Golovkin and Alvarez bout ends in controversial draw

Kazakh Golovkin and Mexican Alvarez each got the nod from one judge, while the third declared it a draw - but it was the wild scorecard of veteran judge Byrd that immediately raised eyebrows in Las Vegas.

Golovkin, who landed 218 punches to Alvarez's 169, remains unbeaten in his career, but many felt he was robbed of victory. The result increases the possibility of a rematch, with both boxers declaring they were keen to fight again.

"Yes, of course, if the people want it," said Alvarez.

"Look at my belts. I'm still the champion," said Golovkin. "Of course I want a rematch."

Golovkin started cautiously in the middleweight contest but appeared to have shaded it, despite a late flurry from Alvarez in front of the raucous pro-Alvarez capacity crowd at the T-Mobile Arena.

It was a close fight, and the other scorecards of 115-113 to Golovkin and 114 apiece were much closer to the general consensus among experts and fans. When the result was announced, it was roundly booed.

The two best middleweights and two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport offered contrasting, if both attacking, styles.

It was perhaps not the all-time classic that promoters had touted, as both fighters clearly respected their opponent too much to risk leaving themselves vulnerable to a knockout.

Golovkin occupied the center of the ring mostly, while Alvarez was more comfortable near the ropes, content to counterpunch.

California-based Golovkin, widely known by his nickname 'GGG', had an edge in jabs, but neither fighter came close to delivering a knockout.

The result leaves Golovkin with a 37-0-1 career record, while Alvarez is 49-1-2, his only loss coming against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.