Terence Crawford Defeats Canelo Alvarez, Makes Boxing History with Undisputed Super Middleweight Title
Las Vegas, NV — In a landmark event at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night, Terence Crawford secured a unanimous decision victory over Canelo Alvarez, becoming the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in three different weight classes during the four-belt era.
The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 all in favor of Crawford, who now holds the undisputed super middleweight crown after moving up from 154 pounds to 168 pounds to challenge Alvarez.
Crawford’s win marks a historic achievement: he previously held undisputed status at junior welterweight and welterweight, making this his third division to reach this pinnacle. His undefeated professional record improved to 42-0 with 31 knockouts.
Dominant Performance and Strategy
Crawford’s speed advantage was a defining factor throughout the fight. With a consistent and effective jab, he disrupted Alvarez’s rhythm, peppering him relentlessly in the early rounds. His ability to land sharp short combinations and quickly evade counterattacks allowed Crawford to build a solid lead on the scorecards.
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Crawford demonstrated increased confidence and resilience, standing his ground in close exchanges. His punches were not only more frequent but also sharper and more impactful during these exchanges, outmatching Alvarez’s power shots.
A Tested Champion
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, with a professional record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, entered the fight riding a six-fight winning streak. Despite his best efforts and considerable power, he was unable to overcome Crawford’s speed and tactical precision during the contest.
The defeat snapped Alvarez’s winning streak, which included a unanimous decision victory over William Skelton in May.
Pound-for-Pound Implications
As of this fight, Terence Crawford is ranked No. 3 and Canelo Alvarez No. 8 on ESPN’s pound-for-pound list, underscoring the high caliber of skill both fighters bring to the ring. Crawford’s victory will likely prompt reconsideration of the top ranks in the boxing world.
The fight was widely anticipated for its potential to reshape the super middleweight division and deliver a historic milestone in boxing.
This victory solidifies Terence Crawford’s status as one of the sport’s most versatile and dominant champions of his era.