Size might matter in some things, but not always in boxing.
In a close fight, the much smaller Canelo Alvarez became the sixth middleweight in history to capture a light heavyweight championship title by explosively knocking out Sergey Kovalev in round 11 before a rocking crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV Saturday night.
The fight was more tactical than terrific. Kovalev used his jab to keep Alvarez at bay, but the middleweight champion put constant pressure on the now former light heavyweight titleholder.
Kovalev was busier throughout, but Alvarez worked the body. His shots to the rib cage were consistent. One such blow almost doubled over Kovalev. Alvarez?s edge in speed was apparent throughout the bout as was Kovalev?s volume punching. The routine was set, Kovalev would score a few points, but Alvarez would land the harder shot.
The fight was close on this writer?s scorecard heading into round 11. Alvarez trainer Eddy Reynoso whispered encouragement before the stanza began. Alvarez came out with purpose, strafing Kovalev with heavy hooks. Kovalev moved and kept jabbing, but Alvarez had found the range.
A huge left hook from Alvarez?s dressing room wobbled Kovalev?rendering helpless along the ropes. Alvarez fired the coup de gr?ce – a wicked right hand that collapsed Kovalev and sent him to dreamland.
The sudden end came at 2:15 seconds into round 11.
?Thank you very much,? said Alvarez in the ring. ?It?s just a step in my career. The plan was patience.?
