LAS VEGAS (AP) — The query of whether or not Canelo Alvarez can any longer knock out anybody possible received’t go away his victory by unanimous determination Saturday evening, however he stays the undisputed tremendous middleweight champion as a result of he was the stronger and more practical boxer.

Alvarez (61-2-2), who closed as a minus-380 favourite at BetMGM, overcame a considerably gradual begin to dominate and hand Jaime Munguia (43-1) his first loss.

The champ took full management after pulling down Munguia within the fourth spherical earlier than the introduced crowd of 17,492, which was pretty evenly cut up between the 2 opponents.

Tim Cheatham scored the struggle 117-110, David Sutherland had it 116-111 and Steve Weisfeld 115-112.

“After I retire, my numbers will say what place I’m in,” Alvarez stated. “I do know there’s quite a lot of nice Mexican fighters previously, however I’m the most effective preventing proper now.”

That is the second straight time that Alvarez left little question who was the higher fighter and displaying why, even at 33, he stays one of many sport’s all-time greats. Alvarez additionally had his method with Jermell Charlo in September to win by even wider margins.

These two fights adopted two victories and a loss that have been something however spectacular. Whereas Alvarez confirmed he nonetheless is the category of his division, he nonetheless hasn’t delivered a knockout since defeating Caleb Plant in 2021 — a span of 5 matches.

Alvarez was circumspect relating to what he may do subsequent, saying he’ll return to the ring “if the cash is true.”

“I’ve fought everybody and I can do what I need,” he stated.

The lead-up to the bout was unusually civil, with each fighters saying they have been proud to signify Mexico on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

“This win means loads,” Alvarez stated. “I’m glad that I gave him this chance. Munguia is a superb man and a terrific champion. He’s going to have a terrific profession. I’m very proud that every one the Mexicans are right here watching us.”

Alvarez saved his harshest criticism throughout week not for his opponent, however for Munguia’s promoter. Oscar De La Hoya was once in Alvarez’s nook, however they clearly are on reverse sides now and practically even got here to blows Wednesday on the information convention after buying and selling allegations.

The 27-year-old Munguia the extra aggressive boxer the primary three rounds, even getting Alvarez into the ropes within the third. Alvarez, although, confirmed within the fourth he wasn’t going wherever, utilizing a left after which a proper to the face to ship Munguia to the canvass with 38 seconds left to vary the tenor of the struggle.

Alvarez then proceeded to sting Munguia over the subsequent 4 rounds with pictures to the face. Munguia put collectively his personal units of flurries, however they did little noticeable harm to Alvarez.

That’s till the ninth spherical when Munguia landed some blows to the face that despatched Alvarez backward, even into the nook at one level. However Alvarez responded together with his personal combos, together with popping out of the nook, within the struggle’s most action-packed spherical.

The tenth and eleventh rounds have been shut, however largely the identical traits adopted of Alvarez delivering the tougher pictures.

Munguia got here out within the ultimate spherical as if he knew he was trailing on the judges’ playing cards, however did little to vary the result. It was Alvarez who once more got here by means of with the most effective blows, utilizing a mixture with a few minute left to Munguia’s head and following with a number of extra pictures to finish the struggle.

“I got here out robust and was profitable the early rounds,” Munguia stated. “I let my fingers go, however he’s a fighter with quite a lot of expertise. The loss hurts as a result of it’s my first loss and I felt robust.”

Within the different main-card fights:

— San Antonio’s Mario Barrios (29-2) efficiently defended his WBC interim world welterweight title by defeating Argentinian Fabian Maidana (22-3) by unanimous determination within the co-main occasion. Every choose scored the bout 116-111.

Barrios prevailed regardless of preventing together with his proper eye practically utterly closed.

“Maidana fought onerous for 12 rounds like I anticipated,” Barrios stated. “As soon as my eye began swelling up, it was onerous to search out my vary. However we caught to the basics, tried to search out openings and got here out with the victory.”

— WBC interim world featherweight champion Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) of Welasco, Texas, knocked out Jessie Magdaleno (29-3) of Las Vegas with a left uppercut to his kidney with one second left within the ninth spherical ended.

— Lithuania’s Eimantas Stanionis (15-0) simply retained his WBA welterweight title by claiming a unanimous determination over Venezuelan Gabriel Maestre (6-1-1) with scores of 117-111, 118-10 and 119-109.

___

AP sports activities:

Actual Madrid has been confirmed as this season’s La Liga champion after outcomes went its method on Saturday.

Los Blancos knew they needed to beat Cadiz on the Bernabeu with a purpose to have an opportunity of wrapping up the title with 4 video games to spare.

Regardless of head coach Carlo Ancelotti making 10 adjustments to his facet that drew 2-2 towards Bayern Munich in a Champions League semifinal first leg midweek, a second string outfit nonetheless trounced its guests with targets from Brahim Diaz, substitute Jude Bellingham and Joselu throughout a 3-0 win.

Consideration then turned to a Catalan derby between FC Barcelona and Girona, which kicked off not lengthy after the total time whistle within the Spanish capital.

Barca took an early lead in Montilivi, to no less than hand itself a combating likelihood within the title race when Andreas Christensen put Xavi’s males forward in three minutes.

Only a minute later, nevertheless, Pichichi contender Artem Dovybk popped up with an equalizer after a dreadful marking mistake from Pau Cubarsi and Joao Cancelo in protection.

Robert Lewandowski gave the Blaugrana the lead on the stroke of half time, but his penalty strike proved to be Barca’s final purpose of the sport as they succumbed to a Portu brace and one other strike from Miguel Gutierrez as Girona romped to a second 4-2 victory over its regional neighbors this time period.

The win assured Champions League soccer for Girona subsequent time period, and stole again second place to place them in line for participation within the profitable Spanish Tremendous Cup.

The landmark growth additionally meant that Madrid was giftwrapped the title, nevertheless.

Regardless of this flip of occasions, although, head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted earlier that his males would not head to the Cibeles fountain in Madrid metropolis heart on Saturday evening to have fun the milestone.

“Tomorrow there’s coaching and everybody does what they need tonight, like this afternoon. However there’s nothing organized. We’ve got to consider Wednesday,” the Italian stated, in reference to a final 4 second leg towards Bayern Munich.

“If we’ve got to have fun, we’ll do it subsequent Sunday – one thing that the followers perceive completely.

“We’ve not received but, so we will not provide you with situations like ‘if Barcelona wins…’,” Ancelotti stated, advising his males to go dwelling with “peace of thoughts and serious about Bayern”.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Bells and clamor, incense and flames. One of the chaotic gatherings within the Christian calendar is the traditional ceremony of the “Holy Fireplace,” with worshipers thronging the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Saturday.

Cheers and prayers rang out as candles one after the other had been lit after reaching by a small opening into Jesus’ tomb. Quickly, the dim chamber was lit by a constellation of handheld flames as a part of the ceremony of Orthodox Easter week in Jerusalem. Worshipers consider the flame’s origin is a miracle.

One man waved his flame forwards and backwards as if anointing his beard, smiling. Some younger males holding crosses jumped up and down within the crowd and chanted.

“I’m speechless, I don’t even know tips on how to clarify it,” mentioned one worshiper, Angela Manoug. “It’s my first time that I’ve seen the holy mild, and I’m very blessed by God to have seen it.”

The ceremony for believers in Greek Orthodox communities has been held for greater than a millennium. The church is constructed on the location the place Christian custom holds that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

There’s not sufficient area for all who want to attend, which has brought about friction with Israeli authorities, and stampedes have occurred prior to now. However Saturday’s occasion was joyous, if jostling, and reflective amid the Israel-Hamas conflict not far-off.

“This yr could be very unhappy, however I want with the sunshine of the holy hearth from Jerusalem will give peace all around the globe, thanks and joyful Easter, Jesus is risen,” mentioned a worshiper, Issa Assasieh, with flames in each fists.

Israel captured the Previous Metropolis, together with the remainder of town’s jap half, within the 1967 Mideast conflict and later annexed it in a transfer not internationally acknowledged. Palestinians declare east Jerusalem because the capital of their hoped-for state.

Foul hassle is never a blessing in disguise.

It would’ve helped the Timberwolves steal a highway sport within the first chapter of what’s positive to be a bitterly aggressive collection.

NBA Sixth Man of the Yr Naz Reid performed extended fourth-quarter minutes with Karl-Anthony Cities in foul hassle, and his 10-point burst within the final six minutes handed the Nuggets a 106-99 Recreation 1 loss on Saturday evening.

That is the primary time within the final two postseasons that Denver has trailed a collection. Recreation 2 is Monday at Ball Enviornment.

“It was a really shut sport. It was sport,” Michael Porter Jr. mentioned. “We will positively play higher.”

When Jamal Murray gave Denver the lead with a 4-point play with 8:35 remaining, Cities parked himself on the bench along with his fifth foul. Reid, a greater than succesful backup heart, stayed on the ground alongside Rudy Gobert because the collection opener hurtled towards clutch time.

The backup 5 took over towards the very best beginning 5 within the West.

Reid banked a fortuitous 3-pointer to interrupt an 84-all tie. On the following possession, he slammed dwelling an offensive rebound. Because the Timberwolves pulled away, he added a finger-roll and one other 3. He scored all 16 of his factors after halftime.

“Second half, I simply felt not almost sufficient self-discipline and physicality, and that they had been in a position to get no matter they needed,” coach Michael Malone mentioned.

Porter continued to be reliable for Denver with an environment friendly 20. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 factors however turned the ball over seven instances.

Anthony Edwards was the sport’s solely true, constant drive. He willed his option to 43 factors on 17-for-29 taking pictures in a defensive rock combat, even because the Nuggets double-teamed him.

“One factor that makes us profitable is that when groups double Joker, we’ve received succesful guys that may make pictures,” Porter mentioned. “Comparable with them. In the event you double Ant, you might be swinging the ball to KAT or Mike Conley or Jaden McDaniels. All succesful guys. It’s positively a stability, and it’s one thing we’ve gotta have a look at on movie.”

The familiarity between these division foes, and between the person characters dotting the matchup from the sidelines to entrance workplaces, prompted questions all through the week about tactical navigation. Would the Nuggets and Timberwolves introduce new wrinkles and changes that they’d saved only for this playoff event? Or would it not be a extra simple collection strategically, with no secrets and techniques left to disclose?

“With the additional week of preparation, I assume each groups are in a position to form of assume slightly deeper,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch mentioned earlier than tip. “However I’d think about each groups are simply gonna form of be themselves and let it rip.”

Not precisely. Ninety minutes later, Minnesota began the collection with its finest wing defender, Jaden McDaniels, guarding Porter as an alternative of the calf-hampered Murray. “I’m positive he’ll begin off on Jamal,” Porter had predicted the day earlier than. “However I really feel comfy with anybody guarding me. The way in which I play, I don’t really feel like (McDaniels) will be capable of block my shot.”

Murray was hounded by Edwards throughout an intimidating 18-4 begin. However Porter was proper about one factor, even when he was incorrect in regards to the matchup: It’s close to unimaginable to disrupt his taking pictures rhythm with any quantity of size or tenacity. He sank a troublesome 3-pointer off a dribble handoff from Jokic to assist ignite a 13-0 Nuggets reply.

By then, Cities had checked out, leaving the Timberwolves of their secondary protection of Jokic: an old-school submit showdown with Gobert, now not roaming in assist. Jokic accepted the invite to bang away at his longtime adversary. He settled into the sport.

Much more notably, Denver’s uncommon substitution sample paid off early. Reggie Jackson and Justin Vacation had been the one bench gamers to verify in in the course of the first quarter, with Malone saving Christian Braun and Peyton Watson for later. (Watson didn’t enter till after Jokic’s relaxation minutes, guaranteeing that Porter performed the 4 with Malone’s second unit.) In a key stretch, Jackson dished a behind-the-back cross, picked Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s pocket for a fast-break lob and scored 5 factors.

The Nuggets escaped the primary quarter with a 25-23 lead. They led 44-40 at half regardless of Jokic and Murray combining to shoot 5 for 19. Murray was scoreless.

“I wasn’t apprehensive in regards to the begin,” Malone mentioned. “It was 18-4. Jamal Murray didn’t follow all week. Couldn’t make a shot. I’m extra apprehensive about our second half protection.”

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DENVER — For those who requested one other younger star what it felt like to enter the defending champs’ constructing and put up a profession playoff excessive 43 factors in a 106-99 Sport 1 win to kick off the second spherical, he would possibly name it an announcement efficiency.

If he was actually feeling himself, he would possibly say Saturday represented a seismic shift within the steadiness of energy within the Western Convention with the Minnesota Timberwolves stealing homecourt away from the Denver Nuggets.

Nonetheless, the Wolves’ Anthony Edwards is not like every other younger star in the present day. He won’t be like every other younger star in league historical past.

“It isn’t about introducing ourselves to no one, we all know who we’re,” Edwards stated when requested about Minnesota taking part in previous the primary spherical of the playoffs for the primary time in 20 years. “We’re popping out and so long as we acquired one another’s backs, it do not actually matter what anyone else thinks.”

Edwards joked that he won’t even have been born but when Kevin Garnett and the Wolves beat the Sacramento Kings within the second spherical in 2004 to make the one convention finals look in franchise historical past.

No matter previous woes that Wolves have had within the postseason, the present workforce is having a second. They’re now 5-0 within the playoffs, together with their sweep of the Phoenix Suns within the first spherical, with Edwards becoming a member of Kobe Bryant as the one different participant in NBA postseason historical past with consecutive 40-point performances at age 22 or youthful, based on ESPN Stats & Info analysis.

Edward’s 119 factors over his final three playoff video games are probably the most by a Wolves participant over a three-game span within the workforce’s postseason historical past. And he did it Saturday by outplaying the reigning NBA Finals MVP — and a top-three finalist for the common season MVP this yr — in Nikola Jokic.

“To be sincere he is a particular participant, I’ve big respect for him, he can do every little thing on the ground,” Jokic stated of Edwards. “It’s worthwhile to give him respect, how good and the way gifted he’s.”

Jokic completed with 32 factors, 9 assists, eight rebounds and three steals, however he shot simply 11-for-25 from the sector (2-for-9 from 3) and coughed up a game-high seven turnovers. When requested about how he may very well be higher in opposition to the Wolves’ three-headed frontline of Karl-Anthony Cities, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid in Sport 2, he quipped he would wish to “have a replica clone of myself.”

Edwards, in the meantime, shot 17-for-29 with seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks and only one turnover. Much more exceptional, he shot 7-for-10 on closely contested soar pictures in Sport 1, based on Second Spectrum. This postseason, he is taking pictures 53% on closely contested jumpers, the very best within the NBA.

Regardless of the disparity in manufacturing between the 2 stars, Edwards nonetheless deferred to the opponent, whereas giving credit score to his teammates for the end result.

“Going in opposition to the very best participant on the earth is at all times enjoyable, going in opposition to the very best workforce on the earth is at all times enjoyable,” Edwards stated. “Our guys got here out and competed tonight. So, it is not about me personally, it is about my workforce. They offer me confidence additionally.”

Edwards was good from the sector to start out issues off, going 5-for-5 throughout the Wolves’ 18-4 run within the first seven minutes of the primary quarter. The Nuggets battled again to take a 44-40 lead by halftime, holding each Minnesota participant aside from Edwards to simply 6-for-27 taking pictures (22.2%). The Wolves pushed again forward within the third whereas Edwards stated he “did not do something” and “was simply on the market working up and down” whereas Karl-Anthony Cities went 5-for-5 to attain 11 of his 20 factors and Mike Conley went 4-for-4 to attain 11 of his 14.

The fourth belonged to Edwards and Naz Reid, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the 12 months. Edwards, who was held scoreless within the fourth quarter in each of the Wolves’ common season losses to Denver, scored 12 factors on 4-for-5 taking pictures to shut issues out. Reid scored 14 of his 16 within the fourth — together with 10 straight for the Wolves — to seal it.

“For a man like me who’s seen him develop from Day 1 to the place he’s now, I feel he is a famous person within the making if he is not [already] now,” Reid stated of Edwards. “He is an incredible participant and an incredible particular person off the court docket. … He is a man you need to be round.”

And Minnesota plans to stay across the playoffs for some time to come back, as evidenced by the “11” written in massive black numerals on the whiteboard within the customer’s locker room at Ball Area after the sport. It represents the variety of wins the Wolves nonetheless have to seize the primary championship in workforce historical past this spring.

“He is been rising day by day, he is been getting extra mature each single night time,” Gobert stated of Edwards. “So it is enjoyable to be part of.”

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Madonna placed on a free live performance on Copacabana seaside Saturday evening, turning Rio de Janeiro’s huge stretch of sand into an infinite dance flooring teeming with a mess of her followers.

It was the final present of The Celebration Tour, her first retrospective, which kicked off in October in London.

The “Queen of Pop” started the present together with her 1998 hit “Nothing Actually Issues.” Big cheers rose from the buzzing, tightly packed crowd, pressed up towards the obstacles. Others held home events in brightly lighted residences and lodges overlooking the beachfront. Helicopters and drones flew overhead, and motorboats and sailboats anchored off the seaside stuffed the bay.

“Right here we’re in probably the most stunning place on the earth,” Madonna informed the gang. Stating the ocean view, the mountains and the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking town, she added: “This place is magic.”

Madonna carried out her traditional hits, together with “Like A Virgin” and “Hung Up.” For the introduction to “Like A Prayer,” her head was utterly lined in a black cape, a rosary gripped in her arms.

The star paid an emotional tribute to “all the brilliant lights” misplaced to AIDS as she sang “Reside to Inform,” with black and white photographs of people that died from the sickness flashing behind her.

Later, she was joined on stage by Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar.

Rio spent the previous few days readying itself for the efficiency.

Rio’s Metropolis Corridor predicted 1.5 million spectators, greater than 10 occasions Madonna’s report attendance of 130,000 at Paris’ Parc des Sceaux in 1987. Madonna’s official web site hyped the present as the largest ever in her four-decade profession.

In current days, the thrill was palpable. Followers milled exterior the stately, beachfront Copacabana Palace resort, the place Madonna is staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pop star. In the course of the sound test on the stage arrange in entrance of the resort, they danced on the sand.

By noon Saturday, followers crowded in entrance of the resort. A white-bearded man carried an indication saying, “Welcome Madonna you’re the greatest I like you.”

Flags with “Madonna” printed towards a background of Copacabana’s iconic black and white waved sidewalk sample hung from balconies. The world was full of avenue distributors and live performance attendees kitted out in themed T-shirts, sweating underneath a baking solar.

“Since Madonna arrived right here, I’ve been coming on daily basis with this outfit to welcome my idol, my diva, my pop queen,” mentioned Rosemary de Oliveira Bohrer, 69, who sported a gold-colored cone bra and a black cap.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable present right here in Copacabana,” mentioned Oliveira Bohrer, a retired civil servant who lives within the space.

Eighteen sound towers have been unfold alongside the seaside to make sure that all attendees can hear the hits. Her two-hour present began at 10:37 p.m. native time, practically 50 minutes delayed.

Metropolis Corridor produced a report in April estimating that the live performance would vinject 293 million reals ($57 million) into the native economic system. Lodge capability was anticipated to achieve 98% in Copacabana, in accordance with Rio’s resort affiliation. Followers hailing from throughout Brazil and even Argentina and France sought out Airbnbs for the weekend, the platform mentioned in an announcement. Rio’s worldwide airport had forecast an additional 170 flights throughout Could 1-6, from 27 locations, Metropolis Corridor mentioned in an announcement.

“It’s a novel alternative to see Madonna, who is aware of if she’ll ever come again,” mentioned Alessandro Augusto, 53, who flew in from Brazil’s Ceara state — roughly 2,500 kilometers (1,555 miles) from Rio.

“Welcome Queen!” learn Heineken advertisements plastered across the metropolis, the lettering above a picture of an upturned bottle cap resembling a crown.

Heineken wasn’t the one firm looking for to revenue from the joy. Bars and eating places ready “Like a Virgin” cocktails. A store within the downtown neighborhood famed for promoting Carnival apparel utterly reinvented itself, stocking its cabinets with Madonna-themed costumes, followers, fanny packs and even underwear.

Group of the mega-event was much like New Yr’s Eve, when thousands and thousands of individuals collect on Copacabana for its fireworks show, native authorities mentioned. That annual occasion typically produces widespread thefts and muggings, and there was some concern such issues may happen at Madonna’s present.

Rio state’s safety plan included the presence of three,200 navy personnel and 1,500 civilian cops on stand by. Within the lead-up to the live performance, Brazil’s navy inspected vessels that wished to place themselves offshore to observe the present.

Quite a few large live shows have taken place on Copacabana seaside earlier than, together with a 1994 New Yr’s Eve present by Rod Stewart that drew greater than 4 million followers and was the largest free rock live performance in historical past, in accordance with Guinness World Information. Lots of these spectators additionally got here to see Rio’s fireworks present, although, so a extra becoming comparability is likely to be to the Rolling Stones in 2006, which noticed 1.2 million individuals crowd onto the sand, in accordance with Rio’s navy police, the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported on the time.

Ana Beatriz Soares, a fan who was at Copacabana on Saturday, mentioned Madonna has made her mark throughout the many years.

“Madonna needed to run in order that right now’s pop artists might stroll. That’s why she’s necessary, as a result of she serves as an inspiration for right now’s pop divas,” Soares mentioned.

“And that’s 40 years in the past. Not 40 days, 40 months. It’s 40 years,” she mentioned.

___

AP video journalist Douglas Engle contributed to this report.

Regardless of all the extracurricular actions which have dominated combat week, the climate report for Saturday’s All-Mexico showdown in Las Vegas between Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia stays sunny with excessive chance of pleasure. 

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) will defend his undisputed tremendous middleweight championship in the primary occasion of a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view card (8 p.m. ET; simulcast on DAZN PPV) from T-Cellular Enviornment towards the hard-charging Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs). The Cinco de Mayo weekend conflict represents the primary time Alvarez will likely be preventing a fellow countryman since his 2017 beatdown of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 

Though Alvarez stays a 5-to-1 betting favourite resulting from his benefits in expertise and craft, the expectations stay excessive {that a} aggressive firefight is forward of us on condition that Munguia, the 27-year-old native of Tijuana who’s skilled by Corridor of Famer Freddie Roach, fights within the traditional, all-action Mexican type.

Each Alvarez and Munguia have been nothing however cordial and respectful of each other at each flip. The connection between Alvarez and his ex-promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy, who’s the co-promoter of Munguia, could not be any totally different, nonetheless. 

De La Hoya, who accused Alvarez of trying to get him banned from promotional occasions, severely altered the combat week narrative at Wednesday’s press convention by unleashing a pre-written rant geared toward his former fighter. Issues received so heated on the dais that the usually mild-mannered Alvarez wanted to be held again by safety from attacking De La Hoya after the 2 aired out the soiled laundry between them. 

Requested concerning the ongoing drama between his promoter and opponent on Thursday, all Munguia may do was snort. 

“Not my drawback,” Munguia informed CBS Sports activities. “I’m chill and simply very calm proper now. No matter occurred between them, it isn’t my problem in any respect. I used to be laughing.”

Alvarez, nonetheless, retained a way more critical demeanor when requested whether or not De La Hoya’s premeditated try at psychological warfare has change into a distraction in any respect. 

“I do respect each individual on the market however I all the time say that for each motion, there’s a response. I am a fighter and issues occur,” Alvarez informed CBS Sports activities. “From Oscar, you possibly can anticipate something like that. He simply throws shit [out] of his mouth. He do not know something about selling the fighter or caring about their fighter. 

“[Golden Boy] all the time leaves their fighters after they want him on the largest stage. He leaves his fighters and he do not care about them. The eye is [supposed] to be for Munguia however [De La Hoya] would not care. He simply desires consideration. However nothing surprises me from him.”

Though Munguia was all the time seen as a possible long-term Alvarez opponent, ever since he first arrived on the worldwide scene in 2019 by knocking out Sadam Ali to assert a 154-pound title at simply 21, it took till the final 12 months for him to actually earn the coveted alternative. 

Final June, Munguia survived a conflict with former title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko to win a detailed determination regardless of being harm a number of instances. However after Munguia’s long-time coach, Erik Morales, selected to depart his nook to chase his political aspirations in Tijuana, Munguia moved his camp to Los Angeles beneath the tutelage of Roach and the instant influence was felt of their first collaboration. 

Munguia steamrolled by way of robust contender John Ryder in January by dropping him 4 instances en path to a ninth-round TKO. Contemplating it was the identical Ryder who had gone 12 arduous rounds with Alvarez six months earlier, the end result was seen as a end result of Munguia’s maturity and evolution.

That is the rationale why Alvarez was prepared to interrupt his former stance of not eager to combat towards fellow Mexicans, although the general public’s urge for food appeared rather more into the thought of him preventing two-time champion David Benavidez.

“It is going to be a superb combat, for positive. With [Munguia’s] type, it should be nice. I do not know for what number of rounds, although,” Alvarez mentioned. “I’ve extra expertise, I’m stronger, I’ve extra expertise — a number of issues. I respect Jaime and I really feel proud about what we’re doing for the Mexican neighborhood. I really feel proud about it however we do not come right here to play. I come right here to do my job, which is successful.

“I believe he is a superb fighter, he throws a number of punches and is powerful. They’ve hit him earlier than and he dealt with it good, however Canelo is totally different and he will expertise one thing totally different on Saturday night time. I really feel higher than ever.”

After Alvarez, 33, made historical past by capturing all 4 168-pound titles in an 11-month span in 2021, he skilled an uncharacteristic dip in his subsequent three bouts. Alvarez, whose coaching was continually disrupted by a lingering hand problem, seemed considerably human in shedding to mild heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in 2022 earlier than ho-hum determination wins over Gennadiy Golovkin (of their trilogy) and Ryder. 

To Alvarez’s credit score, simply as whispers began to floor that the wear and tear and tear of a 19-year professional profession was catching as much as him, did look resurgent final September when he dominated a reluctant Jermell Charlo over 12 rounds to re-establish himself as a pound-for-pound risk.  

Munguia is aware of he’ll should be at his absolute best to upset his legendary opponent however has proven no scarcity of confidence that he is the proper man for the job. 

“[Alvarez] is a really skilled, a really full fighter,” Munguia mentioned. “I am unable to be distracted for even a second contained in the ring. I’ve to be on my edge and sharp however, in the long run, I do know that I’ve to win and I do know that I can win. So long as I’m good and I’m sharp in there, all the pieces goes to be superb.

“I’ve loads of aces up my sleeve. There are various issues I can do contained in the ring that you have not seen but and I’ll make use of them on Saturday and never even Canelo is conscious of them but.”

The largest combat of word options the return of Mario Barrios as he appears to defend his WBC interim welterweight title towards Fabian Maidana. Barrios, 28, bounced again from the one two defeats of his professional profession in a giant manner in 2023 when he beat Jovanie Santiago earlier than getting a shot at Yordenis Ugas for the interim crown. Barrios shocked many by battering Ugas across the ring and almost ending the previous titleholder. Maidana, in the meantime, holds a 22-2 report towards principally unknown competitors.

“I do know going into this combat that Maidana is coming in together with his again towards the wall,” Barrios mentioned in an interview with BoxingScene. “He has nothing to lose and all the pieces to realize. He desires what’s mine and that is my title, and for that cause it should be a really arduous combat.

“I do not assume so [in regard to if the fight is being overlooked], everybody is aware of Maidana goes to carry it. I am not wanting previous him. I do know that. I have been coaching arduous day by day, sparring the very best fighters in Vegas. I am able to go and I do know he’s. To be trustworthy, this may be the combat of the night time.”

Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the chances on every principal card combat earlier than attending to a prediction and professional decide on the primary occasion beneath.

Struggle card, odds

Canelo Alvarez (c) -500	Jaime Munguia +350	Undisputed tremendous middleweight title
Mario Barrios (c) -1100	Fabian Maidana +650	WBC interim welterweight title
Brandon Figueroa (c) -1400	Jessie Magdaleno +700	WBC interim featherweight title
Eimantas Stanionis (c) -1400	Gabriel Maestre +700	WBA “common” welterweight title

Viewing info

• Date: Might 4
• Location: T-Cellular Enviornment — Las Vegas
• Begin time: 8 p.m. ET
• How one can watch: PBC on Prime Video PPV, DAZN PPV & PPV.com | Value: $89.99

Prediction

Whereas the connection with Roach appeared to take Munguia’s sport to a complete new degree final trip, it is arduous to argue with Alvarez’s stance that preventing him is simply totally different. So many have entered the ring towards him with massive plans solely to be disciplined out of their offensive sport plan early by Alvarez’s energy and pinpoint marksmanship as an elite counterpuncher. 

Add in the truth that Alvarez has by no means been down as an expert and has solely been badly harm (on a visible degree) only one time towards Jose Miguel Cotto again in 2010 and one can see the uphill battle Munguia has in entrance of him regardless of being the larger of the 2. 

Munguia will should be throughout Alvarez from the bounce by getting inside and trying to spam and nook his opponent with relentless pursuit. He has proven a willingness to endure massive punishment up to now and tends to stay harmful even whereas harm. However exercise stays his best risk of survival. 

As soon as Alvarez is ready to decelerate the tempo of a combat by turning it right into a sharpshooting chess match, the tip is usually close to for his opponent. Munguia might want to act like the larger fighter and attempt to use his measurement to lean on and put on out Alvarez ought to he hope to get the nod from the identical Las Vegas judges who’ve traditionally favored the excessive effectivity of Alvarez’s cleaner and tougher single photographs. 

Munguia’s whole profession has culminated on this second and the expectation stays that he will likely be prepared to threat knockout defeat in an effort to give himself the very best shot at pulling the upset. However the truth that he leaves himself so open to be cleanly countered merely is not sustainable towards a boxer of Alvarez’s ability. 

Whether or not or not Alvarez can end the job with a spectacular end seemingly relies upon upon how a lot punishment Munguia can take. 

Choose: Alvarez through UD12 

Who wins Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia, and which prop is a must-back? Go to SportsLine now to see Peter Kahn’s finest bets for Saturday, all from the boxing specialist who has netted his followers a revenue of greater than $4,000, and discover out.

BOSTON (AP) — David Pastrnak scored on a feed from Hampus Lindholm 1:54 into additional time and the Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 in Recreation 7 on Saturday evening to clinch their first-round sequence and advance within the NHL playoffs.

Jeremy Swayman completed with 30 saves and Lindholm had the tying purpose in regulation to assist the Bruins keep away from dropping their second straight first-round sequence after holding a 3-1 lead. They’ve now defeated the rival Maple Leafs in Recreation 7 of the primary spherical of the playoffs thrice within the final seven years.

Boston will meet the Florida Panthers, who upset the Bruins in seven video games within the first spherical final yr and spoiled a season wherein they posted data for probably the most wins and factors in a season in NHL historical past. Recreation 1 is ready for Monday evening in Florida. The Panthers have been resting since Tuesday, after they eradicated Tampa Bay in 5 video games.

William Nylander scored and Auston Matthews had an help in his return from a two-game absence for the Maple Leafs, who at the moment are 0-6 in Recreation 7s for the reason that 2013 convention quarterfinals. They’re 0-4 on the highway in these video games – all in Boston. Matthews missed Video games 5 and 6 with an undisclosed ailment.

Ilya Samsonov began in purpose for the primary time since Recreation 4 and completed with 29 saves. James van Riemsdyk and Justin Brazeau additionally had assists.

Samsonov obtained the nod rather than Joseph Woll, who was dominated out previous to the sport for what the group stated was an damage he sustained in Recreation 6.

Samsonov allowed 12 targets over the primary 4 video games. Woll stepped in and gave up simply two in Toronto’s Recreation 5 and 6 victories.

It was redemption for Pastrnak, who entered the evening with two targets and two assists via the primary six video games

The Maple Leafs broke the scoring drought at 9:01 of the third interval when Matthews corralled a unfastened puck that was mishandled by Tyler Bertuzzi within the zone and flipped it to a chopping Nylander, who beat Swayman for his third purpose of the sequence.

However the Bruins responded simply over a minute later when Lindholm muscled in a ricochet in entrance of the web to tie it again up at 1-all.

The Bruins had loads of good luck charms inside TD Backyard for Recreation 7.

Retired captain Patrice Bergeron waved the Bruins’ flag previous to the sport. Celtics star Jayson Tatum and coach Joe Mazzulla have been additionally in attendance and proven on the video display, drawing a loud ovation.

The additional power within the constructing discovered its method to the ice.

The Bruins have been on the assault early on, holding an 11-8 edge via the opening 20 minutes after being outshot 23-3 in the course of the first interval over Video games 5 and 6.

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AP NHL playoffs: and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

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Canelo Alvarez will defend his undisputed tremendous middleweight titles in opposition to Jaime Munguia on Saturday night time in Las Vegas.

It will likely be Alvarez’s fourth protection as undisputed champion after unifying his WBC, WBA and WBO tremendous middleweight titles with Caleb Plant’s IBF title in 2021.

Munguia, a former 154-pound champion, holds an undefeated report and has two opponents in widespread with Alvarez, beating John Ryder and Liam Smith. This shall be Alvarez’s first combat in opposition to a fellow Mexican since 2017.

Observe right here for reside updates from the combat.

Canelo vs Munguia reside updates

Spherical 5

Munguia appears to be like advantageous after the knockdown however its impacts may present as we get additional into combat. Canelo is snapping his jab effectively which is opening up area for fast combos. Canelo continues to attach on counter photographs, whereas Munguia continues to be throwing however hasn’t landed something vital. Strong spherical for Canelo after the knockdown.

Spherical 4: Canelo knocks down Munguia

Munguia continues to look sharp, standing within the pocket with Canelo. He is working behind the jab and continues his traditional mixture punching. Canelo appears unphased by the photographs however many are touchdown nonetheless. Within the last minute Canelo caught Munguia with a string of counters and an uppercut knocked him down, the primary knockdown of Munguia’s profession. 10-8 spherical for Canelo.

Spherical 3

Canelo stays targeted on the physique of Munguia, touchdown photographs with venom. Munguia continues to make the most of the jab however hasn’t been in a position to hold Canelo too far-off, Munguia is a lot used to combating within the pocket nonetheless. Munguia pushed Canelo to the nook however Canelo’s protection held robust as he labored his method again to the middle of the ring. Munguia unloads on Canelo within the last seconds of the spherical, though Alvarez manages to dam an honest variety of photographs.

Spherical 2

Canelo just isn’t afraid to remain inside in opposition to Munguia, persevering with to maneuver ahead consuming away at Munguia’s physique. Munguia is responding with fast combos typically connecting with the pinnacle and physique of Canelo, however Alvarez is hardly taking a step again as he counters. Good response spherical for Canelo as he lands 16 punches.

Spherical 1

Spherical 1 was a sense out spherical between the 2 Mexicans, however heated up within the waning seconds of the combat. Munguia tried to ascertain the jab within the opening minutes, utilizing his peak benefit to maintain the space. Canelo discovered his method inside because the spherical went on, touchdown stable physique photographs whereas Munguia countered shortly. Munguia landed a bevy of stable photographs and may safe the spherical.

Canelo vs Munguia undercard outcomes

• Mario Barrios defeats Fabian Maidana by unanimous resolution
• Brandon Figueroa defeats Jessie Magdaleno by KO in spherical 9
• Eimantas Stanionis defeats Gabriel Maestre by unanimous resolution

The right way to watch Canelo vs Munguia?

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia is being broadcasted on Prime Video pay-per-view and DAZN pay-per-view. This will be the second Prime Video fight card and pay-per-view since promoter Premier Boxing Champions agreed to a broadcasting deal with the streaming giant.

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How much is the Canelo vs Munguia pay-per-view?

The Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia pay-per-view is $89.95 on Prime Video. DAZN is offering the pay-per-view for $89.99 with a free month of DAZN when you buy a subscription.

When does the Canelo vs Munguia fight start?

The four fight pay-per-view starts at 7 p.m. CT. Alvarez and Munguia are expected to make their ring walks around 10:15 p.m. CT.

• Pay-per-view start: 7 p.m. CT
• Alvarez vs Munguia ring walks: approx. 10:15 p.m. CT

Canelo vs Munguia location

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 4. It will be Alvarez’s ninth fight at T-Mobile Arena while it will be Munguia’s second.

Canelo vs Munguia prediction

While Canelo is the favorite for good reason, it’s not crazy to believe in Munguia’s upside on Saturday.

Munguia is an all-action fighter who rarely takes a step backwards. He pressures his opponents consistently throughout the fight, unleashing barrages on his opponents at close range. That pressure and the distance at which Munguia fights Alvarez will likely determine the fight.

If he’s able to get inside on Alvarez he could find success, but historically Munguia’s high-octane offensive approach has left him susceptible to getting countered, something Alvarez is an expert at.

Munguia’s pressure could make Alvarez uncomfortable, but somewhere around the middle rounds Alvarez will likely decipher Munguia’s forward attacks and pick him apart with counter punches.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alvarez find his rhythm in the mid to late rounds of the fight and catch Munguia with a big counter shot that puts him down. In the end, Munguia can make this fight exciting for as long as it lasts, but eventually Alvarez will be able to catch him with his guard down and while Munguia has shown a strong chin in the past, few possess power like Alvarez.

Prediction: Canelo Alvarez by KO/TKO in rounds 7-9

Canelo Alvarez weight

Canelo Alvarez weighed in at 166.8 pounds, 1.2 pounds below the super middleweight limit.

Canelo Alvarez fight record

Canelo Alvarez has a 60-2-2 record with 39 knockouts.

Canelo is widely considered to be the most accomplished active boxer in the world and will be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he retires. He’s won titles in four different weight classes from 154-pounds to 175-pounds and is the first undisputed super middleweight champion in the four-belt era.

He’s the No. 1 super middleweight and No. 4 ranked fighter pound-for-pound by The Ring.

Jaime Munguia weight

Jaime Munguia weighed in at 167.4 pounds, .6 pounds below the super middleweight limit.

Jaime Munguia fight record

Jaime Munguia has a 43-0 record with 34 knockouts.

Munguia is a former junior middleweight world champion and this will be his third fight at super middleweight. Despite his undefeated record, Munguia has faced criticism throughout his career for the caliber of opponents he’s taken on.

Munguia is the No. 5 ranked super middleweight contender by The Ring.

His best victories include a 2018 title fight win over Liam Smith and two wins in the last twelve months over contenders John Ryder and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

Canelo vs Munguia fight purse

While each fighter’s exact purse for the bout is unknown, we do have an idea of how much Canelo is making. Canelo signed a one-fight deal with promoter Premier Boxing Champions earlier this year for more than $35 million, per Dan Rafael.

Munguia will receive the largest purse of his career although the exact figure is unknown.

Canelo vs Munguia judges

The Nevada State Athletic Commission selected an experienced group of judges for the Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia fight.

The judges will be Tim Cheatham, David Sutherland and Steve Weisfeld. The referee will be Thomas Taylor.

Canelo vs Munguia odds

Canelo Alvarez is a -525 favorite to win on DraftKings, while Munguia is +380 to win. On DraftKings 68% of bets have been placed on Canelo as of Friday.

• Alvarez by decision: -105
• Munguia by decision: +700
• Alvarez by KO/TKO: +165
• Munguia by KO/TKO: +950

Canelo vs Munguia undercard

The co-main event will see former world champion Mario Barrios (28-2, 18 knockouts) defend his WBC interim welterweight title against Fabian Maidana (22-2, 16 knockouts).

In the third fight down the card, former unified world champion Brandon Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 knockouts) returns from a year layoff to defend his WBC interim featherweight belt against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno (29-2, 18 knockouts).

The pay-per-view opener will see the WBA “regular” welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 knockouts) take on two-time Olympian, undefeated Gabriel Maestre (6-0-1, 5 knockouts).

The full pay-per-view card is below:

• Main event: Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia
• Co-main: Mario Barrios vs Fabian Maidana
• Brandon Figueroa vs Jessie Magdaleno
• Eimantas Stanionis vs Gabriel Maestre

Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccampbell7.

NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Stella, a painter, sculptor and printmaker whose consistently evolving works are hailed as landmarks of the minimalist and post-painterly abstraction artwork actions, died Saturday at his house in Manhattan. He was 87.

Gallery proprietor Jeffrey Deitch, who spoke with Stella’s household, confirmed his demise to The Related Press. Stella’s spouse, Harriet McGurk, informed the New York Occasions that he died of lymphoma.

Born Might 12, 1936, in Malden, Massachusetts, Stella studied at Princeton College earlier than shifting to New York Metropolis within the late Fifties.

At the moment many outstanding American artists had embraced summary expressionism, however Stella started exploring minimalism. By age 23 he had created a collection of flat, black work with gridlike bands and stripes utilizing home paint and uncovered canvas that drew widespread vital acclaim.

Over the subsequent decade, Stella’s works retained his rigorous construction however started incorporating curved traces and vibrant colours, comparable to in his influential Protractor collection, named after the geometry software he used to create the curved shapes of the large-scale work.

Within the late Nineteen Seventies, Stella started including three-dimensionality to his visible artwork, utilizing metals and different blended media to blur the boundary between portray and sculpture.

Stella continued to be productive properly into his 80s, and his new work is presently on show on the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in New York Metropolis. The colourful sculptures are large and but nearly appear to drift, made up of shining polychromatic bands that twist and coil by way of area.

“The present work is astonishing,” Deitch informed AP on Saturday. “He felt that the work that he confirmed was the fruits of a decades-long effort to create a brand new pictorial area and to fuse portray and sculpture.”