SEATTLE - Ever since entering the world of boxing at a young age, the power of "Canelo" Alvarez has been a force to be reckoned. Having won 60 of his 64 professional fights, the Mexican has has had epic battles against opponents from all corners of the world.
He dabbled into professional boxing at the young age of 15, defeating Abraham González in the first fight of his career. Six years later, "Canelo" became a world champion for the first time after defeating Matthew Hatton in 2011.
Out of his 60 wins, 39 of them came by knockout. Here's a look at five of the most amazing KO's in the career of Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez.
5. KO vs Marat Khuzeev, 2009
We start with his fight against Russian boxer Marat Khuzeev. In a bout where the WBC Youth welterweight title was at stakes, the Mexican boxer took care of business after just two rounds. Through a strong combination, "Canelo" put his opponent against the ropes and connected a series of punches that bended Khuzeev's knees, sending him to the tarp.
4. KO vs James Kirkland, 2015
Another iconic ending in Álvarez' career took place in 2015, when three rounds were enough for the Mexican to finish American boxer James Kirkland. A full house at Houston's Minute Maid Park saw "Canelo" dominate a veteran that had trouble catching up to his footwork.
Alvarez' punches sent the American to the ground on multiple times, but a strong right-handed hook was too much for Kirkland to overcome.
3. KO vs Jefferson Gonçalo, 2009
Early in his career, "Canelo" put his NABF welterweight title on the line when he faced Brazilian boxer Jefferson Gonçalo. In a fight that seemed like it would go the distance, the Mexican was able to take care of business in the ninth round.
Sure of his superior boxing skills, "Canelo" went all out in the ninth, linking a frenzy combination of punches that put the Brazilian in trouble. Defenseless against Álvarez' power, Gonçalo barely moved before a strong rear hook connected with the Brazilian's chin, putting an end to the bout.
2. KO vs Carlos Baldomir, 2010
One of Canelo's best knockouts came against Argentine champion Carlos Baldomir. A respected boxer with fights against Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather Jr., Baldomir had been knocked-out just once in his career.
Halfway through the bout, Canelo's 1-2 combinations lowered Baldomir's defenses until the Mexican delivered the final blow with a strong left-handed hook to send him to the ground face-first.
1. KO vs Amir Khan, 2016
Perhaps the most famous of his 39 knockouts, Canelo's anticipated middleweight bout against Amir Khan ended in a fashionable manner. After five rounds, the fight seemed balanced with the Mexican trying to overcome Khan's footwork. It wasn't until the sixth round when things got serious.
As Khan tried to open Canelo's defenses with his jab, a powerful right handed hook from the Mexican found his opponent's chin and left the former middleweight champion laying on the ground and gasping for air.
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