Canelo vs. GGG 2 recap: Alvarez deals Golovkin first loss in thriller

Canelo Alvarez was able to put a blemish on Gennady Golovkin’s undefeated record with a majority decision verdict. Last March, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol, which put his rematch against Gennady G…

Canelo Alvarez was able to put a blemish on Gennady Golovkin’s undefeated record with a majority decision verdict.

Last March, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol, which put his rematch against Gennady Golovkin in jeopardy. But after serving a six-month suspension, the 28-year-old Mexican boxing star was able to achieve a form of vindication with a majority decision win on Saturday night, becoming the new WBA and WBC middleweight champion, and ending the longest active title reign in boxing.

What was the high point of the fight?

The entire 36 minutes of action was neck-and-neck, with both men scoring closely through each round. While Golovkin was landing hard shots, Alvarez was not deterred by them, and was responding with thudding body shots of his own.

Towards the end of the fight, particularly in the 12th round, Golovkin was finding a home for his crisp jabs. The two men put on a show to end the fight, capping off their lengthy rivalry for the time being. Fortunately for Alvarez, the judges saw the fight in his favor, as he was able to successful deal Golovkin his first-ever career loss.

Where do these two go from here?

Alvarez may have won fight number two, but the outcomes is not really decisive enough to put an end on this middleweight rivalry. I can likely speak for boxing fans that this warrants a third fight, considering how razor-thin these past two contests have been. We probably won’t see it right away though, as David Lemieux is the mandatory challenger for Canelo’s WBA title.

If there is one variable to consider, however, it would be that Golovkin is already 36 years of age. Considering the wars he has been involved in, it would be interesting to see how he matches up with Alvarez in a year or more, if a third fight is indeed made final for them.

Watch it now, later, or never?

The fight could have gone either way, but the action that took place was expected from both fighters of their caliber. Definitely a must-watch.