Was the Stoppage Justified in Canelo Alvarez vs Billy Joe Saunders?

Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders gave fans a fantastic main event battle. The two champions showed their contrasting styles, and it made for an incredible viewing experience. However, the fight ended anti-climatically when Saunders’ teamed waved off the fight.

Before the stoppage, it appeared as though Alvarez had just found a rhythm, while Saunders enjoyed a lot of success frustrating the Mexican. Therefore, it set things up nicely for the last five rounds. So was it the right call to stop the fight?

The reality is that it was the right decision to stop the fight before the ninth round. Both Saunders and Alvarez would have loved to continue. However, the corner did the right thing and pulled him out before he could do any more damage.

Fresh developments have revealed that they have shifted Saunders to hospital to check for a broken orbital bone. This could put him out for at least six months. If the 30-1 boxer had continued, he could have caused serious damage and would be out for longer.

If Saunders continued past the ninth round, Alvarez would have targeted the eye and done more damage. Therefore, it was the responsible thing for Mark Tibbs to do.

READ MORE: Billy Joe Saunders Training Regimen: How Hard Does He Train?

Billy Joe Saunders will still face criticism for retiring against Canelo Alvarez

While the decision from Saunders and his team was undoubtedly the right one, Saunders needs to prepare for the backlash. Despite suffering a terrible injury like that, the former champion will receive hate for not continuing.

This is because, for one, the fight was getting very exciting, and the stoppage brought it to an abrupt end. Moreover, we have seen like with Daniel Dubois in November against Joe Joyce, fans and critics called him a quitter despite not being able to see through one eye.

Therefore, the Englishman will have to brace himself for comments suggesting he quit. Especially since the eccentric fighter engaged in a verbal battle with the Mexican before the fight and promised a boxing lesson. However, fans of the sport will hope for a speedy recovery for Saunders.

What did you make of the stoppage for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders fight? Do you think it was the right decision?

READ MORE: Canelo Alvarez: How Many Divisions Has the P4P King Conquered?

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