Boxing fans come up with theory why Canelo Alvarez didn't knock out Jaime Munguia

Boxing fans have come up with an interesting theory as to why Canelo Alvarez didn't knock out Jaime Munguia.

Canelo, who clashed with Oscar De La Hoya on fight week, dropped Munguia in the fourth round with a brutal uppercut during his unanimous decision victory in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He defended his WBA (super), WBC, IBF and WBO world titles in the process as he inflicted Munguia with the first defeat of his professional career.

Munguia entered the super-middleweight showdown as an unbeaten fighter, having won 43 fights in a row including victories over the likes of John Ryder, Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Gabriel Rosado.

The 27-year-old went the distance with Canelo, but he could have been stopped in the final round.

The Mexican superstar had the Munguia seemingly hurt in the 12th round after a stinging straight right-hand.

Despite having him rocked, the 33-year-old didn't go in for the kill as he backed off and surprisingly initiated a clinch.

Fight fans online are convinced Canelo purposely held because he didn't want to hurt his fellow countryman's career.

A clip of the moment emerged online, accompanied with the caption: "I think Canelo sees his younger self in Munguia, hungry & humble. I don’t think he really wanted to hurt the career of a young Mexican boxer by KO’ing him. Why else would he initiate the clinch when he’s not the one hurt."

People online agreed with the claim as they praised Canelo's gesture.

One X user wrote: "Totally agree! Munguia has a bright future! I think he can beat everyone at 168! Wouldn’t be shocked if he takes the throne after Canelo is done!"

A second tweeted: "Not see himself but sees he could be something in the sport and didn't want to give him long term damage."

A third added: "I couldn’t agree with you more. I think he respected him and in a way cared for him enough not to want to hurt him. Big Respects to him for doing that."

Canelo improved his pro record to an impressive 61-2-2 following his comfortable win over Munguia.