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»Canelo« Álvarez (left) lands a goal against Golovkin: younger, stronger, better
Photo: John Locher/AP
Trilogies have a long tradition in professional boxing.
The legendary rivalries between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe or between "Sugar" Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran are just the most prominent examples of disputes that were decided in three fights each.
On Sunday night, Mexican superstar Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez and his eternal adversary Gennady "GGG" Golovkin from Kazakhstan met for the third and, in all likelihood, last time.
But the fight failed to live up to expectations.
After twelve rarely spectacular rounds, Álvarez prevailed unanimously on points, handing Golovkin the second loss of his professional career.
After a draw in their first meeting in 2017, Álvarez had already narrowly and controversially won the rematch in September 2018 on points.
Now the result was clearer and should not leave any questions unanswered.
The judges Dave Moretti (116:112), Steve Weisfeld (115:113) and David Sutherland (115:113) all scored for Álvarez and were correct in their assessment.
The score could have been even clearer.
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Álvarez set the pace from the start.
From the middle of the ring, he repeatedly brought clear hits to the target with the leading and batting hand.
Golovkin didn't find his way into the fight in the early rounds and was marked early on by swelling on his head.
The punches of the now 40-year-old Kazakh seemed too slow, sluggish and predictable.
Hardly anything was to be seen of its former dynamic.
Álvarez, on the other hand, showed his qualities and showed that he is not only eight years younger, but also stronger and better than Golovkin.
Only in the ninth round did Golovkin improve and was able to make the fight more balanced in the final phase.
The Kazakh landed some nice combinations but failed to impress Álvarez.
In round ten, the two boxers bumped their heads briefly.
Álvarez suffered a small cut injury on his forehead, but this had no significant impact on the rest of the game.
In the final round, the experienced referee Russell Mora had to intervene several times and separate the clinching boxers.
Both knew that Golovkin needed a knockdown or even a knockout to win the fight after all.
That's why Álvarez stopped all attacks that could have been dangerous for him.
In the run-up to this third fight, Álvarez and Golovkin had criticized each other sharply.
After the final gong it sounded very different.
"I thank Gennady Golovkin for three great fights," said Álvarez.
'He's a very good boxer.
I'm proud to have shared the ring with him.«
"He was better today," Golovkin said.
»Everyone wants to box against ›Canelo‹.
He is simply the best.
I have nothing but respect for him.”
Álvarez remains the undisputed super middleweight world champion (up to 76.204 kg) with the win.
His real goal is a rematch against Russian Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight (up to 79.379 kg).
Bivol had defeated Álvarez in May.
"Everyone knows I want to take revenge," the Mexican said.
»But for now I need a break.«
And Golovkin?
It had been speculated in advance that this fight could be his last major appearance.
But the Kazakh rejected a possible career end.
'Of course I'll come back.
I'm still a champion.
I've got some big fights left.” Golovkin had moved up a weight class for the fight against Álvarez.
He still holds the IBF and WBA middleweight world titles (up to 72.575 kg) and despite the defeat he can return to his usual limit to defend his belt there.
