Canelo Alvarez delivers knockout of the year against James Kirkland

Canelo Alvarez delivers knockout of the year against James Kirkland

Published May. 9, 2015 11:43 p.m. ET

By Larry Brown

Canelo Alvarez destroyed James Kirkland and won via third-round knockout Saturday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, showcasing some serious punching power in what was expected to be a close fight.

Alvarez knocked Kirkland down in the first round and was trying for a TKO in the second, but Kirkland rallied back. The third round was a different story.

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Alvarez knocked Kirkland down twice. The first time he caught him with a vicious uppercut that sent Kirkland to the canvas. The second was a powerful right cross that ended the fight.

Kirkland was laid out on the canvas afterwards and Canelo, realizing how much damage he inflicted, checked on his opponent. It was a nice display of sportsmanship as Alvarez wasn't worried about celebrating, but just concerned for the health of Kirkland.

[Watch the videos here]

Then after his interview with HBO's Max Kellerman, Alvarez stepped over to Kirkland, put his arm around him and asked, "You OK?"

Alvarez even said in English, "I have respect for you" to Kirkland, who responded by saying the same to Canelo.

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