The “return of the King” is how the May 6 big fight between Guadalajara-born boxing hero Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and British challenger John Ryder had been billed.

And like another coronation taking place a few thousand miles away, Canelo was duly crowned, dominating his opponent, although in 12 rounds and failing to get the knock out he had predicted before the fight.

Underdog Ryder’s gutsy performance earned him many plaudits. When Canelo thumped him to the canvas in the 5th round, it seemed the fight was headed for an early conclusion. Bloodied but not beaten, Ryder managed to hang in and claw his way back into the contest, even slugging it out with Canelo in the last two rounds, although he was way behind on the judge’s scorecards. After the fight, Canelo praised Ryder, calling him the best of the eight British boxers he has fought and defeated during his career.

With his victory, Canelo retained his undisputed light middleweight crown (four belts) and again cemented his place as boxing’s biggest star.

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