In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Terence Crawford dethroned Canelo Álvarez to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion. The electrifying fight, held before a record-breaking crowd of 70,482 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, saw Crawford, moving up two weight classes, outpoint Álvarez in a unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113). This victory marks the third defeat of Álvarez's illustrious career and solidifies Crawford's place among boxing's all-time greats.
The fight was a tactical masterpiece. Crawford, employing his signature switch-hitting style, expertly used his jab to control the distance, countering Álvarez's body shots with precision strikes to the head. As the fight progressed, Crawford's dominance became increasingly apparent. He dictated the pace, neutralizing Álvarez's powerful pressure and leaving the Mexican superstar looking frustrated and ineffective.
The sixth round proved pivotal. Crawford stood his ground, landing powerful left hands that visibly swelled the area under Álvarez's right eye. From that point onward, his superior movement and ring generalship shone through, consistently outlanding and out-throwing the reigning champion. While Álvarez landed significant body shots, he lacked the varied attack necessary to overcome Crawford's tactical brilliance.
Crawford's composure and skill were on full display. Despite an accidental head clash that resulted in a cut requiring stitches, he maintained his focus, continuing to circle, fire combinations, and even confidently trade punches in close quarters. His post-fight comments showcased both respect for Álvarez and a quiet confidence in his own achievement.
For Álvarez, the defeat was a sobering reminder of Crawford's exceptional talent. Though he momentarily threatened, the champion never truly found his rhythm, struggling against Crawford's superior timing and footwork. The sheer scale of the event, held in a stadium typically home to the NFL's Raiders and streamed globally on Netflix, underscored the magnitude of Crawford's accomplishment.
This victory transcends the sport itself. For Crawford, it's not just about a title; it's a testament to his unwavering dedication and his ability to consistently solve the puzzle presented by each opponent. It marks a remarkable evolution from a rising talent to a true boxing legend, adding his name to the pantheon of fighters who have achieved greatness across multiple weight classes, including Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The night belonged to Terence Crawford, who turned a Mexican Independence Day celebration into a personal triumph.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/13/terence-crawford-canelo-alvarez-fight-report-undisputed
