Canelo vs. Ryder: Remembering some of the best super middleweights in history

Saul Canelo Álvarez will return to Mexico to defend his super middleweight titles against Englishman John Ryder on Saturday, May 6 at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

For 12 years, Canelo has not had a fight in Mexico. Most of his championships have been won in the United States, so his return to Jalisco as the undisputed champion of super middleweights gives him great satisfaction. So poignantly special!

In this division that has existed since the 70s, there have been great champions. Today we remember some of them:

Joe Calzaghe – This British fighter unified 3 of the titles in the division. In his successful career where he retired undefeated, he faced fighters like Chris Eubank, Robin Reid, Omar Sheika, Charles Brewer, Byron Mitchell, Jeff Lacy, Sakio Bika, Mikkel Kessler, among others.

Andre Ward – He is one of the most talented fighters in recent times. In his career he defeated Edison Miranda, Shelby Pudwill, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch. Ward also knocked out light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson, who dropped down a division to challenge Ward’s super middleweight title.

Roy Jones Jr.-After a successful campaign at 160 pounds, he moved up to super middleweight to show his qualities in this division as well, defeating quality fighters. Jones will undoubtedly always be remembered for one of the best fighters in the world.

Nigel Benn – He is one of the fighters who always provided exciting fights. The Briton was an excellent champion and faced great opposition throughout his entire career. In his reign as WBC champion, he defeated fighters like Thulani Malinga, Vincenzo Nardiello, Daniel Perez, and Gerald McClellan.

Mikkel Kessler – Originally from Denmark, He is without a doubt the best boxer that has ever existed in his country. He was a 168-pound champion and faced great fighters, such as Markus Beyer, Joe Calzaghe, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, among others. His career was unfortunately cut short by an eye injury.