It was the NFL team Dallas Cowboys giant arena AT&T Stadium that last night was the scene of this year's biggest boxing match to date.

The crowd of 73,126 is the third largest ever for an indoor boxing arena - just two Anthony Joshua matches in Wales have attracted more - and the largest ever in the United States.

It beat the old US record of 63,352 when Muhammad Ali met Leon Spinks in 1978 at the Superdome in New Orleans.

It was also the largest audience ever in North America since the corona pandemic broke out, passing the galloping classic Kentucky Derby, which attracted 51,838 spectators just over a week ago.

The big match in Texas attracted a total of 73,126 spectators.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING

Mighty scenes when Canelo Alvarez makes his entrance.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING

Broke the match in the corner of the ring

The match then?

In the eighth round, the favorite Canelo Alvarez got an uppercut that hit the middle of Billy Joe Saunders' right eye.

During the break, the Briton had noticeable eye problems and his coach then chose to cancel the match.

Before that, it had been even.

Alvarez had the lead on all judges' scorecards (78-74, 78-74, 77-75), but had at times been pressured by the previously undefeated Englishman.

- I knew that something would happen around the eighth round, says Canelo, who predicted victory by knock between rounds eight and ten.

- It was not as difficult as I had thought.

My preparations were very good and I get better with each passing day.

This match from Canelo meant that Saunders could not continue the match.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING

Canelo urges the audience for a good hit.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING

"He saw nothing"

According to promoter Eddie Hearn, it could be a fracture in the eye socket for Saunders, which was the reason why they did not want a chance and let him out for the ninth round.

- He saw nothing.

I talked to Mark Tibbs (Saunders coach, editor's note) and he refused to let him continue.

I think he boxed really well.

Billy is really cunning, but Canelo did a lot of damage, Hearn says.

At the age of 30, Canelo already has 56 victories in the boxing ring.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING

Undefeated since 2013

The Mexican previously had the WBC and WBA belts in super middleweight (76.2 kilos) and now took over Saunders WBO title.

Alvarez has a stated goal of becoming the undisputed world champion of the weight class and there is now much to suggest that he will take on Caleb Plant in September.

The undefeated American (21-0, 12 KO) has the last of the four major world championship belts (IBF).

With tonight's victory, Alvarez improves its outstanding match record to 56 wins (38 by knockout), one loss and two draws.

His only career loss came seven and a half years ago against legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr.

At that time he was only 23 years old.

This was his 15th straight victory since then.

Billy Joe Saunders had 30 straight wins before last night's loss which was his first in his career.

Large boxing matches are often arranged in connection with the celebration of the holiday Cinco de Mayo on 5 May.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ED MULHOLLAND / MATCHROOM BOXING