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Canelo Dominates GGG In Trilogy Fight: Result, Report And Video Highlights

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 18th September 2022.

Canelo

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez beats Gennady Golovkin decisively via unanimous decision in Las Vegas. marking 36 rounds shared and an end to a rivalry for the ages.

Despite the hype, the opener was much more round 1 than round 25 – the two fighters were tentative and, regardless of the time shared in the ring, took their time to measure each other once more.

In the early stages, Canelo showed a much bigger range of punches and the more impressive work, while Golovkin struggled to build on his jab. Although it’s a good weapon, it’s not enough to keep a fighter like Canelo off.

The Mexican’s success continued, and with each round a win for ‘GGG’ became ever more elusive. In fact, such was Álvarez’ early dominance that it would be hard to give his opponent any of the first six rounds.

It wasn’t until the 8th and 9th that Golovkin truly found a home for some power punches that helped him outperform his opponent. Canelo answered back by doing more of the same – switching from his jab to targeting the body, throwing in uppercuts and some good, short work on the inside.

https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1571373761575940101?s=20&t=SwXxDyRWSvyHIBhqT_yv3A

Despite some late success from ‘Triple G’, there will be no real arguments that he did enough to win. In fact, ironically, many feel that the cards were too close. There was bemusement from fans that the fight could be called anything other than a shutout for Álvarez.

116-112, and 115-113 twice, all in favour of the Mexican, meaning that two judges only had him winning by two rounds and weren’t far off scoring a draw. Perhaps the talk of past controversy got in their heads.

Ours is a sport of winners and losers. Often the tag a fighter receives isn’t one they deserve, but that’s the game. Golovkin will still feel hard done by regarding the result of the first fight, but he can have no complaints about tonight’s.

If Golovkin is to have any regrets, he may feel that this chance at redemption came much too late in his career. Canelo was first to every opportunity and never looked in trouble. Golovkin was, simply, second best.

A victory would have provided the perfect exit music to a long and elite stint in the sport. It wasn’t to be, and the Kazakh fighter remains confident he’ll return. He spoke to DAZN following the loss.

“This fight was more tactical, like chess. Today Canelo is better.

“Remember guys, I have three belts at 160. I’ll come back guys. I’m still champion.”

Tonight, the right man won – and Golovkin, as is his style, is happy to admit it. The pair embraced and heaped praise onto one another – a welcome sight following an often hostile relationship.

Canelo was humble and confirmed that any ill will was no more. He went on to tell Chris Mannix that, after some necessary surgery on an injured left hand, he wants to face Dmitry Bivol next in an attempt to avenge his loss.

“I need rest … so I can come back stronger than ever.”

“[The Bivol fight] is very important for my legacy, for me, for my pride, for my country, for my family, for everything … I will beat him.”

And thus ends a rivalry that has surprised, frustrated, and entertained us in equal measure for five years.

Perhaps boxing fans feel connected not to one of the competitors, but to the competition itself. This trilogy has been a defining part of our love of the sport, its events woven throughout our experience. The controversy, the ceremony, the conversation, and, now, the conclusion.

Tonight, Canelo remains champion.