CANELO ALVAREZ stopped Avni Yildirim after just THREE rounds in Miami.
The Mexican was in devastating form, with Yildirim’s corner pulling him out after a brutal beatdown.
And after the bout, promoter Eddie Hearn CONFIRMED Canelo will fight Brit Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 in a blockbuster super-middleweight unification bout.
Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
SPECTACULAR
Canelo’s ring entrance was something to behold last night.
He walked out to a fabulous light and pyrotechnic show and was accompanied by music superstar J Balvin.
He made light work of Avni Yildirim and as Fight Disciples hilariously put it: “There was more chance of Canelo getting hurt walking to the ring than when he actually got in there.”
READY, SET, JOE!
In case you missed the announcement, Canelo Alvarez will fight Billy Joe Saunders after the Mexican’s win last night.
The unification bout will take place on May 8 with the victor sweeping all the belts at super-middleweight.
‘MESSI OF BOXING’
Fans online were delighted after Canelo extended his phenomenal record to 55-1-2.
The Mexican made easy work of Avni Yildirim and will face Billy Joe Saunders next time out.
And one supporter heaped the highest praise on him after the win.
The user wrote: “Canelo Alvarez is the Messi of boxing currently. Pride of my beautiful country.”
‘DREAM FACTORY’
Eddie Hearn was quick to tweet after Canelo’s convincng win.
The Essex based promoter uploaded a snap with the Mexican and his team.
And he captioned it: “Team work makes the dream work.”
HAVING A BALVIN
Canelo was joined in is dressing room by music superstar J Balvin – who performing during his ring walk – after his victory.
CANELO TRIUMPH
Yildirim beat the count after this knockdown in round two, but didn’t last much longer in there.
SAUNDERS SPEAKS
Billy Joe Saunders has been talking up the huge unification clash with Canelo, after the fight was announced in the early hours this morning.
CANELO VS SAUNDERS CONFIRMED
It’s ON!
‘NO ONE IN LATIN AMERICA HAS BEEN UNDISPUTED’
Canelo was quick to confirm his intention to rule the super-middleweight division when the Billy Joe Saunders fight was announced.
He said: “I want everybody.
“Saunders is the WBO champion and I want to unify.
“Saunders will try to get under my skin, people talk but I am a mature fighter who controls myself. Words are just bluffs.
“No one in Latin America has ever been undisputed at super-middle and no one has done that in the world.
“I want to make my own history, I don’t want to be like anyone else. I respect everyone.”
WATCH THE KO
Canelo’s second-round knockdown in all its glory which was the beginning of the end for Yildirim.
He quit on his stool a round after.
DALLAS OR VEGAS
Legendary MC Michael Buffer has shed some light into where Canelo vs Billy Joe Saunders will be held!
Buffer tweeted: “Canelo-Billy Joe..depending on covid protocols in May, this fight in Vegas or Dallas-potentially can have an attendance of 50-60 thousand & it’ll be a REAL FIGHT!”
‘I AM MAKING HISTORY’
Canelo said after the fight: “I felt very good, it is great to be active and I wanted to have a great fight.
“I needed the knockout and that is what I got.
“It does not matter if my opponent’s are taller or bigger, I have the right trainer to beat them all.
“At super-middle I feel strong and fast and comfortable, it is one of my best moments.
“I will fight anyone, the best, I am making history.”
POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE
Canelo is having his post-fight press conference right now, and has spoken about Billy Joe Saunders…
GETTING SALTY
Canelo was greeted by salt sprinkling super chef Salt Bae before he went and smoked Yildirim for three rounds.
FEROCIOUS
Canelo was dominant as he destroyed Avni Yildirim after three relentless rounds.
MIX IT UP
Boxing legend Mike Tyson arrived in an interesting combo to watch Canelo Alvarez demolish Avni Yildirim in three one-sided rounds.
Flanked by a host of security guards, the 54-year-old opted to wear a black leather jacket with white shorts and white pumps.
RING WALK
Canelo brought in the stars for his ring walk, with music superstar J Balvin performing.
GET OFF MY STAGE
The two men were wearing T-shirts promoting Jake Paul vs Ben Askren…
‘NO ONE IN LATIN AMERICA HAS BEEN UNDISPUTED’
Canelo was quick to confirm his intention to rule the super-middleweight division when the Billy Joe Saunders fight was announced.
He said: “I want everybody.
“Saunders is the WBO champion and I want to unify.
“Saunders will try to get under my skin, people talk but I am a mature fighter who controls myself. Words are just bluffs.
“No one in Latin America has ever been undisputed at super-middle and no one has done that in the world.
“I want to make my own history, I don’t want to be like anyone else. I respect everyone.”
UNIFICATION
Can Canelo take Billy Joe Saunder’s WBO super-middleweight title on May 8?
CANELO MARCHES ON
Yildirim was a huge outsider – and there was never going to be a shock.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The fight is on!
YILDIRIM STOPPED
The Mexican pound-for-pound king Canelo took just three rounds in destroy Avni Yildirim in Miami.
SAUNDERS CONFIRMED
Eddie Hearn confirmed the date of May 8 for the blockbuster as Brit Billy Joe Saunders is finally next up for Canelo.
CAN MAN
Canelo says: “I want everybody.
“Saunders is the WBO champion and I want to unify.
“Saunders will try to get under my skin, people talk but I am a mature fighter who controls myself. Words are just bluffs.
“No one in Latin America has ever been undisputed at super-middle and no one has done that in the world.
“I want to make my own history, I don’t want to be like anyone else. I respect everyone.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
