Canelo Alvarez picks Jaime Mungua in title defense

LAS VEGAS – The loud and surprising support for Jaime Munguia was quickly snuffed out by Canelo Alvarez’s patented combination, a left hook followed by an upper right that planted the challenger to the canvas in the first knockout of his 44-fight career.

Alvarez, a superstar in boxing, continued to build momentum after that fourth-round knockdown and won Saturday night’s fight with his cleaner, sharper and harder shots to retain the undisputed super middleweight championship in an all-Mexican fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend. .

Alvarez’s fourth successful defense was made official by scores of 115-113, 117-110 and 116-111. ESPN scored it 118-109.

“The whole world is watching us, the Mexicans,” said Alvarez (61-2-2), ESPN’s No. 4 boxer. “I’m taking my time, that’s why I have a lot of experience. He’s a great fighter, he’s tough, he’s smart. I have 12 rounds to win the fight. I did a really good job and I feel really proud of that.”

“He’s a little slow, I can see every punch. Sometimes he would catch me because I was so confident. … That’s why I’m the best. … I’m the better fighter now for sure.”

Munguia fell to 43-1.