Alvarez retains undisputed super middleweight crown

Canelo Alvarez has retained his undisputed super middleweight boxing crown, winning by unanimous decision to hand feisty challenger Jaime Munguia his first loss.

Alvarez (61-2-2) overcame a somewhat slow start to dominate fellow Mexican Munguia (43-1) before a crowd of 17,492 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The champion took full control after knocking down Munguia in the fourth round.

"When I retire, my numbers will say what position I'm in," Alvarez said. "I know there's a lot of great Mexican fighters in the past, but I'm the best fighting right now."

This is the second straight time that Alvarez left no doubt who was the better fighter and showing why, even at 33, he remains one of the sport's all-time greats. Alvarez also had his way with Jermell Charlo in September to win by even wider margins.

These two fights followed two victories and a loss that were anything but impressive. While Alvarez showed he still is the class of his division, he still hasn't delivered a knockout since defeating Caleb Plant in 2021 - a span of five matches.

Alvarez was circumspect regarding what he might do next, saying he'll return to the ring "if the money is right."

"I've fought everyone and I can do what I want," he said.

The lead-up to the bout was unusually polite, with both fighters saying they were proud to represent Mexico on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Alvarez saved his harshest criticism during week not for his opponent, but for Munguia's promoter. Oscar De La Hoya used to be in Alvarez's corner, but they clearly are on opposite sides now and nearly even came to blows on Wednesday at the news conference after trading allegations.