Canelo Alvarez brutally knocked out Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to capture the WBO light heavyweight world title and become a four-division champion.
The Mexican was locked in a chess match against 'Krusher', who failed to live up to his long-time moniker in pursuit of victory with his smart game plan designed to bank rounds behind his piston-like jab.
Canelo's anticipated bodywork belatedly took effect though as the finish line came into sight for the Russian - who was level on one judge's scorecard entering the 11th, but down 96-94 on the other two officials, though Indy Sport had him up 96-94.
Kovalev tucked up after a flurry of shots and then staggered after Canelo unleashed a beautiful left hook.
With his opponent a sitting duck, Canelo wound up a hellacious straight right that sent his opponent sprawling, trapped between the canvas and the ropes and leaving referee Russell Mora with little choice but to quickly wave the fight off.
“This is just a step in my career, all I asked was for you to be patient, I will make history,” Canelo said after establishing himself as just the fourth Mexican to become a four-division king.
“The key was to be patient, we knew it would be five or six rounds and I would take time to get to him, he’s a great fighter, much credit to him, but we stuck to our game plan.
“It was a very close fight, he was defensive, closing up, all he was doing was to establish points, it was tough. But it all came out as we planned.
“We have to relax a bit, the plan was to go back down, but why not stay here?
“Let’s see what’s next in 2020, we want to deliver the biggest fights to the people.
A bristling Canelo offered up a semblance of hope for bitter rival Gennady Golovkin and his desire for a trilogy fight.
“I mentioned it before, it’s really not a challenge for me," Canelo claimed.
"We already did 24 rounds and I won, but if it represents business, then why not?”
