07 May 2023 , 04:15
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Canelo Alvarez outclassed a brave but limited John Ryder as he retained his super-middleweight world titles with a lop-sided decision on his long-awaited homecoming.
The flame-haired undisputed champion, who was fighting in Mexico for the first time in 12 years, dominated the fight from start to premature finish to record his eighth victory over a Brit in his stunning 63-fight career.
But he was made to work by Ryder who was dropped in the fifth round but who battled on to hear the final bell before the judges inevitably scored the bout in the home fighter's favour; 120-107, 118-109 and 118-109.
Canelo Alvarez cruised to victory to retain his world titles (Getty Images)Alvarez edged a close opening round during which Ryder attempted to force his man to work on the inside but had little success against the ropes. Both men stepped up their punch output in the second session with Ryder landing a flush right hand, but again it was Alvarez who enjoyed more success as he began to target the visitor's body.
Alvarez drew blood from Ryder's nose in the third round as his right hand switched up a gear. Ryder was at least answering every salvo with one of his own but struggled to make inroads through the opening four sessions.
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And Alvarez dropped the bloodied Brit in the fifth with a straight one-two against the ropes. Ryder rose and fought fire with fire as he clung on for the final minute of the round. Ryder soldiered on and continued to throw his uppercut to good effect, even if Alvarez was content to walk through them in search of a finish.
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Ryder was hanging on but was long past the point of being a live dog in the fight and was sent to the canvas in the eighth round but his trip was ruled a slip by the referee. The Brit was wobbled again in the ninth session but he refused to wilt and again heard the bell to return to his corner.
Ryder enjoyed an achievement of sorts by reaching the championship rounds as even Alvarez's home support quietened somewhat and began to whistle their impatience. And there was to be no grandstand finish as the visiting Brit held on for the final three minutes.