FLOYD MAYWEATHER AMTANDIKA SAUL ALVAREZ

Floyd Mayweather produced another night of magic in the desert to brush aside the muscular young challenge from Mexican prodigy Saul Alvarez.
Not everyone appreciates genius at work and one of the judges gave the kid called Canelo a draw.
That was an insult to the finest boxer of his generation, who may come to be seen as one of the best of all time, the pound-for-pound Money man.

Still champion: Floyd Mayweather was hugely impressive in beating Saul Alvarez over 12 rounds in Las Vegas

Beaten man: Alvarez was outclassed from start to finish as the Mexican tasted defeat for the first time

JEFF POWELL'S SCORECARD

Mayweather	Round	Alvarez
10	1	9
10	2	9
10	3	9
10	4	9
10	5	9
10	6	9
10	7	9
10	8	9
10	9	9
10	10	9
10	11	9
10	12	9
120	Total	108

Las Vegas is Mayweather’s adopted home town but the majority of the 17,000 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena were Mexicans, here to support their man and celebrate their country’s Independence Day celebrations.
They made most of the noise, Mayweather nearly all the running.
Floyd Jnr, who had entered the hostile venue accompanied by his personal rapper, complete with microphone, gradually quietened the crowd. By the end, the chants of USA were shouting down the cries of Viva Mexico.
Mayweather is not just the unified world light-middleweight champion but the finest practitioner of the noble art.
Alvarez was not only left pawing at thin air but suffering sharp, hurtful punches from Mayweather as he danced away.

Landing at will: Mayweather had little trouble connecting with Alvarez as he eased to victory in Las Vegas

It was as beautiful to watch as it was brutal to withstand. Alvarez confirmed his courage by taking the punishment and trying to keep coming forward but it was a bewildering experience for the young pretender to the Mayweather throne.
The only blot on the command performance was the judging. Yes, again.
CJ Ross somehow contrived a 114-114 decision. Disgrace is too weak a word to describe it.  Dave Moretti gave it to Mayweather 116-112. Canada’s Craig Metcalfe, with 117-11, was closer to the truth…..which I contend to be a whitewash 120-108 without Alvarez winning a round.
Something must be done about this judging but for the meanwhile Mayweather is happy and generous in victory.
Despite some baleful exchanges in the ring, he said at the end: ‘Canelo is young and strong and great Mexican champion. I take my hat off to him and the people of Mexico. He put up a good fight.’

Now you see me: Mayweather's defence and footwork were once again in fine working order

But still Mayweather goes on undefeated. And with it the search for someone to threaten that record.
As the Mexico Independence Day crowd roared ‘Canelo, Canelo’ the Money Man was first to land; his punches by far the crisper.
In the second session, Alvarez tried to increase the pressure but Mayweather was as elusive as ever. He was also sharper to the punch. The jab gave Mayweather another close round, although Alvarez enjoyed some success late on.
Mayweather boxed the third like a cobra. He mesmerised Alvarez at the start with his deadly, flicking jab. Then he struck with venomous right hands. Alvarez shook his head to indicate he was unhurt but when he hit back the world’s No 1 was hard to find and the rounds were ticking away.
Mayweather hurt Alvarez again with a razor sharp right in the fourth and the Mexican sought respite by putting him in a headlock. Referee Kenny Bayless called time out and Alvarez refused the offer to touch gloves. The Mexican enjoyed some limited success but Mayweather was beginning to land with precision accuracy.

Admonished: Referee Kenny Bayless warns Alvarez as he struggles to contain Mayweather in Vegas

There was no questioning Canelo’s courage nor his desire to please his army of followers but Mayweather was becoming more and more hurtful. The succession of pinpoint punches were interrupted by Mexican counters from time to time but Mayweather was beginning to unfurl another master class as we neared the halfway point.
Alvarez was warned for shoving Mayweather away with his elbow and the pair exchanged angry gestures. But Mayweather – as cool as ever – quickly reasserted his authority with counter punching of a phenomenal order. Alvarez was becoming frustrated and his features were reddening.
By the seventh round, Alvaraez was being picked off as if by sniper fire. For prolonged, painful periods Canelo was backed up and bewildered against the ropes as Mayweather punched him at will.
The Mexican tried to press forward in the manner of his idol, Julio Cesar Chavez, but pinning down Mayweather was like finding quick-silver on an ice rink.  Every time he got close he was punished with lightning punches followed by swift movement to safety. Barring a shock knockout, victory was already beyond the young Mexican.

Famous faces: Model Heidi Klum and actor Jack Nicholson were among the celebrities in attendance in Vegas

So completely in control was Mayweather that Alvarez, 13 years the younger at 23, was beginning to look like the older man. Not all Mayweather’s punches were powerful but they were to the point and deeply discouraging. Even the Mexicans were beginning to gasp at the American magician.
The issue now was not whether Alvarez could spring the upset of the decade but if he could survive to the end. The rapier left jab and the stinging straight rights just kept coming.
Mayweather hit the target – Alvarez mostly hit thin air. Canelo kept coming gallantly forward but was largely embarrassed. When one of the Mexican’s wild swings hit a rope, Mayweather was looking back at the spot from the halfway across the ring. with the expression confirming he was not where his rival thought he might have been.
As Mayweather put the finishing touches to his latest masterpiece the chants of 'USA' drowned out dying roars for Canelo. The One – as he was dubbed for this fight - danced his way to another triumph – and a shut-out on my card

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