Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez returned to his native Mexico and put in a solid but perhaps not spectacular performance against John Ryder to retain his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF and WBO super middleweight titles by unanimous decision.
Canelo busted Ryder’s nose in the second round and had his man down in the fifth with many predicting the end was near. But the Brit showed tremendous bravery to hear the final bell.
Official judges scores 120-107, 118-109, 118-109. The performance will do little to silence the Mexican’s critics that suggest he is on the slide.
See how the boxing world reacted below.
Oscar De La Hoya
Nadie jamás va a ser Julio César Chávez
No body will ever be @Jcchavez115— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) May 7, 2023
Eddie Hearn
?️ “Let’s make it happen.”@EddieHearn wants Bivol vs. Canelo 2 next. ? pic.twitter.com/k1ORAU5EEw
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 7, 2023
Shawn Porter
On the other side of all this, the best way to beat Canelo is not to push him back (respect DAZN Commentators) it is and has always been counter punching and moving. He gets hit every time he throws because he has zero defense after his offense
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 7, 2023
Mike Coppinger
Round 12: Canelo Alvarez continued to hunt for the KO that never materialized. On two occasions that round, Canelo slapped his gloves together in frustration after a right hand didn't finish the job. They go to the scorecards. 10-9, Canelo. 119-108, Canelo. #CaneloRyder
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 7, 2023
Dave Coldwell
Ryder has a set of bollocks on him.
Tough night for him but stuck with it.
Canelo gets his homecoming victory but will probably be privately disappointed he went the distance. #CaneloRyder— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) May 7, 2023
Dan Rafael
118-109 cards were fine. That's how I had it also. No issue at all. No matter what Canelo the CLEAR winner with zero dispute. #CaneloRyder #boxing https://t.co/uWGKCp61ca
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 7, 2023
Michael Benson
‼️ Canelo Alvarez BEATS John Ryder by unanimous decision to retain his undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-middleweight world titles. Dominant performance from Mexico's superstar on his homecoming, but no knockout as the Brit simply refused to wilt.
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 7, 2023
Sam Jones
Ryder is one double hard ba5tard ?
— Sam Jones (@mrsamjones88) May 7, 2023
Richardson Hitchins
I told everyone Canelo won’t knock him out
— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) May 7, 2023
