Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez v Callum Smith: Reaction as Mexican superstar dominates to win by unanimous decision

Summary

Alvarez dominates to win Smith's WBA world super-middleweight title
Mexican Alvarez has held world belts in four weight divisions
Unanimous decision gives Alvarez vacant WBC world super middleweight title as well

Live Reporting

Luke Reddy

Tale of the tape...published at 04:41 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Image source, .
Taking deep breathspublished at 04:40 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live
This is one of those fights - you don't get them very often - where you find yourself taking deep breaths. I'm looking at Smith's corner, they seem calm but it's impossible to be calm under this much pressure
It's time...published at 04:40 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Here we go then.
It's on.
It's time...published at 04:39 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Callum Smith is introduced. There's barely a flicker of emotion. He raises his right hand to the air.
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is introduced. He takes his top of during the lengthy introduction, he gets greased up by his corner too.
"SAAOOOOLL CANNELLLLLO ALVAREZZZZ."
It rolls off the tongue.
Iconic...published at 04:36 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
MC Michael Buffer is located on the giant screen: "The officials are ready, the fighters are ready. So for the thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world, ladies and gentlemen, LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE."
No other words are needed. Iconic.
Postpublished at 04:35 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Boxing and MMA journalist Ariel Helwani tweets what I'm thinking...
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A tune with a twist...published at 04:34 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
I will say this, this is an epic ring walk.
A Mexican Mariachi band are playing 'The Final Countdown' by Europe.
What's not to like?
Bring on the trumpets...published at 04:33 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
And now we have the money man... Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
A video plays prior to his ring walk and its being voiced by actor Matthew McConaughey.
He exits the changing room, a Mexican flag being waved behind him.
A deep breath from trainer Eddie Reynoso.
The trumpets play and the Alamodome in Texas feels very Mexican. Pass me a tequila.
Smith's on his way...published at 04:30 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Michael Buffer - the legendary MC - is on the big screen and he introduces Callum Smith as the "fighting pride of the United Kingdom."
This is the champion walking to the ring first by the way. That's how big Canelo is.
Smith walks to Wages Day - a tune by Deacon Blue. All of the Smith brothers enjoyed walking to the ring to tunes from the same band.
Boos on Smith's walk...published at 04:27 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Some audible boos as Callum Smith is seen on the big screens on his walk to the ring.
A few decent cries of "CAN-EL-O... CAN-EL-O".
This is serious stuff. A proper, proper fight!
'Get that greatness'published at 04:26 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
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Get Involved...published at 04:26 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
#bbcboxing
James Court: Can’t sleep so up in bed listening to the boxing on @5liveSport, external .Come on Callum lad!!
You can tweet us on #bbcboxing.
A points win?published at 04:23 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
One of Callum Smith's fellow Liverpudlian fighters is up and watching...
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Postpublished at 04:22 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has his glove to his chest in is changing room while his country's anthem is sung in the arena.
He's mouthing the words too.
Anthem time...published at 04:21 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
The national anthems are imminent while the fighters pace around back in their changing rooms.
The biggest moment of Callum Smith's professional life is minutes away.
We'll get the UK anthem, the US anthem and the Mexican one. It's like a song contest but with the guarantee of a brawl afterwards.
Clear minds neededpublished at 04:19 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
George Groves
Former super-middleweight world champion George Groves on BBC Radio 5 Live
In these difficult Covid times, whoever can start the fight with the clearest mind and get on the job is going to have a big impact tonight
'A Mexican hero'published at 04:19 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Mike Costello
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live
It is 17 minutes past 10 in Texas as we await the arrival of both for two versions of the world super-middleweight title. The WBA super-middleweight belt and the vacant WBC title.
Canelo turned professional in 2005 and has been a professional for 15 years, almost twice as long as Smith. He has become a hero to his country.
Ready to rock...published at 04:17 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
This guy is smiling away in his changing room.
He's gloved up and ready to go.
Get your brew folks, we are close...
Image source, Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Boxing stars in Texaspublished at 04:16 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Teofimo Lopez is in the house. He shocked Vasyl Lomachenko recently.
Shocks happen folks. Shocks happen...
Image source, Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Celebs at ringsidepublished at 04:14 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2020
Alvarez v Smith
Here's Hollywood bad guy Danny Trejo, star of films such as Heat and Machete, and a champion boxer from his days in prison.
Image source, Ed Mulholland/Matchroom