Boxing: Saul Canelo Alvarez defeats Gennady Golovkin in thriller

Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez exchange.
Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez exchange. Photo credit: Getty

Saul Canelo Alvarez has scored a stunning majority decision over Gennady 'Triple G' Golovkin in a superfight of mega proportions in Las Vegas.

In the rematch of their first bout a year ago, which ended in a controversial split draw, Alvarez was out-landed throughout the 12-rounds, but his fast start proved to be the difference.

Golovkin finished the stronger, winning the last half of the fight, but controversy will remain with Alvarez being awarded the 12th round on two judges' scorecards, despite most pundits giving it to Golovkin.

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 15:   (L-R) Canelo Alvarez lands a left against Gennady Golovkin in their middleweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena on September 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Tom Hogan/Golden Boy/Getty Images)
Gennady Golovkin (L) and Canelo Alvarez battle during their WBC/WBA middleweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo credit: Getty

The three judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113 and 115-113.

The closeness of the final scores will spark much debate and a likely third contest between the two middlewights in 2019.

Alvarez became the unidsputed WBO, WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine middlewight champion, ending Golovkin's undefeated streak at 40 fights.

"He's a great fighter, but I'm a great fighter and I showed it tonight," Alvarez said, after he claimed his victory.

The Kazakh and Mexican boxers went blow for blow in the bout, with Golovkin pushing home an advantage into Round 11, when a right hand saw Alvarez on the ropes, but not the canvas.

The challenger did go down in the 12th, but the referee called it a slip, with Golovkin then looking to close out the fight, landing a strong uppercut.

Alvarez started the better, landing some heavy blows through the first six rounds against his 36-year-old opponent.

Golovkin, whose jab was working well throughout, caught a second win and visibly hurt the Mexican on several occasions through the final half of the fight.

But it wasn't enough for the judges, who favoured Alvarez's pressure, power fighting.

Newshub.