LAS VEGAS — The boisterous, surprising support for Jaime Munguia was swiftly extinguished with a patented Canelo Alvarez combination, a left hook followed by a right uppercut that planted the challenger on the canvas for the first knockdown of his 44-fight career.
Alvarez, boxing’s top star, continued to build momentum after that fourth-round knockdown and won Saturday night’s fight with his cleaner, sharper, harder shots to retain his undisputed super middleweight championship in an all-Mexican battle on Cinco De Mayo Weekend.
Alvarez’s fourth successful defense was made official via scores of 115-113, 117-110 and 116-111. ESPN scored it 118-109.
“All the world is watching us, the Mexicans,” said Alvarez (61-2-2), ESPN’s No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer. “I take my time, that’s why I have a lot of experience. He’s a great fighter, he’s strong, he’s smart. I have 12 rounds to win the fight. I did really good and I feel really proud about it.
“He’s a little slow, I can see every punch. Sometimes he caught me because I got too confident. … That’s why I’m the best. … I’m the best fighter right now for sure.”
Munguia fell to 43-1.