The World Boxing Association (WBA) Classifications Committee announced its rankings for May, which includes the 15 best boxers in the 17 weight divisions. Only these boxers have the possibility of aspiring to a world title fight within their respective divisions.
The “Boxer of the Month” distinction was awarded to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who beat Daniel Jacobs via unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight World Championship status. The victory was Canelo’s 52nd professional win in 54 fights.
The fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and was broadcast through the DAZN platform and Space Combate in Latin America. After a a fairly closely contested affair, the judges scorecards came in 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112 all for the Mexican native Alvarez.
The fight itself was pretty thrilling, with Canelo coming out aggressive and backing up Jacobs while blasting away at the New York natives body. Canelo was showing that he is in his prime with his quick hands and excellent movement.
Jacobs was having a hard time landing flush in the early going, and not very active, but in the second half of the fight Jacobs came alive and was able to keep Canelo at bay with his jab and right hand, while also pressing him backwards at times – which he was not able to effectively do in the first half of the fight.
All in all the fight seemed fairly similar to Canelos rematch against Gennady Golovkin last September where he did very well in the early going, only to slightly slide in the second half when his opponent had to change things up or continue losing the rounds.
Probably the most amazing thing on display in the fight was Canelos defense, as he slipped and parried many punches while being nearly continuously in motion with his upper body; a rhythm that Jacobs has serious trouble with.
The honorable mention for boxer of the month is Julian Williams. Williams scored a very big unanimous decision upset victory over Jarrett Hurd in Virginia to become the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Super Welterweight Champion.
