Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin went to war again last night on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, and both men put on an absolute show!
The battle lasted another 36 minutes which was a bit of a surprise to me. I expected with the emotions and concentration both men had put into countering each other's styles would have come into play moreso... but it seems both fighters are immensely durable and have championship heart.
To be honest, I gave Golovkin the first fight by a large margin. Many called it close, but close rounds can still equal a lopsided fight if one guy edges each round.
This fight was much different. Golovkin hid behind his jab and at times looked stuck in place whereas Canelo approached Golovkin full steam ahead and actually tried to goad 'GGG' into many exchanges within the pocket.
There were moments in the 6th round where GGG almost looked exhuasted and hurt to the body (due to Canelo's superior boxing work down low), but Canelo too looked beat up through moments in the 7th and 8th rounds. Both men gave and took their licks like true contenders do, and I have immense respect for both men after this rematch.
The third will most likely be set up next year on the same date with both men earning a big, staple win prior to doing so. I can't see an immediate rematch as both men are surely tired of training for each other, but Billy Joe Saunders vs. Demetrius Andrade will open up a new contender to step up for both Canelo and Golovkin.
In regards to the decision itself, I actually didn't mind it going to Canelo. I thought the shots he landed throughout the fight had more intention... he also adapted to Golovkin's stalking style by counter punching and using the ropes to avoid damage beautifully.
Did you catch this rematch on the day of Mexico's Independence? Did the Jalisco phenom do enough?
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