Terence Crawford solidified his place in boxing history with a resounding victory over Canelo Alvarez, capturing the undisputed super-middleweight championship. The fight, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd, saw Crawford expertly outmaneuver and outclass his opponent, defying doubters who questioned his ability to compete at a higher weight class.
Crawford's post-fight interview was a mixture of humble confidence and pointed defiance. He declared the victory a 'signature win,' emphasizing the significance of moving up two weight divisions to defeat an undefeated champion. His calm demeanor belied a deep-seated belief in his capabilities; he stated he knew he could win from the moment Alvarez signed the contract. He dismissed suggestions of caution in the early rounds, asserting he was in control from the start, strategically analyzing his opponent's approach.
The turning point arrived in the sixth round, as Crawford adjusted his strategy, becoming more assertive and landing powerful left hands. He confidently countered Alvarez's attacks, even smiling in the later rounds as his opponent's power waned. Questions surrounding Crawford's ability to withstand Alvarez's power were dismissed; he insisted he'd faced harder hitters in his career.
Alvarez, though gracious in defeat, admitted he couldn't match Crawford's style. His post-fight comments hinted at physical limitations in the later rounds, a testament to Crawford's relentless pressure. The victory marked a historic achievement for Crawford, making him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed in three weight divisions, a feat last accomplished by Henry Armstrong in 1938.
The comparisons to Floyd Mayweather were inevitable, but Crawford deftly sidestepped them, emphasizing that he is the greatest in *his* era. He expressed respect for Alvarez, calling him a great champion, even as Alvarez himself proclaimed Crawford superior to Mayweather. Crawford's victory served as a powerful message to those who doubted him, a silent 'I told you so' echoing through the stadium and around the boxing world.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/14/terence-crawford-canelo-alvarez-boxing-quotes-reaction
