The return of Canelo Alvarez lived up to the hype as he outclassed the unbeaten Callum Smith for the WBA and WBC (vacant) super-middleweight titles.
Although the contest went to the judges’ scorecards, it was a lopsided victory for Alvarez, who dominated most of the fight. From the very beginning, Canelo Alvarez became the aggressor and dictated his range brilliantly.
He was the shorter man in the ring. However, through his skill and experience, he nullified that disadvantage with apparent ease.
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Callum Smith landed some prominent shots. But, they weren’t enough to seal the day. Moreover, he was pushed to the corner multiple times and was worn out by the last round.
Canelo's head movement continues to amaze 💯 pic.twitter.com/1KlTP1Aay6
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2020
While Alvarez and Smith were fighting the last round of their bout, the Brit looked towards the clock and the entire Alamodome broke out into ‘Boos’.
Smith was confident ahead of the fight and appeared confident of maintaining his unbeaten run. This may have prompted the boos as he seemed to want the fight to end.
Callum Smith had to laugh after Canelo dodged his punches in the 12th Round 😂 pic.twitter.com/vXnfMZSBYE
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2020
However, fans will laud ‘Mundo’ for making it to the end despite being schooled for a large part of the 36-minute contest.
Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith was a fight for the fans
The event brought fans back to the arena, and it thrilled Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn to do so. There’s no denying fans got what they expected.
It was a full-length fight between two super middleweights who gave their best in the ring. Following the gruesome encounter, Alvarez bagged the win (119- 109, 119- 109, and 117-111) on the scorecards. It was Smith’s maiden defeat, but he showed the heart of a champion.
Bow Taken. pic.twitter.com/691Rvbpyi2
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2020
The entire boxing community had their eyes on the matchup. From Claressa Shields to Edgar Berlanga, everyone has hailed Alvarez. However, they also praised the former WBA champion ‘Mundo’ for dancing against the Mexican giant.
Smith got a set of balls on him, brave as fuck. Canelo was sensational
— Kugan Cassius (@KuganCassius) December 20, 2020
Credit to Smith, he didn’t travel across that pond to not give his all. Lots of heart. ❤️ #CaneloSmith
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 20, 2020
Congratulations @Canelo – P4P King, proud of @CallumSmith23 showed tremendous heart tonight #CaneloSmith @DAZNBoxing
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) December 20, 2020
Canelo is the best boxer in the world. Knew that coming in. He only solidified that tonight.
— Brian Campbell (@BCampbell) December 20, 2020
Canelo looking really good ! Me and his style of fighting will be a mega fight Mark my words !!!
— Edgar Berlanga Jr (@EdgarBerlangaJr) December 20, 2020
🙌👑 Brilliant performance from Canelo Alvarez as he dominates Callum Smith for a UD. Defensively superb, closed the gap effortlessly to negate all of Smith's natural advantages and leave him clueless throughout. That's why he's pound-for-pound the best in the world.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 20, 2020
Even though we all know how he’s done it – it is crazy how Canelo can just pick a weight and beat the number 1😩
— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) December 20, 2020
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Unreal performance from Canelo, his defensive is unreal an that’s why Callum couldn’t get his shots off, big respect to Callum for grinding it out, he got some heart and balls to go with it 👏🏻
— Anthony Fowler 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (@afowler06) December 20, 2020
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Some performance by Canelo, he’s a special fighter and proves it time and time again. Who can beat him now? Callum very braved with some chin but just out classed tonight, no shame losing to P4P no.1! I scored it 10-2 #CaneloSmith
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) December 20, 2020