Ever since their last controversial draw, the boxing world has waited patiently for the re-match between Saul 'Canelo' adn Alvarez and Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin.
Last night we got our wish as the two warriors stepped into the for second time. Again it went the distance. Again, not all 'boxing aficionados' agreed with the decision. However here is my scorecard on first watching the fight.
Round 1:
Canelo controlled the distance the whole round forcing GGG to fall short with his jab. Good start by Canelo.
Canelo round.
Canelo 10 -9.
Round 2:
Close round. However for me Canelo edged it with the crisper harder shots. Slow start from GGG.
Canelo round.
Canelo 20 - 18.
Round 3:
GGG starts the round well however continues to struggle finding his range as Canelo regains the centre of the ring. Canelo is seeing everything so far, swaying away from GGG jab and peppering GGG with clean shots of his own.
Canelo round.
Canelo 30 - 27.
Round 4:
Better from GGG as he begins to find his groove. Surprised to see GGG fighting off his back foot as he shakes off the cobwebs but he did enough to take this one.
GGG round.
Canelo 39 - 37.
Round 5:
Tough round score. Canelo continues to walk down GGG, I expected it to be the other way. However his output was low this round. I gave this one to GGG as he begins to re-establish his jab. I couldn't argue if it was seen the other way though.
GGG round.
Canelo 48 - 47.
Round 6:
Another competitive round. Canelo is the boss in there though. Constantly pressing forward, hitting GGG with a variety of shots that appear to be having more impact on GGG than GGG shots are having on him.
Canelo round.
Canelo 58 - 56.
Round 7:
Canelo seems happy to trade with the heavy handed GGG and it is Canelo who's punches are having more of an effect. GGG has Hublot emblazoned on his shorts, however is father time catching up with him?
Canelo round.
Canelo 68 - 65.
Round 8:
Close round as both men trade blows. GGG is trying to get himself going and the effort is visible. Canelo stands his ground however GGG just edged this one for me.
GGG round.
Canelo 77 - 75.
Round 9:
Canelo is the boss in there tonight as he hits GGG with a number of eye-catching overhand rights. Canelo has barely taken a backward step tonight.
Canelo round.
Canelo 87 - 84.
Round 10:
Another tight round. Canelo cannot miss GGG with the right hand and refuses to give ground however GGG won't go away. GGG seems out of sorts tonight however sheer willpower is keeping him in this fight. Could go either way however I'm giving it to GGG.
GGG round.
Canelo 96 - 94.
Round 11:
For the first time, the pace of the fight seems to be affecting Canelo. GGG is beginning to let his hands go more. Is it too little too late? Still close on my cards, however GGG is away from home.
GGG round.
Canelo 105 - 104.
Round 12:
Final round! Both fighters are fighting like everything hinges on this one and it could. I gave GGG the benefit in the last two however Canelo just edges this one for me .
Canelo round.
Canelo 115 - 113.
Result
In the last fight I felt GGG got robbed. However despite all the controversy leading up to this one there is no doubt in my mind who was the better fighter last night. Canelo controlled the centre of the ring and had GGG backing up for most of it.
This wasn't the GGG we were used to seeing. GGG usually eats punches to get his off, rarely taking a backward step. GGG usually has thunder in his fists. Tonight however GGG looked a mere mortal. No doubting his toughness however he was unable to keep up with Canelo tonight who out-bullied the bully. He had tasted the best of GGG in their last fight and decided that he fancied he could cope with it in this one.
Horse meat or not, Canelo fought like a stud tonight.
The judges agreed, scoring the fight 114-114, 115-113, 115-113.
I understand some commentators and pundits didn't agree, trotting out a predictable narrative of Canelo not doing enough. I think many people wanted GGG to win because of the injustice of the first fight and the drug scandal leading up to this one. This is why I like to watch fights on mute and score it as I see it... there is way too much confirmation bias going on and not enough watching what is unfolding in front of them.
I wholeheartedly agree Canelo lost the first fight however he won this rematch in my opinion. It was a close fight however Canelo was controlling the centre of the ring, landing the crisper shots and his punches were having the greater impact. GGG really didn't get going until the Championship rounds.
It's 1-1 in my book.