Canelo vs Ryder LIVE! Boxing fight results, reaction and latest updates as Mexican defends belts

Canelo vs Ryder - LIVE!

Canelo Alvarez was taken the full 12 rounds by John Ryder, but enjoyed a successful return to Mexico as he defended his undisputed super-middleweight crown with a wide points victory. Fighting on home soil for the first time in over a decade, Canelo entered the ring looking to respond to a relatively poor 2022 by his lofty standards, a year that saw him lose to Dmitry Bivol and win a largely uneventful bout with Gennady Golovkin on the cards before undergoing surgery on his left hand.

Ryder meanwhile came into this bout with five defeats on his record, three of those to fighters comfortably beaten by Canelo, and so the pressure was on the home favourite to deliver a statement display in front of almost 50,000 fans in Guadalajara. Canelo was well on course to do just that when he dropped Ryder in the fifth round with a sharp right hand, with the blood already streaming from the British man’s nose.

Ryder was remarkably brave though and continued to fire back as Canelo relentlessly marched forward and pushed for the stoppage win, and the sound of the final bell served as a moral victory against arguably the biggest name in the sport. The result was never in doubt, one judge scoring it 120-107 in the Mexican’s favour and the other two cards having him 118-109 ahead, leaving Ryder as the eighth entry to the list of British fighters defeated by Canelo, who keeps a firm hold of his WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts.

Canelo vs Ryder latest news

• Canelo eases to wide points win over Ryder

• Martinez stops Batista in 11th round

• Gollaz fortunate to get decision against Spark

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06:18 , Matt Verri

Canelo Alvarez was taken the full 12 rounds by John Ryder, but enjoyed a successful return to Mexico as he defended his undisputed super-middleweight crown with a wide points victory.

Fighting on home soil for the first time in over a decade, Canelo entered the ring looking to respond to a relatively poor 2022 by his lofty standards, a year that saw him lose to Dmitry Bivol and win a largely uneventful bout with Gennady Golovkin on the cards before undergoing surgery on his left hand.

Ryder meanwhile came into this bout with five defeats on his record, three of those to fighters comfortably beaten by Canelo, and so the pressure was on the home favourite to deliver a statement display in front of almost 50,000 fans in Guadalajara. Canelo was well on course to do just that when he dropped Ryder in the fifth round with a sharp right hand, with the blood already streaming from the British man’s nose.

Ryder was remarkably brave though and continued to fire back as Canelo relentlessly marched forward and pushed for the stoppage win, and the sound of the final bell served as a moral victory against arguably the biggest name in the sport.

The result was never in doubt, one judge scoring it 120-107 in the Mexican’s favour and the other two cards having him 118-109 ahead, leaving Ryder as the eighth entry to the list of British fighters defeated by Canelo, who keeps a firm hold of his WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts.

Read our full report here!

Next up?

05:47 , Matt Verri

Reaction from Canelo

05:34 , Matt Verri

05:26 , Matt Verri

Canelo has made it clear he wants to fight Bivol next, and a rematch he says has to take place at 175lbs.

Almost admits he wasn’t fully confident throwing that left hand after surgery until a few rounds into the fight tonight.

Full quotes on what he’s had to say in the ring coming up...

How they scored it...

05:21 , Matt Verri

AND STILL!

05:15 , Matt Verri

120-107. 118-109. 118-109.

Unanimous decision for Canelo Alvarez, a successful return to Mexico and he marches on. Remains undisputed champion at super-middleweight.

Canelo vs Ryder

05:11 , Matt Verri

Round 12

Touch of gloves as we enter the final round of the fight. How much does Canelo want to risk for a knockout?

He’s urging Ryder on, he wants to stand there and trade. Ryder continues to pick his shots on the inside, his corner have done an unbelievable job to slow the blood coming from his noise.

Into the final minute, Canelo getting a bit frustrated as he demands Ryder comes forward. The British man continues to smother Canelo’s shots well though.

And there’s the final bell. Massive effort from Ryder, but it will be a wide points win for Canelo.

Canelo vs Ryder

05:06 , Matt Verri

Round 11

Six minutes for Canelo to find a knockout, as the crowd turn the noise levels up.

He’s going to do the body of Ryder more now, but the British man is taking it well and he lands another uppercut on the inside. Been a clear tactic.

Low-key round this overall, Canelo not forcing the pace at all and Ryder has no real desire to push things either.

Canelo vs Ryder

05:02 , Matt Verri

Round 10

At the stage now where Ryder will only win this by stopping Canelo. So much heart though, he’s been standing between rounds despite the punishment taken.

This has been a fairly decent round for Ryder, throwing plenty and hasn’t taken anything clean. Bit of zip seems to have gone from Canelo’s punches... tiring?

Big right hand at the end of the round would suggest he’s not feeling too bad.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:58 , Matt Verri

Round 9

Ryder almost exclusively on the back foot, still wants to make this as scrappy as possible. Problems have come when Canelo has been controlling the distance. Straight right from Canelo, blocked well by Ryder.

Ryder rocked! Legs all over the place as Canelo tags him, stumbles back onto the ropes! Referee having a very close look. Still 20 seconds of the round to go.

The Brit is still throwing shots, but the overhand right comes in and catches him again. Legs not under him at all but Ryder makes it back to his corner!

Canelo vs Ryder

04:55 , Matt Verri

Round 8

Canelo very clearly not worried about what’s being thrown by Ryder, he’s walking his opponent down. Ryder throwing plenty but nothing clean is landing with any sort of regularity. Still not a real push for a stoppage from Canelo, who knows he’s in control.

Ryder now again... a trip though! Not what the Mexican fans wanted. It is the bell for the end of the round though.

Another one for Canelo.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:50 , Matt Verri

Round 7

Big response from Ryder’s corner as their man lands a straight left, and he smothers the shot that comes back. Similar pattern of Ryder’s nose starting to pour with blood again in the second minute of rounds, as the work from the corner wears off.

It’s looking as bad as it has all fight now, and Canelo is having a chat with Ryder now. Well it’s a pretty one-way conversation.

Uppercut again on the inside from Ryder, but he’s being troubled by all this blood. Continues to paw away at it.

Good round for Canelo, who has a wide lead on the cards.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:46 , Matt Verri

Round 6

So brave from Ryder, who continues to throw his shots and a fair few of them are landing. Canelo’s head snapped back but he’s still coming and coming at Ryder.

And a lovely uppercut from the Brit! Swivels away from a massive right from Canelo, that would have probably been that had it landed.

That was a really impressive round from Ryder, considering what happened in the fifth.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:43 , Matt Verri

Round 5

Can Ryder survive the final minute of this round? He’s swinging back, not looking to just survive.

The pressure is relentless though, Canelo just calmly marching forwards and with no real need to rush anything. He’s happy to leave it there for the round.

Ryder breathing really heavily as he sits down in his corner.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:41 , Matt Verri

Round 5

Ryder’s corner spending most of the time between rounds just cleaning him up.

He’s trying to make this a rough fight, getting in close to Canelo and looking to hold. Mexican not really letting it happen though.

RYDER DOWN! One-two from Canelo, slightly delayed reaction but Ryder topples over and he’s looking at his corner.

Face a mess again, he’s not looking good at all as he gets to his feet. Huge problems now...

Canelo vs Ryder

04:38 , Matt Verri

Round 4

A good uppercut landed from Ryder in the third round, but otherwise he was under a lot of pressure as the blood poured from his nose. Looks to be a bit more under control now though.

That has been impacting Ryder’s breathing though, unable to do so normally through his nose which has opened up again as Canelo aims at the very appealing red target.

Ryder is looking to let his hands go, but Canelo is stopping pretty much everything from landing. Mexican complains about a clash of heads too as the pair come together, doing a bit of refereeing.

Ryder to be fair to him is holding his own, not just looking to defend, but that nose is a concern.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:34 , Matt Verri

Round 3

There’s a fair bit of blood suddenly coming from Ryder’s nose, sharp right from Canelo and the British man looks uncomfortable now. Blood is flowing down his chest.

Ryder getting pushed back onto the ropes too often, as he continues to flick away at his nose. Face is a mess now.

Right hand comes in against from Alvarez, this time Ryder sees it coming and ducks under it. His corner have to get to work on this blood as the round ends.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:30 , Matt Verri

Round 2

This ring really is tiny. Nowhere to move.

Canelo though fairly patient in picking his shots as he settles into the fight. Ryder a bit more cautious this round, backing off and Canelo throws a couple of big right hands.

Ryder not having much success when he tries to hold the Mexican, he’s just being shrugged off. The Brit isn’t really throwing many jabs, looking more for the counter shots.

Canelo vs Ryder

04:24 , Matt Verri

Round 1

Canelo wasting little time in looking for that left hook to the body, but Ryder is trying to let his hands go too. Hasn’t landed with anything yet.

He’s got the Mexican back on the ropes here, looking to enjoy some success on the inside but Canelo has his hands well up and shoves Ryder away.

The British fighter is looking to close the distance, wants this bout to take place at close range. Canelo responds with a sharp right hand, before another left to the body comes in.

Couple of nice jabs to end the round from Canelo, confident enough start.

AT LAST

04:23 , Matt Verri

We’re up and running in the first round.

04:22 , Matt Verri

Ah, we’re back to John Ryder. Poor guy has been waiting for near enough 15 minutes. And another introduction for Canelo, in case you forgot he was here.

David Diamante milking it a bit with this build-up for Canelo. Listing every single thing he’s ever won. Pretty sure he’s included a 25m swimming badge.

Not too shabby...

04:19 , Matt Verri

04:17 , Matt Verri

Well that was an outrageous ring walk. Fist pumped half of Mexico in the ring too.

Now the small matter of the actual fight, and turning his attention to that. The band are still playing away, big finish as even more fireworks are let off.

That was quite something. Time for a bit of boxing.

04:14 , Matt Verri

Hope Ryder brought a chair and some pillows. There’s all sorts going on as we wait for Canelo.

Got a full-on dance show, seemingly hundreds involved in this ring walk and the crowd are loving every second. Oh, and now some fireworks.

Here is Canelo, wearing a crown and a smirk. Looking pretty happy with life.

With a few friends...

04:10 , Matt Verri

04:10 , Matt Verri

Ryder has already been greeted by about 15 people since he got in the ring. Doesn’t really look in the mood to speak to any of them, as you’d imagine.

He’s going to have to keep himself busy though, because the Canelo montages have started and the Mexican is not going to rush to the ring.

04:07 , Matt Verri

Well it’s all been very nice so far, the ring is absolutely packed with people.

Just a couple missing really, and they’re fairly important. Canelo and Ryder would be good, some time soon.

Here we go, Ryder making his way to the ring. A LOT of boos.

04:03 , Matt Verri

Time for the national anthems. Bit strange to do it without the fighters, but here we go anyway.

It would be fair to say the Mexican one has gone down slightly better than God Save The King.

03:59 , Matt Verri

The stadium is full, Mexico is ready for the return of the main man.

Going to be an incredible noise when he walks out very shortly. And, I imagine, an incredible amount of boos greeting Ryder.

ANOTHER signing...

03:54 , Matt Verri

03:51 , Matt Verri

Final warm-ups taking place backstage. Ryder will shortly be making his way to the ring.

Sounds like it’s quite the ring walk planned for Canelo, so the Englishman could be waiting for a fair while once he gets there.

Ryder: Rematch to come at the Emirates

03:46 , Matt Verri

John Ryder has cautioned his illustrious opponent against underestimating him and says it will be him rematching Canelo Alvarez in the autumn, once he has beaten him tonight.

His 32-5 record will not intimidate too many inside the Estadio Akron, and support will be few and far between on fight night, but he does joke he “looks more Mexican than Canelo does”.

He warned Alvarez: “There’s massive talk of Bivol or (David) Benavidez, but don’t sleep on me — the only rematch you’re having in September is me at the Emirates Stadium. Win this fight and I’ll be a wanted man, for sure.”

Main event is next!

03:42 , Matt Verri

Undercard is done. It’s time for Canelo vs Ryder.

The Mexican has been incredibly relaxed backstage, hugging his daughter and praying with his grandmother, who is watching him in person for the first time as a professional.

Not looking like a man feeling any sort of nerves...

Relief for Martinez

03:39 , Matt Verri

Martinez vs Batista

03:37 , Matt Verri

Round 11

Martinez pushing for the finish, Batista in huge trouble on the ropes. Big right lands, and now it’s a constant barrage of shots... REFEREE WAVES IT OFF!

It’s a stoppage win for Martinez, Batista and his corner are furious with that decision. He did look in real strife.

Martinez vs Batista

03:35 , Matt Verri

Round 10

The pop has slightly gone from Batista. That confidence he had in the middle rounds has been draining away, Martinez now well on top and he snaps a couple of jabs in.

Great work to the body from Martinez just before the bell, and Batista’s mouthguard has gone flying out of the ring. Makes it to the end of the round without any further damage.

Martinez vs Batista

03:30 , Matt Verri

Round 9

Batista needs to get a bit of control back, last round was concerning for him.

Martinez has had to come through some testing moments but he looks far more comfortable now, moved off the ropes and he’s in the centre of the ring.

Not a huge amount of action in that round, but Martinez is probably a couple up now on the cards with the knockdown and point deduction.

Martinez vs Batista

03:26 , Matt Verri

Round 8

Well then, referee has paused things at the start of the fight and declared that it was in fact a knockdown! Martinez will now credit for it. All very bizarre but the right decision eventually. Feels like WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman just overturned that himself, which is not really how it’s supposed to work...

Batista is in trouble here as Martinez puts the combinations together, pretty much the first time he’s done that all fight. Mexican is looking so much better and Batista is starting to look a bit ragged.

Martinez vs Batista

03:22 , Matt Verri

Round 7

Mexican wave going around the stadium. Makes sense, I guess. Even if this is the one place on earth it should be allowed, still not a great reflection on the action inside the ring from their man.

BATISTA DOWN!

Or not, referee says no knock down! No idea how he’s decided that was a slip. Batista is hurt and Martinez has come alive, spiteful shots coming in now. Senses this is his moment.

Much better from Martinez, who was very unfortunate that wasn’t called a knockdown.

Martinez vs Batista

03:18 , Matt Verri

Round 6

This is not what we were expecting at all. Batista walking Martinez down, he’s all over the Mexican.

Body shot from Batista, lands upstairs too. He’s constantly on the front foot, Martinez trying to land counter shots but it’s not really happening. Crowd starting to jeer.

Another round down, halfway stage of the bout. Martinez has problems.

Martinez vs Batista

03:14 , Matt Verri

Round 5

Batista is growing in confidence, Martinez needs to wake up. This was supposed to be a fight that enabled him to make a statement and set up a bigger fight next - looks well off the pace as he’s caught again with a right.

The Mexican is vulnerable here, defensively not good at all. Barely threw a punch in that round, Batista very much controlling it.

With that point deduction, I’ve got it level on the card.

Martinez vs Batista

03:10 , Matt Verri

Round 4

Batista backed up, uppercut comes in from Martinez to follow it up. Crowd briefly engaged but otherwise it’s all very muted from the stands.

This gets them going though, Batista backed onto the ropes and Martinez is warming to the task. Uppercut from Batista is good though, one of his best of the night.

Here’s the Martinez charge though, unloading as Batista is pushed onto the ropes. It’s impressive though from Batista, gets himself out of trouble and took those shots well.

And we have yet more shots landed after the bell! Batista landed flush on Martinez’s chin, and he immediately bows in apology. Doesn’t stop him having a point deducted.

Martinez vs Batista

03:05 , Matt Verri

Round 3

Martinez is starting to close the distance and engage in the exchanges on the inside. Looks like he’ll have plenty of success when he does throw more, but still fairly reluctant to do so.

Batista has to watch for that left hook, it’s coming at every opportunity when he walks forward. Nice jab from Martinez, very nearly lands after the bell again but just stops himself in time.

Three rounds, three for Martinez.

Martinez vs Batista

03:01 , Matt Verri

Round 2

Left hook being thrown by Martinez, not landing clean though. The Mexican is not pushing the pace at all, which is a bit of a surprise... thought there might by a bit more urgency from him.

He bursts into life in the final ten seconds of the round, pretty much sprints at Batista and lets his hands go.

Then lands a left hook well after the bell, Batista not impressed at all and the referee has to jump in.

Martinez vs Batista

02:57 , Matt Verri

Round 1

It’s a very sharp start from Martinez, but he’s not particularly pushing the pace. Landing nice counters when Batista lunges forward.

The champion very controlled, but Batista doesn’t look fazed with the situation. Both have settled nicely.

02:53 , Matt Verri

Right, both fighters are in the ring which is always a good place to start.

Would be a big shock if Martinez didn’t defend his world title here. Home fans would be less than impressed too.

His job is to warm them up before Canelo takes to the ring - time to see if he can do just that!

02:51 , Matt Verri

Julio Cesar Martinez and Ronal Batista are in the ring, with Martinez’s WBC flyweight title on the line.

Took a while for David Diamante to realise he wasn’t in the ring, was announcing all the details before looking over to the corner and seeing empty space. Here comes the champ.

Some Matchroom news...

02:47 , Matt Verri

Regis Prograis is in attendance tonight and it’s just been confirmed that he has signed with Matchroom.

Some massive fights in store for him you’d imagine, he’s already mentioning a rematch with Josh Taylor.

02:44 , Matt Verri

One more fight to come on the undercard, before the focus shifts to the main event.

Julio Cesar Martinez vs Ronal Batista next up in what could very well be a thrilling flyweight bout. We’ll find out whether that’s the case very shortly.

The Brit is very chilled!

02:42 , Matt Verri

Split decision for Gollaz!

02:39 , Matt Verri

Gollaz is jumping around on the ropes, saluting his home fans. Doesn’t fully look like even he believes it though. Would be very harsh on Spark if he doesn’t get the decision here.

96-93 Gollaz. Hmmm.

95-94 Spark.

95-94 Gollaz

Not sure about that. Mexican is very fortunate.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:35 , Matt Verri

Round 10

Spark isn’t pushing for the stoppage, get the impression he thinks he’s done enough. Gollaz not exactly chucking the kitchen sink at him either though.

Final ten seconds... late flurry? They both let their hands go, but there’s the final bell.

95-94 Spark for me.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:31 , Matt Verri

Round 9

Gollaz has to push the pace now, needs these two rounds to have a chance on the cards.

It’s Spark though hammering Gollaz to the body, continues to have plenty of success and no real sign of him tiring. Such an impressive display from the Australian.

He’s probably just about edged that one too. Gollaz has to find something very special in the final three minutes.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:27 , Matt Verri

Round 8

Spark has thrown and landed more than double the number of power punches in the opening seven rounds as Gollaz. All-action.

For once Spark is opting to move around the ring a bit more, Gollaz unable to find his range and missing by a long way.

And now Spark unloads to the body, followed by a huge shot upstairs. Gollaz rattled, not looking great at all as he makes his way back to the corner.

For all Gollaz is the home favourite, and had the 10-8 round, Spark has to be edging this on the cards.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:23 , Matt Verri

Round 7

Spark looks to have recovered, it’s Gollaz back on the ropes covering up! Been such a good fight, best of the night by a mile.

Australian has done so well to bounce back from that last round, he’s throwing everything! Gollaz has his head down, just swinging away too. Wild from both but it’s engrossing.

That’s a superb round from Spark. Got control of this fight back.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:19 , Matt Verri

Round 6

Gollaz is fighting in his hometown here but he looks like he’s having an absolutely miserable time. Skipped to the ring, been under fire since then.

This is more like it, left uppercut lands and follows it up with a body shot, Gollaz letting his hands go... Spark down! Out of nowhere the Australian is in huge trouble.

Getting caught a lot now, his legs aren’t fully underneath him. And Gollaz is landing at will, Spark needs to throw something back.

Wow. Spark makes it to the bell but that was a disastrous round for him.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:15 , Matt Verri

Round 5

Gollaz taking a lot of punishment, he looks in a bit of trouble as Spark unloads but legs are still steady.

Big left hook from Gollaz lands, but Spark responds with a right. Neither shy in putting everything behind their shots, no half-measures at all.

And here comes Spark again, heading into the final seconds of the round. Massive right hand lands on the bell, he has to be in control of this on the cards. Could be 4-1 up.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:11 , Matt Verri

Round 4

Crowd filling up, wouldn’t say they’re engaged with what’s going on in the ring though. No reaction to any of the action.

Power from Spark is evident, getting through Gollaz’s guard and he’s feeling it. Tries to land a massive uppercut of his own, misses by a long way.

Better finish to the round from Gollaz, both swinging away but neither landing match. A very even round.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:07 , Matt Verri

Round 3

It’s a bit wild at times when Spark comes forward, certainly no half measures. Lands a couple of straight lefts to the head, looks to follow it up to the body. Gollaz’s face is starting to mark up.

More food work from Spark, who then decides to get Gollaz in a headlock. Not really going to get away with that.

Another entertaining few minutes, and I’ve got Spark 2-1 up now.

Gollaz vs Spark

02:03 , Matt Verri

Round 2

Pace has slowed right down, Spark realising he cannot keep that up and settling into something a bit more controlled.

Better round for Gollaz, landing the better shots and avoiding any punishment coming the other way. Still feels like a fight that could explode again at any moment.

Gollaz vs Spark

01:59 , Matt Verri

Round 1

Some start to this fight! Spark swinging for the hills in the opening minute, piling the pressure on in the very early stages. Sounds like there are some boos from the crowd - bit harsh, this is the best action we’ve had all night.

It’s eased off a bit after those frantic exchanges, Gollaz starting to get himself into the fight a bit more. Still Spark’s round, he finishes as he started by flying forward and throwing the kitchen sink.

01:55 , Matt Verri

Joe Pasquale is one of the judges tonight. I’m going to assume it’s not the comedian who has got the late call-up, but no official confirmation of that.

Maybe he’s big in the Mexican boxing scene. Maybe not.

Anyway, time for another bout. Gollaz and Spark ready to get underway. Stadium still not even close to half full.

In the building!

01:51 , Matt Verri

01:48 , Matt Verri

Two fights to go and then our focus turns to the main event.

Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela vs Steve Spark next up, ten round of super light-weight action. Spark up against a hometown favourite here.

Coming up next...

01:40 , Matt Verri

01:36 , Matt Verri

95-95. 96-93. 96-94.

Winner by majority decision... Rodriguez! He moves to 11-0.

A lot closer on the cards than I thought it would be, but he’s done enough to get the job done.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:33 , Matt Verri

Round 10

Rodriguez with his hands down by his side, safe to say he’s feeling very comfortable in there. Picking Mejia apart now, uppercut is having so much success.

No real desire to push for a stoppage though, he’s happy to coast through to the final bell. Big smile on his face as it comes, he knows he’s done enough.

I’ve got it 98-92 to Rodriguez.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:29 , Matt Verri

Round 9

Mejia caught three times in the space of 20 seconds as he comes forward, he’s eating a fair few uppercuts. Rodriguez timing his shots as well as he has all fight.

The corner of Mejia want him to throw more right hands, his main issue though is the fact he keeps getting tagged.

Comfortably Rodriguez’s round, and Mejia will need a stoppage in the final three minutes if he’s to avoid defeat here.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:25 , Matt Verri

Round 8

Mejia almost spins himself round with that left hook, didn’t judge the distance at all.

Rodriguez sticking with his tactic of moving around the ring and looking for counter shots, still not putting together combinations though. Work rate has come from Mejia throughout the fight.

Two rounds to go, Rodriguez in control on the cards you’d imagine.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:21 , Matt Verri

Round 7

Mejia tagged there, goes stumbling back but more of a balance issue than anything else. Did get caught there as he came forward though.

Rodriguez has slowed down for sure, potentially starting to get a bit tired in there. Good exchange in the final ten seconds, it’s a very competitive bout this.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:17 , Matt Verri

Round 6

Referee almost gets tangled up with Rodriguez - further proof that there is very little room in this ring!

Great counter left from Rodriguez, who is very much on the back foot in this round as Mejia continues to march forward. Most of these rounds have been fairly tight, but the cleaner work just about coming from Rodriguez.

He does though have a bit of blood coming from his nose now.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:13 , Matt Verri

Round 5

Both throw huge right hands, both miss by a couple of miles. Mejia struggling to keep Rodriguez in range, he’s moving so well around the ring. Staying out of any trouble.

He’s got Rodriguez in the corner here though, throwing to body and head and he’s landing. Particularly successful to the body, that’s Mejia’s best round of the bout.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:09 , Matt Verri

Round 4

Here we go, Rodriguez is starting to go through the gears. Sharp first minute and he’s standing to catch Mejia now, a couple of lovely body shots come firing in. And now a right, probably the best of the fight.

Rodriguez looks to land a left uppercut that would have taken Mejia’s head off, just misses but that was a strong round for the favourite.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:05 , Matt Verri

Round 3

It’s all fairly slick from Rodriguez, moving very smoothly, but he’s not really throwing much of his own. Coasting through the fight really, finding it very easy.

Good body shot late in the round from Mejia, but Rodriguez takes it well and shows no sign of it impacting him as he strolls back to his corner.

Got to have it 3-0 to him.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

01:01 , Matt Verri

Round 2

Rodriguez clearly the more confident in there. Backs his head movement whenever Mejia tries to let his hands go.

Another warning to Mejia as he leads with his head, relatively scrappy round. Rodriguez moving around the ring well, even if it is tiny, and staying out of trouble in the final minute.

Rodriguez vs Mejia

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:56 , Matt Verri

Round 1

Lovely right hand from Rodriguez, already establishing himself in the centre of the ring. Mejia spins him and pushes him back onto the ropes, clash of heads though and the referee warns them both.

Cameraman getting very close to the action, standing by the ropes. Felt like I was being punched there.

Decent enough round from both, Rodriguez just about edged it.

Good stoppage from the referee!

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:52 , Matt Verri

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:51 , Matt Verri

Nathan Devon Rodriguez and Alexander Mejia are in the ring, undercard action continues.

Ten rounds scheduled for this featherweight bout. Stadium filling up somewhat... we might have just about reached triple figures.

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:48 , Matt Verri

What we have seen from that first fight... the ring is absolutely tiny.

Not sure Ryder will be feeling too thrilled if he’s watching on, not going to be easy to get out of the way of Canelo later tonight. The Mexican very clearly has intentions of getting this done quickly.

Ryder: Canelo has a lot of miles on the clock

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:45 , Matt Verri

What awaits John Ryder in Zapopan, just outside his opponent’s birthplace Guadalajara, remains to be seen. He will not get an easy ride from a partisan home crowd, though. Fans will be there to see Canelo Alvarez; Ryder is just there to be dealt with.

“It’s got to be expected, going in there against their hometown hero, in Mexico, on Cinco de Mayo weekend,” Ryder told Standard Sport. “It doesn’t get bigger than that for the Mexican fans, does it? [But] when the bell goes, it’s just me and him in the ring. They can do all the spitting they want. They might give it that beforehand, but I’m pretty sure after the fight they’ll be cheering [me].”

Alvarez has looked past his prime in his last two outings, against Golovkin and Bivol. There are chinks in the armour of the great Mexican that the Tony Sims-trained fighter feels he can exploit. “He’s got a lot of miles on the clock, a lot of hard fights,” he says. “Last year was a tough year for his career. Now we have to see if he’s vintage Canelo or whether he’s not what he once was.”

Gvozdyk vs Bolotniks

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:39 , Matt Verri

Round 6

At last. Gvozdyk has injected a bit of urgency into proceedings, lands a nice left hook and all of a sudden the pace of the fight has gone up significantly.

Right hand is good too, out comes the mouthguard of Bolotniks. And now his legs have gone, he’s in huge trouble here...

Takes a knee! Lot of blood coming from his face now and the referee waves it off! Stoppage for Gvozdyk in the sixth round.

Main event prediction from Bivol...

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:36 , Matt Verri

Dmitry Bivol knows exactly what it takes to beat Canelo Alvarez... he’s not expecting John Ryder to do that tonight though!

Should Canelo come through as expected, a rematch with Bivol is surely next on the agenda.

Gvozdyk vs Bolotniks

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:32 , Matt Verri

Round 4

Bolotniks continues to throw more but not able to land more than one shot at a time. Lot of talk about the small ring... we might need to shrink it even more.

Anyone got a phone box going spare?

Gvozdyk vs Bolotniks

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:28 , Matt Verri

Round 3

This is better from Bolotniks, his best round so far. Relatively low bar that though.

Saying that, Gvozdyk lets his hands go as he’s pushed back into the corner. Lands a nice uppercut. Gvozdyk doesn’t seem too bothered by Bolotniks’ power, happy enough to just lean back on the ropes.

Another round down. Still waiting for this one to kick into life.

Gvozdyk vs Bolotniks

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:24 , Matt Verri

Round 2

Bolotniks trying to force the pace a bit more as he marches forward, nearly gets caught with an uppercut though. Just about sees it coming in time.

It’s still Gvozdyk landing the cleaner shots, but there aren’t very many of them. Not much in the way of action in the evening Mexican heat.

Gvozdyk vs Bolotniks

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:20 , Matt Verri

Round 1

Fair to say the Mexican fans have not exactly rushed to their seats for the start of the undercard. About 12 people inside the stadium, including the trainers. And the fighters.

Gvozdyk has made a confident start, but nothing in the way of clean punches really landing yet. Low-key opening both in and out of the ring.

Time for some undercard action...

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:15 , Matt Verri

Here we go then, time for our first bout of the night.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs Ricards Bolotniks. Ten rounds of light-heavyweight action scheduled, this is a very decent fight to get us up and running.

Update on the ring

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:11 , Matt Verri

It’s a small ring for tonight’s action, 18 feet by 18 feet.

That should guarantee some explosive bouts throughout the card, very little room for anyone to try and stay out of trouble.

Canelo and Ryder could well be all-action for however long it lasts, you’d imagine that will suit the Mexican.

How Ryder got his shot

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:04 , Matt Verri

Slightly bizarre ending, but a big win for John Ryder in November.

He had a strong opening four rounds in his bout with Zach Parker, before his opponent then pulled out ahead of the fifth with a hand injury and the fight was waved off.

With that, Ryder became WBO Interim World Super-Middleweight Champion. Now he gets his shot on the biggest stage of them all.

Last time out for Canelo!

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:56 , Matt Verri

Canelo returns to the ring for the first time since surgery on his left wrist and for the first time since he beat Gennady Golovkin once again.

The Mexican wasn’t at his best, but it was comfortable enough on the cards as he won by unanimous decision. Here are some highlights for you to enjoy, as we wait for the main undercard to get underway very shortly.

All the marbles...

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:46 , Matt Verri

Canelo: 168 lbs

Ryder: 167.9 lbs

Crazy atmosphere yesterday and that was just for the weigh-in!

Canelo makes retirement vow

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:39 , Matt Verri

Canelo Alvarez has claimed he will retire from boxing if he loses tonight in front of his home fans, despite having a rematch clause should the upset be pulled off.

“If John Ryder beats me, I’m done,” Canelo revealed.

“But it’s not my last fight. I’m going to continue in boxing for a long time. I just think for the best fighter out there. I don’t want to be too confident because they said the same thing about Dmitry Bivol, and look [what happened when I lost].

“So, I train 100% for the good fighter out there. Like I said, if I lose to John Ryder, then I’m done.”

Exclusive interview with John Ryder

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:31 , Matt Verri

John Ryder insists he is not “delusional” in believing he can be the first Briton to beat Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez when his steps into the lion’s den tonight.

Islington’s Ryder — at 34, Canelo’s senior by two years — is the Mexican’s chosen opponent as he defends his super-middleweight world titles the day after the country’s annual Cinco de Mayo national celebrations.

Facing a man widely appreciated as global boxing’s biggest superstar on his home turf may appear to be a monumental task for a man with five defeats on his record, but the Londoner will not be overawed.

“If I say I’m extremely confident, people will say I’m delusional, but I wouldn’t be going out there if I wasn’t confident in my own ability,” Ryder tells Standard Sport.

“I treat every fight as my biggest challenge. I used to get nervous for the first couple of fights I ever had, going in with journeymen. The thought of losing to someone like that was petrifying. Lose and you’re on a road to nowhere. I always go in giving my opponent the respect they deserve — and Canelo is no different.”

Read our interview in full here

Ryder to do it for Britain?

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:25 , Matt Verri

Canelo vs Britain. Part VIII.

Just the seven British fighters seen off in his professional career so far. Matthew Hatton and Ryan Rhodes were both beaten in 2011, before Amir Khan and Liam Smith were stopped in the space of a few months in 2016.

Rocky Fielding did not make it to the end of the third round, Callum Smith lost on points and Billy Joe Saunders’ team threw in the towel in his defeat.

Over to you, John...

Stage is set!

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:19 , Matt Verri

Going to be some night in Guadalajara.

Still late afternoon there currently, so the sun is shining and it’s very hot. Temperatures will have cooled off somewhat by the time the fighters take to the ring for the main event later, but 50,000 Mexicans screaming Canelo on might make up for that...

Main event prediction

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:11 , Matt Verri

Islington southpaw Ryder is a solid, durable and hugely determined fighter with some great wins including the headline defeat of Daniel Jacobs last February, but it is extremely difficult to map out a path to a potential colossal upset here.

He needs to have the performance of his life as well as catching Canelo on a real off-night, which seems incredibly unlikely to happen with the Mexican back on home soil for the first time since 2011 and no doubt eager to put on a show for his passionate fans.

Ryder may start well, but we know how Canelo builds that suffocating pressure as fights progress, overwhelming his overmatched opponents with his relentless approach and sapping power.

Ryder has only ever been stopped once, by Nick Blackwell down at middleweight back in 2015, with his other four pro losses to date to Billy Joe Saunders, Jack Arnfield, Rocky Fielding and Callum Smith all coming on points.

We think ‘The Gorilla’ will give a decent account of himself through the early rounds and look competitive, before becoming the latest victim to Canelo’s non-stop pressure thereafter, being stopped in the second half of the bout.

Canelo to win via knockout, let’s plump for round nine.

Card in full!

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:06 , Matt Verri

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs John Ryder

Julio Cesar Martinez vs Ronal Batista

Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs Ricards Bolotniks

Gabriel Valenzuela vs Stevie Spark

Nathan Devon Rodriguez vs Alexander Mejia

Bek Nurmaganbet vs Argenis Espana

Lawrence King vs Elio German Rafael

Johansen Alvarez Suarez vs Johan Rodriguez Arreguin

Abilkhan Amankul vs Jesus Moroyoqui Palomares

Carlos Emiliano Rojo vs Fabian Trejo Rivera

Jesus Larios vs Alejandro Curiel

Timings for tonight

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:01 , Matt Verri

The main undercard is not due to start until 5pm local time, which is 12am BST for fight fans in the UK facing another long night.

Ring walks for the main event itself are not expected until around 4am BST, though as ever those timings are subject to change.

Get the coffee on.

How to watch Canelo vs Ryder

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:54 , Matt Verri

TV channel: Canelo vs Ryder is being shown live on Saturday night via DAZN, which is available on smart TVs and via Sky channel 429. Outside of the USA and Canada, it is not on pay-per-view but part of the DAZN subscription.

Live stream: The DAZN app and website will offer a live stream service online across mobile devices, laptops, games consoles and more. A subscription to DAZN starts from £9.99 per month in the UK.

LIVE coverage: You can also follow the entire event right here with us!

Welcome one and all!

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:51 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Canelo Alvarez vs John Ryder!

Big night ahead, as Canelo returns to Mexico for the first time in 12 years and puts his full collection of super-middleweight titles on the lines. All the marbles there to be won.

It’s his first fight since surgery on his left wrist following victory over Gennady Golovkin, and he hasn’t looked quite at his best the last couple of times he’s been in the ring. Hope for Ryder?

We shall see. The action tonight is taking place in the 48,000-capacity Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, home of Liga MX side CD Guadalajara. Ryder unlikely to be particularly popular.

Full coverage of the undercard to come, followed by the main event. Stay. With. Us.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website