Canelo Alvarez defeats John Ryder in emphatic return to the ring

Canelo Alvarez showed why he’s one of the most dangerous men on the planet as he defended his title in devastating fashion.

Mexican boxer Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (L) and British boxer John Ryder (R) face off during the weighing ceremony prior to their fight for the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super middleweight titles in Guadalajara, Mexico, on May 5, 2023. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)

Canelo Alvarez proved to the world he’s still one of the most dangerous men on the planet after a dominant display on Sunday.

Fighting in Mexico for the first time in almost 12 years and fighting for the first time in almost eight months, the Mexican superstar put on a show for his hometown fans as he battered Englishman John Ryder.

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Alvarez walked out to a raucous crowd as 150 mariachi band members belted out his walkout song before fireworks went off from the roof of the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

Once the fight got underway the 32-year-old proved why he’s still a force to be reckoned with as he snapped Ryder’s four-fight win streak to claim the unanimous points victory 120-107, 118-109 x2.

After the two men felt each other out in the opening two rounds, Alvarez went to work in methodical fashion.

He picked his rival apart and busted his nose open as blood began flowing out after multiple jabs landed clean.

Ryder was left a bloodied mess and went to the canvas in the fifth following a monster right hand, sending fans up and out of their seats.

Ryder’s nose was pouring out blood.

.Ryder his the canvas (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Fans in attendance grew restless however as the fight wore on as loud boos echoed around the stadium during the eighth round.

In the final seconds of the round however a big right hand from Alvarez resulted in Ryder hitting the canvas. The referee waved it off and ruled it not a knockdown.

In the ninth round the Englishman showed off his insane heart as he urged Alvarez into a war after being rattled by another big right hand.

JOHN RYDER HAS HEART! 🦍#CaneloRyder is LIVE on DAZN PPV in the US and Canada and available as part of your regular subscription in selected territories. pic.twitter.com/56BgtRiRMd

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 7, 2023

Ryder showed more promise in the latter rounds as he fought back and landed some clean shots of his own as he arguably won the final two rounds.

In the end however it wasn’t enough as Alvarez kept walking his opponent down all the way to the final bell.

DAZN’s Chris Mannix gave the Mexican star a grade of B- for his showing, believing he isn’t the fighter that was previously the pound-for-pound king.

Boxing analyst Dan Rafael wrote: “Rd 12: Ryder 10-9. Closes well despite all the damage. Still, Canelo wins handily. 10-2 on my card plus a knockdown. Fun fight.”

Originally published as Canelo Alvarez defeats John Ryder in emphatic return to the ring