Watch Canelo Alvarez knock out Liam Smith with a bone-crushing punch to the ribs

Canelo Alvarez improved his record to 48-1-1 (34 KOs) with another classic knockout victory over British boxer Liam Smith on Saturday night at Cowboys stadium, and the manner of the victory was breathtakingly decisive.

The punch that finally ended it came in the ninth round. After knocking down Smith twice before, Canelo threw a left hook to the head and then followed with another massive left hook to the body.

USA TODAY’s Mike Coppinger was on the ground in Texas: 

Liam Smith contorted his back, seemingly to ease the pain. He let out a primal scream through his mouth guard, his legs flailing. There was no escape.

The devastating left hook to the liver that ended the fight — and scored a third knockdown — sounded like a gunshot from ringside. Canelo Alvarez knew right away that it was a fight-ending punch. He calmly walked over to the opposite corner, jumped up on the ring post and crossed his arms while 51,420 of his adoring Mexican fans cried with joy.

Here’s a replay of the punch: