immediately after the fight in the ring as such, “That’s the plan to go for the belt. I’m coming, I’m coming my friend. I hope that fight can be made.”
The official result was a TKO at the end round eight. All three judges had Canelo in the lead at the time of the stoppage 78-74 twice and 77-75.
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