LAS VEGAS ? Sa?l ?lvarez, known as Canelo, won the middleweight title by the narrowest of margins Saturday night, taking a majority decision over Gennady Golovkin and handing the longtime champion his first loss as a pro.
A year after the two fought to a draw, the second fight was almost as close. There were no knockdowns, but the action was spirited throughout as the two battled to the final bell before a frenzied crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
Two judges favored ?lvarez, 115-113, while a third had it at 114-114. The Associated Press scored it 114-114.
The two fighters switched roles, with Golovkin trying to counter ?lvarez and ?lvarez coming forward much of the fight. Both landed blows well to the head, and Golovkin controlled some rounds with his jab, although neither was ever in any trouble of going down.
?He?s a great fighter, but I?m a great fighter, and I showed it tonight,? ?lvarez said.
