3. w KO 3 James Kirkland [2015]
THOUGH Kirkland had not fought in over a year and a half, he was still a legitimate threat to Alvarez due to his awesome power. Not many expected Kirkland to win, but fewer expected him to be knocked clean out in three rounds.
Bar a few brief spells on the ropes, ‘Canelo’ looked in full control from the opening bell, dropping Kirkland in the first round. In the third, Alvarez feinted to the body with his right before uncorking it upstairs as Kirkland tried to throw a hook, flattening the American. He was down for some time but thankfully recovered, and Alvarez would go on to agree to a fight with reigning middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.
Photo: Ed Mulholland/Hogan Photos/Getty Images
