In an electrifying showdown on Saturday, Terence Crawford etched his name in the annals of boxing history by becoming the first three-division undisputed champion of the four-belt era. Overcoming the odds as a marginal underdog, Crawford faced off against the formidable super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, in a highly anticipated match that showcased the skill and determination of both fighters.
Displaying extraordinary courage, Crawford moved up two weight classes to pursue this monumental achievement. The added muscle did not hinder his performance; instead, he showcased his signature speed and elusiveness with expert precision. Throughout the fight, Crawford adeptly dodged Alvarez's powerful punches while responding with well-timed combinations that kept the momentum in his favor.
The outcome of the match was clear: Terence Crawford secured a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring it 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in his favor. This win not only solidified his status as a boxing legend but also marked a significant milestone in his career, eclipsing his previous acclaimed victory over Errol Spence Jr. earlier in 2023.
With this victory, Crawford has set himself apart from his contemporaries by becoming the only boxer to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes. His remarkable journey in the sport has seen him become the inaugural two-division undisputed champion, a feat that has since been matched by talented fighters like Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite facing challenges due to boxing politics that often interfered with his ability to secure major fights, Crawford's victory over Alvarez serves as a legacy-boosting triumph, particularly in the boxing mecca of Las Vegas. This win not only enhances his reputation but also elevates the level of anticipation for future bouts.
Saturday's fight card was not limited to the main event. The undercard featured a thrilling WBC interim super middleweight title clash between Christian M'billi and Lester Martinez. The two fighters engaged in a fierce battle that lasted for 10 rounds, ultimately ending in a split draw, leaving fans eager for a potential rematch. Additionally, the co-main event saw Callum Walsh improve his record to 15-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Fernando Vargas Jr..
Here are the official results from the Canelo vs. Crawford event:
Terence Crawford def. Canelo Alvarez (c) via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) Callum Walsh def. Fernando Vargas Jr. via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 100-90) Christian M'billi vs. Lester Martinez ends in a split draw (93-97, 96-94, 95-95) Mohammed Alakel def. Travis Crawford via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)The Canelo vs. Crawford matchup took place on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET. For those looking to catch the action, the fight was available for streaming on Netflix (subscription required).
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the boxing world continues to react to this historic fight and what it means for the future of Terence Crawford and his legacy in the sport.
