Dmitry Bivol hands Canelo Alvarez shock defeat
Very few people believe Dmitry Bivol had a chance to beat Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night, Bivol delivered the performance of a lifetime to stun Alvarez and hand the best fighter on the planet a shock defeat.
Alvarez was attempting to win a second light-heavyweight world title against the unbeaten Russian but cut a frustrated figure throughout the 12 rounds in Las Vegas. Bivol was never in trouble as he dominated large swathes of the fight.
Both men celebrated at the final bell but Bivol was awarded victory with all three judges scoring the fight 115-113 in his favour. “I’m glad I proved myself today. I am the best in my division and I keep this belt,” said Bivol. “I respect Canelo and all his team but if you don’t believe in yourself you will achieve nothing.”
Bivol outpointed Canelo
Alvarez made no excuses for his second career defeat following his loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013. “I have to accept it, it’s boxing. He’s a great boxer and sometimes in boxing you lose,” he said. “I’m not going to give any excuses. He’s a really good fighter, he comes in and goes out. I felt his power, it was a great fight and it was a good win for him.”
Bivol made the faster start and looked to land his jab with an unerring accuracy. Alvarez attempted to respond with his right hand and began to look for a home for his uppercut towards the end of the round.
The champion continued to stick to a simple-but-effective gameplan as he landed his one-two. Alvarez began to find space to land his power shots as he edged the second session. But Bivol restored his authority in the third session as he out-landed his illustrious rival.
Alvarez had been looking to land his uppercut since the opening round and he punctuated the fourth stanza with that very shot in the final seconds. The fight swung again in the fifth as Bivol started slowly but came on strong to pin Alvarez against the ropes. The Mexican responded by beckoning the champion to continue his assault.
Bivol continued his disciplined approach as he refused to be drawn into a fire-fight. Alvarez was happy to be backed up to the ropes as he looked to counter his Russian rival. Alvarez’s face was marked up as the fight entered the second half with the Mexican trailing.
“In boxing, you win and lose,” Alvarez told Mannix. “I accept this loss. He’s a great champion.”
There was a rematch clause in case Bivol did spring the upset. Now that he lost, Alvarez wants to jump right back in there with Bivol, who feels the same way.
“Of course, I want the rematch,” Alvarez said. “This doesn’t end here.”
“No problem,” Bivol retorted. “I want respect as the champion.”
With additional reports from DAZN News and Mirror UK.
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