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Canelo is one of the biggest names in boxing today, but his domination of the sport stretches back years.

The Mexican is the current undisputed super middleweight world champion, but in 2010 when he was just 20 years old, Canelo had not yet experienced the rush of a world title shot.

20-year-old Canelo was utterly dominant against Baldomir
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20-year-old Canelo was utterly dominant against BaldomirCredit: AFP
Although he did have to absorb a few shots himself, but Canelo is known for his steel chin
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Although he did have to absorb a few shots himself, but Canelo is known for his steel chinCredit: Getty
In the sixth round, Canelo brutally KO'd Baldomir
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In the sixth round, Canelo brutally KO'd BaldomirCredit: AFP
And announced himself as a future great in the sport
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And announced himself as a future great in the sportCredit: AFP

That does not mean, however, that he was any less devastating in the ring, as he showed when he came up against 39-year-old former world champion, Carlos Manuel Baldomir.

The Argentine had previously gone the distance with Floyd Mayweather Jr and he had beaten Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah, but he proved no match for Canelo.

The Mexican out-boxed Baldomir from the off and in the sixth round, after landing a stunning double uppercut, Canelo laid out his opponent with a brutal left hook.

Baldomir hit the canvas face down and while he managed to roll onto his back he could not beat the ten-count, as the referee waved off the contest.

Less than a year later, Canelo would become a world champion after beating Matthew Hatton, the brother of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, to claim the WBC super welterweight strap.

Since then, Canelo has gone on to win multiple world titles across four different weight classes from super welterweight to light heavyweight, including the undisputed 168 lb titles.

Despite having suffered a few defeats in his career, Canelo remains one of the biggest names in boxing
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Despite having suffered a few defeats in his career, Canelo remains one of the biggest names in boxingCredit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Canelo's next challenge comes in the shape of Britain's John Ryder on May 6.

The fight will take place at the Estadio Akron in Mexico and it will be the first time Canelo has fought in his home-country since 2011 when he knocked out Kermit Cintron.

This matchmaking has received criticism, however, due to Ryder being such a heavy underdog, as Mexican boxing legend, Oscar De La Hoya, said: "[Canelo’s] fighting all these British fighters and it does nothing to his legacy...

“He has to step up and fight tough opposition, the tough guys, the guys who are out there who can give him a fight. It’s not the John Ryders of this world.”

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