Canelo Alvarez left the Alamodome with two more world championship belts after displaying a masterclass performance against Callum Smith. As a result, Canelo now displays the WBA and WBC 168lb titles in his trophy case. As well as the Super Middleweight Ring Magazine championship. He now becomes a four-weight division champion.
Alvarez was able to secure the victory in large part due to his ability to get inside on the 6 foot 3 inch Smith. Canelo was dominant on the scorecards and out struck the previous champ, 209 to 97. His elite left hook was on display as well as his incredible head movement. Smith was gun-shy, but his heart and granite chin held up for all 12 rounds. Alvarez was overwhelming to the man who was previously ranked #1 in the world by Ring Magazine.
Alvarez never seemed to be in any danger and operated as if he didn’t believe Smith was a threat. The speed advantage was evident as well as the power. The fight was close to ending on multiple occasions, however Smith was able to prevail until the very end.
What’s Next For Canelo Alvarez?
Canelo Alvarez was eager to express his desire in wanting to unify the super middleweight division. That would line up fellow brit Billy Joe Saunders whom Alvarez was scheduled to fight last May. Saunders was victorious in the beginning of December against Martin Murray. There is one more champion that could fulfill a unification bout.
Caleb Plant is the other option as he possesses the IBF championship. Plant has a scheduled defense against Caleb Truax on January 30th. Canelo has a mandatory challenger in Avni Yildirim with his newly earned WBC championship. That matchup would certainly be disappointing considering the other challengers that are on the market. The trilogy with Gennadiy Golovkin is still an option and it would finally cap off what’s already been an historic rivalry. Or will Canelo Return to light-heavyweight and challenge Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol? Who do you think is next for Canelo?
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