CNN
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Canelo Álvarez ended his long rivalry with Gennady Golovkin with a clear win in their trilogy fight on Saturday.
After two deadly bouts, both with disputed results, the duo met for the third and final time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
And in front of a partisan crowd in favor of Álvarez – that fight took place on Mexican Independence Day weekend – the fan favorite was able to claim a unanimous decision victory.
Although he dominated the first round, he had to deal with a late comeback from Golovkin, but ultimately won via judges’ scoring, with two scoring the fight 115-113 and the other scoring it 116-112 – in favor of Álvarez.
The win cements Álvarez’s position as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters as he retained his IBF, WBA (Super), WBO and WBC titles and undisputed super middleweight crown.
Although the pair had previously traded beards and expressed a dislike for each other, they kissed in the ring after Saturday’s fight, both expressing their admiration for each other.
“He’s strong, he’s a great fighter,” Álvarez said. “For me, I’m just happy to share the ring with him. We give the fans three really good fights. I’m happy to be involved in this kind of fight.
Golovkin said: “I want to shake Canelo’s hand. Kudos to his whole team. He’s a real warrior – if you don’t understand that, you don’t understand anything.
What future for these two legendary fighters?
For Álvarez, his victory over Golovkin was a return to winning ways, having been beaten in his previous fight, only the second defeat of his career.
The Mexican fighter was stunned by undefeated Russian fighter Dmitry Bivol in their light heavyweight title clash as he tried to make a step up in weight.
And although the 32-year-old confirmed that avenging that loss to Bivol was his next goal, he revealed that the fight will have to wait as he recovers from a hand injury he suffered before the fight against Golovkin. .
According to ESPN, a team doctor said Álvarez had a cartilage tear in his wrist that could require surgery and six to 12 weeks of rehabilitation afterwards.
“I can’t hold a drink,” he said. “It’s really bad. But I’m a warrior.
Álvarez added: “I left everything in there. I need surgery on my hand, I’m not good in my left hand. Everyone knows [Bivol is the fight I want]. We’ll see what happens in this fight. But I need rest.
For Golovkin, at 40, many thought it would be the last act of his storied career.
However, the Kazakh fighter said he plans to keep fighting. “Absolutely,” Golovkin said when asked if he would keep fighting.
“I still have that fire burning inside me. I have a passion for boxing. Don’t forget I have three belts at 160 pounds. I feel good.
“I didn’t allow any serious shots. I’m tired, I’m fresh. I feel the strength and the power in me. Of course, if the opportunity arises, I will look to get back in the ring.
