LAS VEGAS — Terence “Bud” Crawford cemented his place among boxing’s all-time greats Saturday night, outclassing Canelo Alvarez in front of a sold-out crowd of 70,482 at Allegiant Stadium.
Two years after dismantling Errol Spence Jr. to become undisputed welterweight champion, Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) moved up two full weight divisions and achieved the unthinkable. Dethroning Canelo to become the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.
Judges Tim Cheatham (115-113), Max De Luca (115-113), and Steve Weisfeld (116-112) all scored the fight for Crawford, whose tears flowed as Michael Buffer announced the decision in what will go down as the biggest U.S. boxing event since Mayweather-Pacquiao a decade ago, my final scorecard was 116-112 for Crawford just as I predicted yesterday.
History Made
With the victory, Crawford becomes the first male fighter of the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in three weight classes (140, 147, 168). He is now a world champion in five divisions overall.
The Omaha native, who turns 38 in two weeks, silenced doubts about his size disadvantage by fighting smart, disciplined, and fearless against one of the most accomplished fighters of the era.
“Canelo is a great champion,” Crawford told The Ring’s Max Kellerman after the fight. “I’ve got nothing but respect for Canelo. I’m a big fan. He fought like a champion.”
Crawford’s Game Plan Prevails
Crawford fought primarily out of the southpaw stance, working off the back foot, countering sharply, and picking his spots to engage. He absorbed Alvarez’s trademark power well and dictated the pace with his jab and precision punching.
According to CompuBox, Crawford outlanded Alvarez by 16 punches overall (115 of 534 to Alvarez’s 99 of 338). Canelo connected with more power shots (83 to Crawford’s 70), but Crawford’s accuracy, ring control, and ability to frustrate Alvarez proved decisive.
Crawford’s late surge sealed the fight. In the ninth round, he landed a fight-high 33 punches. By the 12th, it was Alvarez who needed a knockout, but Crawford closed strong with crisp combinations, punctuating the win with a clean left hand in the final seconds.
Alvarez Falls at 168
For Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), the loss marked his first at super middleweight after 11 straight wins in the division. Only Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol, and now Crawford have bested the Mexican icon during his 19-year career.
Though Canelo had his moments particularly with right hands. In the 10th and 11th rounds frustration set in as Crawford’s jab and counters repeatedly broke his rhythm.
The Legacy Conversation
Crawford’s triumph reshapes the pound-for-pound debate and boxing history itself. Not only did he overcome a natural size disadvantage, but he also did so against a man who had cleaned out the 168-pound division.
At nearly 38, Crawford has authored one of the greatest chapters of his career. From undisputed junior welterweight, to undisputed welterweight, and now undisputed super middleweight, “Bud” has built a résumé that few in the sport’s history can match.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
