For the first time since September, Canelo Alvarez heads back to the ring, ready to defend the undisputed super middleweight titles and secure his spot as one of the best boxers in the world. The 32-year-old boxer-puncher faces John Ryder on May 6.
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo heads home, competing inside Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. The fight airs on DAZN PPV in the U.S.
“Canelo’s return to Mexico is historic for Mexican boxing,” said trainer Eddy Reynoso. “He is returning as an undisputed champion. This is proof that a Mexican can succeed outside his country with discipline and love for his sport. I feel proud of all of this because the dream of a kid who started in Guadalajara came true, and he returns as a winner!”
Canelo beat Gennadiy Golovkin in a trilogy bout in Las Vegas last September. This will be his twelfth bout in a row where a title will be on the line. Ryder enters as the interim WBO super middleweight champion.
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Turning pro in 2005, Canelo has a 33-0-1 record in Mexico. Approximately 74,000 fans watched the launch press conference in Guadalajara via the Matchroom/ DAZN YouTube page, which had a packed house with fans coming in droves to watch.
Canelo is honored to return to Mexico and compete. It is a long time coming for the orthodox boxer. Here’s a breakdown of his last fight in his home country.
When did Canelo Alvarez last fight in Mexico?
Canelo won the WBC super welterweight title in March 2011 against Matthew Hatton. His third defense of the belt took place inside Plaza de Toros in Mexico City in November of that year against Kermit Cintron.
Cintron, a multi-time title contender, and former IBF welterweight champion, was 33-4-1 before facing Canelo.
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Per CompuBox, Canelo landed 79 shots on 215 attempts (37%) compared to Cintron's 41 landed shots on 285 attempts (14%). Canelo landed 14 in the third, 23 in the fourth and 28 in the fifth. In the fourth round, he knocked Cintron down, and in the fifth, the referee stopped the bout following multiple rights by the Mexican.
Cintron only landed double-digit shots once, with 11 in the fifth round.
Canelo has gone 19-2-1 following that fight, whereas Cintron went 6-1-2 with one no-contest and last competed in 2018.