Canelo Alvarez picked up an easy stoppage win against Avni Yildrim to set-up a fight with Billy Joe Saunders.
Canelo Alvarez (55–1–2, 37 KOs) wiped the floor with Avni Yildrim (21–3, 12 KOs), picking up a third-round stoppage to defend his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles.
The opening round was fairly uneventful, with Canelo landing some good punches to the body and Yildrim being hesitant to throw anything but jabs. Yildrim was a sitting duck in the second round as Canelo started to put together some good combinations off of his uppercut.
A one-two from Canelo dropped Yildrim in the third round. Although smiling as he got back to his feet, it was clear Yildrim was visibly hurt. Canelo started to seek the finish forcing Yildrim against the ropes. Yildrim landed his first notable punch of the fight catching Canelo with a counter left hook.
Whilst Yildrim was on his stool after the third round, his coach Joel Diaz said he’s giving Yildirim “one more f—king round” before he throws in the towel. Yildrim wouldn’t even go that far as the fight was stopped before the fourth round began.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn announced in the ring that Canelo will fight WBO super-middleweight title-holder Billy Joe Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs) next on Cinco De Mayo weekend, May 8th. That fight will also be streamed live on DAZN and figures to be a far more competitive matchup than what we just saw.
Official result: Canelo Alvarez def. Avni Yildirim by RTD, 3:00 of round 3