Despite the build-up given in this newspaper and other media, the much anticipated fight between Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez and fellow Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. turned out be a dud.

Such was Alvarez’s superiority that his opponent failed to win a single round or land a significant punch.

Around 20,000 mostly Mexican fans in Las Vegas booed Chávez Jr. at the end of a fight that had been billed as “The Battle For Mexico.” Alvarez, the 25-year-old world champion from Guadalajara, was simply in a different class than his 31-year-old opponent, the son of Mexican boxing legend  Julio César Chávez Sr.

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman put it bluntly: “This was Chavez’ last chance. He has no more future in boxing.”

Even Chavez Jr.’s distinguished father criticized his son for “not trying.”

Alvarez, on the other hand, has the world at his feet. 

No sooner had the fight ended than fearsome world-light middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin stepped into the ring for the surprise announcement that he and Canelo will be facing off on September 16, Mexican Independence Day. 

This is the fight the world of boxing has been waiting for, matching the two hottest pugilists of the moment. Although the purse, catchweight and venue still have to be decided, the two sides have finally agreed to the contest after months of wrangling. 

Boxing experts say victory for Alvarez over the hard-punching Golovkin would elevate the Tapatio to global superstar status.