The 35 year-old racked up a commanding lead on the WBN Scorecard only to be denied by a three-way split draw.
A TRULY UNBELIEVABLE judging by Adelaide Byrd (who should never again score a boxing match) saw Canelo as the winner ten rounds to two (118-110).
Closer totals of 115-113 and 114-114 ensured a rematch is on the horizon and could go ahead in May of next year at the same venue.
Golovkin can count himself unlucky not to be handed what seemed a certain triumph as the Kazakh’s record now reads 37-0-1.
Canelo is still chasing a 50th win as the Mexican’s C.V moves to 49-1-2.
On the undercard, Joseph Diaz came through his world title eliminator with late replacement Rafael Rivera after twelve round prior to the GGG v Canelo main event at the T-Mobile Arena.
A dominant Diaz was taken to the scorecards before securing a 25th career win 120-108 and 119-109 (twice).
Diaz, 24, leapfrogs Carl Frampton to be named WBC number one contender to Gary Russell Jr.
In an undefeated collision at super-bantamwieght, Diego De La Hoya dominated former world title holder Randy Caballero to improve his winning streak.
Oscar’s cousin notched a 20th pro win on the scorecards after ten rounds to pick up the NABF championship.
Ryan ‘Blue Chip’ Martin controversially moved to 20-0 with a disputed split decision win over Francisco Rojo.
The 24 year-old overcome a point deduction for hitting low to card a 96-93, 95-94 victory, although one judge had the contest 98-91 the other way.
Early fights saw Serhii Bohachuk defeat Joan Valenzuela via second round stoppage, Marlen Esparza win over six rounds for the first time and Vergil Ortiz extend to 7-0 with an early knockout.
*Nicola Adams fight called off late on Saturday due to opponent failing medical
