Canelo Routs Chavez Jr on “Cinco De Mayo”

One week after one of the most fan-friendly heavyweight title fights in history, the mercurial sport of boxing took a backward step. The heavily-hyped all-Mexican showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was a stinker. Canelo Alvarez thoroughly outclassed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In a performance that may have shamed his legendary father, Junior fought a survivor’s fight and lost all 12 rounds on all three scorecards. There were no knockdowns.

At the final pre-fight press conference, promoter Oscar De La Hoya said, “I think it’s safe to say that this is the biggest fight in Mexican boxing history.” By one yardstick that prove true. The attendance, announced at 20,510, set a record for an indoor fight in Las Vegas. But the fight was a disappointment as round after round the methodical Canelo used his adversary as a punching bag. Boos rained down from the audience as the bout wended to its dour conclusion.

Chavez Jr. had a few good moments. They came when he caught Canelo with his back to the ropes. However, during these rare occurrences, one got the feeling that Alvarez was playing possum.

After the fight, Canelo, who elevated his record to 49-1-1, stated that he would fight Gennady “GGG” Golovkin next. The likely venue for the surefire blockbuster is “Jerry’s World,” otherwise known as AT&T Stadium, the arena built to house the Dallas Cowboys. Golovkin was in attendance with his trainer Abel Sanchez, something of a surprise as he had given out hints that he wouldn’t be there.

If the negotiations unravel, David Lemieux is waiting in the wings. Lemieux was victorious in the co-feature, winning a lopsided decision (99-91 twice; 98-92) over overmatched but stubborn Marco Reyes.

Lemieux, who boosted his ledger to 38-3, established his authority in the opening frame and had a big second round when a powerful uppercut left a bad gash over Reyes’ left eye. The crimson flowed more copiously in the next frame during which Lemieux landed several thudding left hooks. In the next round, a chopping right sent Reyes mouthpiece flying across the ring. At this point, it appeared that the end was near, but Reyes soldiered on and took the bout to the scorecards. He even hurt Lemieux on several occasions late in the fight, earning cheers from the crowd for his gallant effort.

For the results of other fights, check out our companion piece by ringside reporter David A. Avila.

Canelo Routs Chavez Jr on “Cinco De Mayo”

Below are the results from the undercard.

Saturday, May 6th, 2016 – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

164.5 LB 12 RDS: Saul Alvarez def Julio Cesar Chavez Jr via UD (120-108, 120-108, 120-108)
126 LBS 10 RDS: Joseph Diaz def Manuel Avila via UD (100-91,99-91,99-91)
147 LBS 10 RDS: Lucas Martin Matthysse def Emmanuel Taylor via KO in RD 5 @2:21.
160 LBS 10 RDS: David Lemieux def Marcos Reyes via UD (98-91,99-90,99-90)
122 LBS 10 RDS: Ronny Rios def Daniel Noriega via TKO in RD 4 @2:22.
135 LBS 6 RDS: Ryan Garcia def  Tyrone Luckey via TKO in RD 2.
154 LBS 4 RDS: Raul Curiel def Jesus Ibarra Sanchez via MD (40-36,40-36,38-38)
135 LBS 6 RDS: Joseph Aguierre def Angel Alspuro via UD (60-54,60-54,60-54)
112 LBS 4×2 RDS: Marlen Esparza def Samanatha Salazar via UD (40-36,40-36,40-36)

Canelo Routs Chavez Jr on “Cinco De Mayo” / Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel.