Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez dominated a reluctant and defensive Jermell Charlo over 12 rounds to retain his undisputed super-middleweight title.
The bout – which saw Charlo jump up two weight classes – wasn’t a crowd pleaser at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as Charlo managed to play it safe outside of a knockdown in round seven for the Mexican.
Canelo praised his opponent in the aftermath, but fighters and analysts watching on weren’t as kind.
Terence Crawford
@TwinCharlo you went out sad. Didn’t even try to win, all you did was try to survive. You should be ashamed of yourself.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 1, 2023
Ok y’all I’m over @TwinCharlo he’s no longer on my hit list. He went out there and laid down and let Canelo spank him like he was his daddy with no type of resistance.😂
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 1, 2023
Congratulations @Canelo you made the so called lion look like a baby cub.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 1, 2023
Lennox Lewis
Things get very real inside that ring. #CaneloCharlo
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) October 1, 2023
Regis Prograis
Canelo is cutting the ring off beautifully
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) October 1, 2023
Mell strong af. So far he been taking the big shots from Canelo.
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) October 1, 2023
Crawford vs Charlo would be 🔥🔥🔥
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) October 1, 2023
Paulie Malignaggi
Charlo hasn't made a committed effort to try to win this fight all night. He showed up for a check and is fighting like a guy more focused on not getting hurt than he is to win #canelocharlo
— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) October 1, 2023
Teddy Atlas
Give credit to Canelo I thought he’d win but in a competitive fight, not a one-sided one as it turned out to be. #CaneloCharlo
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) October 1, 2023
He’s not the Greatest Mexican Fighter of all time, but Canelo is and has been a terrific fighter of his era. Salute. #CaneloCharlo
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) October 1, 2023
Audley Harrison
While the fight didn't live up to pre-fight expectations, I think boxing has done well this year.
We have seen some big fight match ups, with full stadiums and lots of hype, so we can only hope they continue … styles make fights, so Charlo didn't want to risk battling in the…
— Audley Harrison MBE (@audleyharrison) October 1, 2023
Dan Rafael
Rd 12: Canelo 10-9. A total wipeout. Weight classes matter. 12-0. Canelo will easily retain the undisputed super middleweight title. #boxing#CaneloCharlo
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 1, 2023
Ariel Helwani
Fight over. Charlo won one round at best.
All Canelo. Never in doubt.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 1, 2023
Claressa Shields
I expected 12 rds but man I thought Charlo would fight more, but hey good effort
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) October 1, 2023