The silence outside Allegiant Stadium was deafening. A wave of stunned resignation washed over the thousands of Mexican fans as they crossed the bridge towards Mandalay Bay, the aftermath of Terence Crawford's stunning victory over Canelo Alvarez settling heavily in the air. "I can't believe that happened," one fan, draped in a Mexican flag, uttered, encapsulating the disbelief that hung in the air. Crawford's unanimous decision win not only dethroned Canelo as the 168-pound king but also cemented Crawford's place in boxing history as the first male fighter in the four-belt era to claim three undisputed championships. "The cream always rises to the top," Crawford stated simply, his words echoing the undeniable truth of his achievement.
The significance of Crawford's performance cannot be overstated. Just two years ago, the idea of him competing with Canelo seemed far-fetched. Yet, Crawford relentlessly pursued the challenge, and when the opportunity presented itself, he seized it with unwavering confidence. "When I set my sights on something, and I know what I'm capable of, it's not a surprise to me," Crawford explained to reporters, "It's a surprise to y'all because y'all didn't believe. I believed I could do it. I just needed the opportunity."
While not a brawl-filled spectacle, the fight was a masterful display of boxing strategy. Crawford expertly utilized the entire ring, confounding Alvarez with his precise footwork, a relentless jab (landing 45 according to CompuBox), and an impenetrable defense. Alvarez, who typically lands 46% of his power punches, managed only 32% against Crawford's superior defense. "I try my best tonight," Alvarez conceded, "I just cannot figure out the style."
The fight's early rounds were a tense chess match, with Crawford probing with jabs and Alvarez searching for that one decisive blow. Crawford felt he controlled the first three rounds, though his corner remained uncertain. However, starting from the sixth round, Crawford shifted gears, unleashing a barrage of punches. He confidently absorbed Alvarez's power shots – "Mean Machine hit harder," Crawford quipped, referring to Egidijus Kavaliauskas, a former opponent – and relentlessly countered, landing 43 punches in the ninth and 60 more in the eleventh. "I think what frustrated him most is that I was blocking, catching, and countering all his big shots," Crawford analyzed. This defensive mastery proved crucial in wearing down Alvarez.
Much pre-fight discussion centered on Crawford's weight gain, adding 14 pounds of muscle. His impressive physique on Friday, weighing in at 167.5 pounds, raised concerns about his stamina. Yet, he convincingly won two of the final three rounds on two scorecards, and all three on the third, defying doubters.
Crawford's victory stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. Years of being denied high-profile matchups, fighting in lesser-known weight classes, and facing skepticism about his résumé fueled his determination. His dominant win over Errol Spence in 2023 was a significant step, but Saturday night's victory silenced all remaining critics. "All the time that they blocked me out, they said I wasn't fighting nobody, I can't beat this dude. I can't beat that dude," Crawford recounted. "Every time that I got a chance, I wiped the floor with him. So just imagine where I would've been at today if I had got them opportunities a long time ago."
Now, Crawford joins the elite ranks of 21st-century boxing greats, vying for a place alongside Mayweather, Pacquiao, Usyk, and Ward. At 37, he's the best pound-for-pound fighter regardless of weight class. While a rematch with Canelo is a strong possibility, Crawford's future remains open, fueled by his enduring passion for the sport. He's not just a boxing legend; he's a testament to dedication, perseverance, and unwavering self-belief. He's a fighter who continues to evolve and dominate, proving that his prime is far from over.
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Originally published at: https://www.si.com/boxing/terence-crawford-is-now-a-boxing-legend-title-canelo-alvarez
