Alvarez overcame an uncertain start to cement his status as the best super-middleweight in the world in front of a sell-out crowd of over 20,000 at the T-Mobile Arena. The 33-year-old champion struggled to cope with Munguia's jab early on and was rocked by a right hand in round three.

In round four, Alvarez took a couple of solid punches from his younger compatriot but then took control, delivering a left hook followed by an uppercut to send Munguia to the deck. With the crowd chanting the names of both fighters, it was Alvarez who used his experience to great effect.

Munguia knew he needed to stop his opponent in the final round, but it was Alvarez who finished the stronger with another big uppercut. The judges scored the contest 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 as 'Canelo' retained his IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts and took his record to 61 wins, two draws and two defeats in 65 bouts.

Alvarez said of his beaten adversary, "He's a great boxer, big and ready. However, I took my time, I have my experience. I did very well."

The crowd started the bout by chanting the name of David Benavidez, another Mexican boxer who has been linked with a bout against Alvarez. Afterwards, a defiant Alvarez said, "They asked me for (Miguel) Cotto, for (Floyd) Mayweather... And I fought against all of them. I'm in a position to do what I want and ask for what I want, and if they like it, fine, and if not, fine."

This was a fourth consecutive unanimous points win for Alvarez since his shock defeat to Russia's WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May 2022. His last victory inside the distance was over American Caleb Plant in November 2021.

For Munguia, whose promoter Oscar de la Hoya clashed with his former charge Alvarez at a pre-bout press conference, this was a first reverse after 43 victories. He said, "I felt good. I think I won the first rounds, but he is a fighter with a lot of experience. He beat me fair and square and my first defeat hurt."

There was a real party atmosphere inside the T-Mobile Arena with famous Mexican artist Mijares singing the Mexican national anthem ahead of a bout which made headlines around the world. The Cinco de Mayo celebrations started with a bang, and it was Alvarez who was left celebrating another successful title defence.