Anthony Dirrell wants Canelo after stunning boxing decapitation

The world is asking what’s next for Canelo Alvarez and the answer could be right under his nose as fans lost their minds for a one-punch stunner.

Anthony Dirrell is feeling good. Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP

Boxing megastar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez made history on Sunday (AEST) but the undercard also delivered something very special.

Alvarez became the first man to ever unite the super middleweight division with his 11th round KO of the previously undefeated Caleb Plant.

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But before the main event got underway, fans were treated to one of the KOs of the year from 37-year-old Anthony Dirrell.

While Dirrell appeared to be starting to age out of the sport after a loss to David Benavidez and a draw to Kyrone Davis in his last two fights, the two-time world champion showed he wasn’t a spent force against Marcos Hernandez.

In four dominant rounds, Dirrell hit his opponent at will before he unleashed a blistering finishing move.

Landing the uppercut up the middle, it connected right on the button and left Hernandez in la-la land.

Anthony Dirrell with the 4th round KO. You see the wind up on that right uppercut?? GAH DAMN!!!! #boxing#CaneloPlantpic.twitter.com/dvaPmQHEaI

— Chris L (@droppedballspod) November 7, 2021

That is one hell of a punch. Photo: Main Event

While Hernandez made it back to his feet, he wasn’t stable on his legs and referee Celestino Ruiz waved off the fight.

“I had to slip and put it right on the button,” Dirrell said. “We practised that in the gym and it worked.”

The celebrations began as soon as the punch landed for Dirrell, who capped it off with a flip.

He said he knew he won when he saw Hernandez on the canvas.

“He started twitching on the floor but he got up,” Dirrell said. “I think it should have been over with him on the ground just to keep him calm because when you get up from stuff too fast, it makes it worse. I knew he wasn’t going to continue after that.”

What a shot. Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP

While the boxing world was waiting for Canelo-Plant, social media erupted over the stunning finish.

CBS Sports writer Brian Campbell wrote: “Hell of a finish from Dirrell”.

Dan Rafael tweeted: “In a superb performance, @Anthonydirrell scored a spectacular one-punch uppercut KO of Marcos Hernandez. Dirrell hopes to land a shot with the #CaneloPlant winner.”

Anthony Dirrell landed a movie punch lol. That’s insane

— Eddie Gonzalez (@bansky) November 7, 2021

That wind-up right uppercut KO by "The Dog" Anthony Dirrell was one of the most powerful and prettiest I've ever seen and showed that the former champ from Michigan still has enough left at 37 to be a contender at 168. #boxing@SHOsports

— Bob Velin (@BobVelin) November 7, 2021

What a nasty nasty uppercut from Anthony Dirrell. Good lord.

— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) November 7, 2021

Dirrell told me earlier in the week he was hoping an impressive KO would get him at least one more BIG fight at 168. Definitely will be in the discussion after that KO.

— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) November 7, 2021

It was well and truly over. Photo by David Becker/Getty Images

After the fight, Dirrell called out Canelo and admitted he would retire if he can’t get the big fight. Even before his bout he was making noises about the Mexican.

“I want Canelo, the big head honcho,” Dirrell said. “I think everybody wants him. Everybody wants to dethrone him, hopefully I made a big enough statement to get him, that’s the plan.

“I’m 37-years-old, if I can’t fight for something, I’m fighting for nothing. That’s every boxer’s dream, to be undisputed champion. So at least let me fight for it and see. If I can’t, I’m getting to old for this man and I can’t keep doing it.”

Originally published as Anthony Dirrell wants Canelo after stunning boxing decapitation