Canelo Wins as Saunders Quits With An Eye Injury. Caleb Plant Next?
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Arlington, TX (May 9th, 2021)– In the main event of an eight bout card at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night, May 7, 2021, With an all-time record of over 70 thousand spectators in attendance despite the ongoing pandemic, Saul Canelo Alvarez scored an eighth round stoppage of Billy Joe Saunders. Canelo appeared behind on the scorecards, but benefited from a bruise below the right eye of Saunders after the seventh round, and capitalized with a punch to the right eye of Saunders in a low crouch, which left Saunders unable to see out of the eye.
Canelo, 56-1-2 with 38 knockouts, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, felt he broke part of Saunders face with the money punch, a cracking feeling which turned the bout. The punch apparently broke Saunders momentum as well as his spirit. Saunders, 30-1 with 14 knockouts, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, seemed the bigger and more active fighter from the start, and a real chance of an upset, appearing to win rounds one, two, four and five with more active jabs and superior head movement and footwork. Canelo missed a lot. Saunders flaw had to do with ego. Frequently dropping his hands, mocking Canelo when Canelo landed punches, and even sticking his tongue out. This tactic did not work for Sugar Ray Leonard against Hector Macho Camacho, and it did not work for Saunders here. The judges ultimately and the bout 78-74, 78-74 and 77-75 for Canelo, proving the theory no outside could ever get a decision over Canelo in Canelo territory.
Saunders had a lack of respect for Canelo, as well as Canelo’s power. Many a fighter has fought with one eye to see out of, and other injuries. As soon as Saunders got hit and hurt, he wilted, and his confidence vanished from the ring like a balloon which has lost its air. Sanders never reached the all-important championship rounds with Canelo. Perhaps, if Saunders had maintained a tighter defense and had taken his challenge as seriously as Canelo did, he could have done better. Now, with only 21-0 International Boxing Federation World Super Middleweight champion Caleb Plant in his way, Canelo has a pathway to unify every 168 pounds world title. Canelo will next fight in September 2021.
Result: Saul Canelo Alvarez Win Referee’s Technical Decision 8 Billy Jo Saunders (3:00)
Alvarez retains World Boxing Council World Super Middleweight title
Alvarez retains World Boxing Association Super World Super Middleweight title
Alvarez wins World Boxing Organisation World Super Middleweight title
30-0 WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders retired on his stool after round eight with eye injury
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