GGG vs Canelo 2: How fight unfolded, was Gennady Golovkin hard done by and what chances of a trilogy?

When it comes to producing a sequel to a masterpiece, it's often the case you just can't do the original justice.

That was far from the case when Gennady Golovkin stepped into the ring against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in Las Vegas for GGG vs Canelo 2.

The first fight, which took place just over a year ago had it all. A compelling bout between two of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of their generation, it was the weird, skewed set of judges scores that was talked about in the hours and days afterwards.

Already the discussion over part II in the series will rumble for the coming days. 

Alvarez won a points decision as Triple GGG lost his first ever professional fight. In the process the Kazakh fighter relinquished his WBC and WBA middleweight titles at the T-Mobile Arena. But that wasn't the whole story.

Again it was the judges scoring and the awarding of a points victory to the Mexican which has caused huge debate.

How the fight unfolded

Our boxing correspondent Gareth A Davies predicted a split-points decision to Canelo before the bout. Here's how he saw the 12 rounds that followed and his own scoring.

Round 1: GGG busier with the jab throughout. Canelo much more static than first fight. Very close. GGG 10-9

Round 2: An excellent Canelo round with body shots from the Mexican. GGG is marked under the right eye. Canelo 10-9.

Round 3:  Another good round by Canelo, making GGG pay every time he misses. Canelo lands more and is busier, it is working for him being the aggressor and his hand speed is telling. Canelo 10-9

Round 4: A terrific uppercut from GGG which turns Canelo. Both are technically brilliant. Both hunting for weaknesses. Alvarez trying to walk him down and trying to counter but getting caught. There's a nick over Alvarez's left eye. GGG 10-9

Round 5: No let up in the pace. GGG nicks this round, better work all round, and there is a deepening cut on Alvarez's left eyelid. GGG 10-9

Round 6:  Spearing jab from GGG then an uppercut. Big shots from Canelo, but more scoring shots from GGG again. Very close, but GGG landed more. GGG 10-9

Round 7: Canelo is more assertive again. GGG finishing strongly with a quality uppercut, but it's Canelo's round. Canelo 10-9

Round 8: GGG blowing a little. And Canelo by the end of the round. Claret running from from the left eye of Canelo down his face. An amazing fight... Canelo wipes away blood from his nose now. GGG 10-9

Round 9: Bigger cleaner shots from Canelo but quality and volume from GGG making Alvarez fall short. Quality left hook from Canelo, same from GGG. Canelo complains he was headbutted. Canelo proudly marching forward but clear fatigue in his body. Big shots that round from both. GGG 10-9

(Gareth has GGG ahead 87-84 at this point)

Round 10: Best round of the fight so far. GGG looking tired for first time but a brilliant right hand from GGG hurts Alvarez. Now Alvarez attacks. GGG breathing HARD. All about heart now. Conditioning, stamina, desire. GGG 10-9

(GGG ahead 97-93)

Round 11: Golovkin being smart, never stopping his advance, engaging Canelo who needs a knockout or stoppage on my card now. GGG 10-9

(GGG ahead 107-102)

Round 12:  Alvarez slips to the canvas but then produces a lovely uppercut. Both exhausted but still battling, but the better boxing from GGG. Alvarez makes another huge effort, power shots winging out. Massive effort from Alvarez but too late. The animosity is gone as they engage. Canelo 10-9. 

Gareth A Davies has Golovkin winning by four rounds 116-12 but very similar to the first contest in being very close to call.

How the judges saw it

Going into the final three minutes, all three judges had it at 105-104 in favour of the challenger with the Mexican's strong chin and even stronger resolve seeing him go the distance and take the straps as Golovkin tasted defeat for the first time in 40 fights.

Judges scores: Glenn Feldman114-114, Dave Moretti (the only judge retained from the first fight) 115-113 and Steve Weisfeld 115-113.

What GGG and Canelo said

Golovkin did not hang around leaving the ring shortly after the judges decision was announced. He later said:

Canelo, meanwhile, set up the possibility of GGG vs Canelo part III. He said:

How pundits and fans reacted

Quite a few former boxers, most of whom are turned pundits, had GGG edging the 28-year-old Mexican. Other big sports names just soaked up another night of sporting drama.

What happens next?

Canelo has already opened the door to creating a trilogy in the enthralling series. At 36-years-old time is running out for Golovkin and any potential rematch is unlikely to be signed, sealed and delivered in the next 10 months. A dream for promoters and broadcasters would be to rearrange the third part of the duel this time next year. 

A third fight would be well received by boxing fans around the world and, if his body is still up to the task, Golovkin would be desperate to go toe-to-toe with his great rival again to seek revenge. Watch this space.

What do you think? Was GGG hard done by? Would you like to see a rematch? Have your say in the comments section below.