The critics will point to the obvious: Canelo did enough to outpoint Daniel Jacobs under every microscope imaginable. The issue with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in aftermath of his unification win doesn’t hinge on his credibility as a boxer. The problem lies in the way Canelo perceives himself as a PPV attraction, yet doesn’t always bring forward the most exciting of performances, with all due respect to the paying customers.
Only Floyd Mayweathermanaged to maintain his “PPV-appeal” without putting on an exciting in-ring performance – but to his credit, Money Mayweather did much of “selling” before the fight, in the press conferences, and between the bells. And on another note, Mayweather only relented in his performances once he’d put together a sparkling run up the boxing ladder.
And yet, Canelo didn’t acquit himself poorly in last night’s win against a game Daniel Jacobs our of Brooklyn. Alvarez seldom drops the line of good sportsmanship, and if anything he suffers the consequences of his counter-punching style, which begs for the opposition to draw him into the line of fire. If the opponent comes to the ring bearing the same approach, as did Daniel Jacobs to some extent – the result can be a snoozefest of a bout.
All in all, Canelo was awarded scorecards of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 on his way to a unanimous victory. As a result of the favorable decision, Canelo is now the unified Middleweight champion of the world, in what is only the 2nd of 11 contracted fights off the $365 million deal he struck in 2018.
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