Canelo Alvarez destroyed James Kirkland and won via third-round knockout Saturday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, showcasing some serious punching power in what was expected to be a close fight.
Alvarez knocked Kirkland down in the first round and was trying for a TKO in the second, but Kirkland rallied back. The third round was a different story.
Alvarez knocked Kirkland down twice. The first time he caught him with a vicious uppercut that sent Kirkland to the canvas.
The second was a powerful right cross that ended the fight:
And here was the first of three knockdowns — this one came in the first:
WATCH @Canelo send Kirkland to the canvas in the opening round with a strong combo #TweetReplay http://t.co/BJDxx8ywNJ
— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) May 10, 2015
Kirkland was laid out on the canvas afterwards and Canelo, realizing how much damage he inflicted, checked on his opponent. It was a nice display of sportsmanship as Alvarez wasn’t worried about celebrating, but just concerned for the health of Kirkland.
Then after his interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman, Alvarez stepped over to Kirkland, put his arm around him and asked, “You OK?”
Alvarez even said in English, “I have respect for you,” to Kirkland, who responded by saying the same to Canelo.
