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Round 12: Saul Alvarez,
The Best Pound For Pound Of Today
By Mauricio Sulaimán / Son of José Sulaimán / President of
the WBC
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez became last Saturday night the
undisputed super middleweight world champion by defeating
Caleb Plant in 11 rounds, and with this feat he confirmed
himself to be the best fighter pound-for-pound of the
moment.
It was not an easy battle for the Mexican, since he faced a
champion with excellent technique, with many resources,
resistance and exceptional physical condition. However, the
fighter of Jalisco, Mexico from the first round went
forward, particularly directing his attack to the body of
Caleb and it turned out to be rugged battle with both men
fighting a physical battle.
This title was the only one that Saul Alvarez needed to
become the first undisputed king of the super middleweight
division, a remarkable accomplishment indeed.
The man from Guadalajara chased his opponent all night. The
rounds passed, and he could not land with a blow of
authentic knockout power until the 11th round arrived, where
Canelo showed all the power and greatness he has. The
veritable culmination of the incredible physical and mental
preparation, with which he reached this commitment.
There were breaks between round after round in which the
Mexican superstar seemed to be very confident, as throughout
the minute of recovery he remained on his feet receiving
instructions from his trainer, Eddy Reynoso.
Referee Russell Mora worked hard, and once again had a
sensational performance just as he did when Fury and Wilder
fought just one month ago.
This fight was built with severe animosity between the
fighters, social media insults and threats which then turned
into a brawl during the only live press conference in Los
Angeles. There was huge expectation and once that bell rang,
they both performed as the fans would expect. Canelo seemed
to tire in the 9th and 10th rounds with Plant becoming
busier, but there was the marriage which ended the fight in
dramatic fashion.
Then came the humbling moment when boxing shows to the world
the beauty of the sport, the embrace between the warriors
who greet and recognize each one's values. This one was
special, as there had been delicate humiliations. Canelo and
Plant will now be lifelong friends.
Immediately, a small crowd invaded the ring. The winner
showed the belts, to which was added the precious
Teotihuacán belt, a special recognition made by the skilled
hands of the Mexican ethnic group from Estado de Mexico. A
true work of art that everyone admired and applauded, and
that Canelo proudly displayed with great satisfaction and
pride.
We now turn our full attention to the WBC annual convention
which will be hosted in Mexico City, first time in 21 years
that we are back to CDMX. We have a busy agenda with many
important topics to be discussed, ratings, mandatories, ring
officials’ workshops and certification, and the so many
legendary champions, current kings and future stars who will
be holding hands in our annual gathering billed "TOGETHER
AGAIN."
Today's anecdote
Don José was the supervisor of the fight in which Canelo
defeated Ryan Rhodes on June 18, 2011, in Tlajomulco de
Zúñiga, Jalisco, in what was the first defense of the first
world title he won, which was the WBC super welterweight
crown.
If my dad was alive today, he would be proud and satisfied
about what happened this Saturday, because he always
believed in Canelo.
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