Saul Alvarez will never be able to claim an undefeated record after being humbled by Floyd Mayweather, but the loss won't keep him from forging a lasting legacy in the future.
If anything, losing to Mayweather will only make Canelo stronger in the years to come.
Money won by way of a split decision, as noted by Showtime Sports:
Don't let the decision fool you, though.
The fact that C.J. Ross called the fight even is grounds for an investigation. ESPN Stats & Info revealed that this is the same judge who had Timothy Bradley over Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather clearly dominated the action from start to finish, putting forth a masterful performance for the archives. According to CompuBox, he landed an astonishing 42 percent of his jabs, 53 percent of his power punches and was hit just 22 percent of the time when Alvarez threw a punch.
There were moments during the fight when anyone watching became suddenly aware of the transcendent nature of Mayweather's prowess in the ring.
We've long called him the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in the world, but he further established himself as a grand-master pugilist with this win.
It was a classic student vs. master moment.
Alvarez was helpless to defend himself against Mayweather's onslaught whenever Money decided it was time to put it on the young man. He scored from every possible angle, utilizing every punch in his arsenal to great effect.
But this is Mayweather we're talking about here.
He's undeniably one of the greatest boxers in modern history, and losing to him won't send Canelo's career tumbling into the depths of oblivion.
As reported by Bob Velin of USA Today Sports, Mayweather was quick to point this out after the fight, lauding the young man as the future torchbearer for the sport of boxing:
I want to commend this young, strong champion, because he will carry the torch. Tonight's experience played a major key. Canelo's got everything it takes to be (a champion). I want to thank the country of Mexico for supporting Canelo.
I take my hat off to Canelo, he's a true champion. A true champion will take that loss and bounce back. I've only got 24 months left, then (Canelo) is the man.
Mayweather isn't known for tossing out compliments on a whim.
This was high and deserved praise for Alvarez.
He'll have a chance now to go back and look at the tape to see what he must do in order to reach Mayweather's level—or at least get as close to it as is humanly possible.
Alvarez was thoroughly dismantled by the greatest champion of this generation. There's no shame in that. He will now get stronger by getting smarter and using the lessons of this loss to become a champion in the years to come.
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