Former UFC champion shows off broken tooth after bare-knuckle match
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fights John Ryder in Guadalajara tonight, defending the undisputed super-middleweight titles in a long-awaited homecoming.
The fight is Canelo’s first in Mexico since 2011, and his first outing since a points victory over Gennady Golovkin in September. Canelo, 32, retained his belts in that bout to round out a trilogy with Golovkin, and to bounce back from his first loss in nine years – a points defeat by light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. Another victory tonight would only build excitement for the rematch against the Russian.
Meanwhile, Ryder enters Mexico as the WBO interim champion, having beaten Zach Parker last time out. Parker suffered a broken hand in the fourth round in November, as Ryder recorded a fourth straight win. Prior to that contest, the Briton’s biggest victory was a decision win against Daniel Jacobs last February. The 34-year-old is undoubtedly the underdog in tonight’s main event but is determined to prove the doubters wrong.
Meanwhile, Canelo is seeking an emphatic win not only to remain champion but also to stay on track for a rematch with Bivol.
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Canelo vs Ryder LIVE
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Canelo vs Ryder: Spark on top against Gollaz on undercard
Spark is landing the heavier shots and Golllaz’s face now has a red filter across it from the accumulation of those smart shots.
Spark is even punching through with the jab, he’s growing in confidence as we hit the fourth round.
A look to later on this evening and up next is a cracker!
Julio Cesar Martinez is back, defending his WBC flyweight title, against Ronal Batista. Martinez is always entertaining and one of the more aggressive fighters in the sport.
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 02:10
Canelo vs Ryder: Gollaz battles Spark on undercard
Gollaz and Spark exchanging power punches from the first bell.
This one caught fire in a hurry!
Spark, especially, is unloading and adding real menace to those combinations. A tasty opener!
(REUTERS)
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 02:00
Canelo vs Ryder: Nathan Rodriguez MD Alexander Mejia
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:55
Canelo vs Ryder
It’s Gabriel Gollaz vs Stevie Spark up next in a super lightweight contest.
This could be a contender to steal the show!
(EPA)
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:50
Canelo vs Ryder
Canelo very relaxed backstage in his dressing room.
Some PDA with his wife Fernanda Gomez.
Some very different emotions in a few hours when he meets Ryder in the ring in front of more than 50,000 Mexican fans.
(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:46
Canelo vs Ryder: Bivol makes prediction
One interested observer tonight: Dmitry Bivol.
The WBA light heavyweight champion of the world could rematch Canelo later this year.
And the Russian is expecting a masterclass from his rival!
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:42
Canelo vs Ryder: Rodriguez remains undefeated on undercard
The cards read: 95-95, 96-93, 96-94.
Nathan Rodriguez edges one and remains undefeated, moving to 11-0.
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:38
Canelo vs Ryder
Nathan Rodriguez is currently taking on Alexander Mejia.
The crowd is filling up at the Estadio Akron in Jalisco, Mexico.
Rodriguez is just 18 years of age and 10-0 entering this bout.
The American has started his career at an intense pace just like the headline act tonight, of course.
Canelo, 58-2-2 now at 32 years of age, made his debut at just 15 in 2005.
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:24
Canelo vs Ryder brings opportunity to rewrite history
Canelo vs Ryder is here and tonight could be a historic day for British boxing.
Ryder will hope to write his name into history books with a stunning upset.
And with it the beginning of the end to one of the most glittering careers in the sport’s history.
But Canelo knows a seriously impressive performance only builds excitement for what’s to come after defeat to Dmitry Bivol last year.
Jack Rathborn7 May 2023 01:16
Canelo vs Ryder LIVE
Our live fight updates will begin very shortly!
Alex Pattle7 May 2023 01:00