Canelo Alvarez made a stunning ring walk for his Mexico homecoming fight against John Ryder on Saturday night in Guadalajara.
The North American boxing superstar returned home for the first time since 2011 and headlined at the Estadio Akron.
8
8
8
Canelo argued that he wanted a tune-up bout following the hand surgery that he underwent after his trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin last year.
Britain's Ryder was selected as the underdog opponent.
And Mexico was chosen as the venue, with Canelo turning down huge offers from the Middle East to return home.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said the Mexican star took a pay cut of over $10million in order to do this.
Giving back to his people, Canelo staged the event at the Estadio Akron.
Upwards of 50,000 fans turned out to watch him and this made for a sensational stage when he walked to the ring.
8
8
First, prior to the walk, the anthem of the state of Jalisco blared out around the stadium.
Then came the fighters' national anthems as God Save The King was played before a performance of the Himno Nacional Mexicano.
Most read in Boxing
Ryder was first to make his ring walk, emerging to Alive by Chase & Status.
He made a relatively simple walk in low-key fashion.
8
Next came Canelo.
A video montage played out over the big screens replaying the Mexican's most devastating knockouts and career highlights to his home crowd.
The 50,000 fans roared and lit up the stadium with their phones as a second montage showed images of Canelo's family and humble upbringing in Guadalajara.
A marching procession of flag bearers walked out on the stage first, and the stage itself was surrounded by roughly 100 mariachi performers.
8
8
The name 'CANELO' was lit up in huge letters as fireworks erupted from the roof of Estadio Akron.
Mariachi music played as Canelo finally emerged wearing a crown atop his head.
Read More on talkSPORT
He then made his way to the ring and only finally took off the crown when he was inside the squared circle and the introductions began.
A sensational additional firework display concluded the show.
