As anticipated, it was a short night of work for Canelo Alvarez. The super middleweight champion scored a 3rd round TKO over mandatory challenger Avni Yildirum.
Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) assumed a defensive posture for the first two rounds. Essentially, hiding behind a high guard. However, Canelo never let off his offensive posture that included an effective and consistent attack to the body, with a sampling of uppercuts. Ironically, Canelo dropped Yildirum with a simple but stiff right cross in Round 3.
The biggest development of the evening however was confirmation that Canelo’s next fight will be May 8th. The bout will also promoted by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, who has one fight remaining on a two-bout deal Alvarez. The opponent is to be unbeaten WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders. A victory over Saunders let’s Canelo accomplish his goal of unifying all the super middleweight titles.
Until then check out the highlights of last night’s action here.