It happened! Canelo Álvarez is the new Middleweight Champion. He narrowly defeated Gennady Golovkin, taking away the WBA and WBC titles to add to the Lineal Championship already in his possession. It was an exciting bout from start to finish, and Álvarez accomplished what he set out to do.

The victory comes one year after a controversial split decision. This time the T-Mobile Arena sellout crowd of 21,965 left satisfied, after witnessing a classic fight for the ages. There were no knockdowns, but two judges gave the victory to the Mexican brawler 115-113, while a third had it 114-114. Now Álvarez improves his record to 50-1-2, 34 KOs, while Golovkin gets the bitter taste of his first defeat for a record of 38-1-1, 34 KOs.

As Álvarez said, “He’s a great fighter but I’m a great fighter and I showed it tonight. I showed my victory with facts. He was the one who was backing up. I feel satisfied because I gave a great fight. It was a clear victory.”

He continues, “It was very difficult and [Golovkin] is a great fighter. I tried to do [the knockout], but in the end, it was a great victory for Mexico. I want to thank my corner, which is the best in all of boxing.”

Now the conversation turns to a third fight and according to Álvarez, “If the people want a third fight, we will do it again. But for now, I want to enjoy the moment with my family and my people. But if they want us to do it again, no doubt.”

Álvarez had difficulties in Round 10 as Golovkin pounded him with power shots for his biggest round. Abel Sanchez, Golovki’s trainer gave Álvarez respect.

He said, “We had a great fight and the one we expected the first time around. I had it close into the 12th round. We had good judges who saw two different things. I can’t complain about the decision, but it’s close enough to warrant a third fight. Canelo fought a great fight. Congratulations.”

“Under the right conditions, yes,” Golovkin said of another rematch.