In a stunning display of skill and determination, Terence Crawford moved up two weight divisions to challenge Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The result? A resounding unanimous decision victory that crowned Crawford as the undisputed super middleweight champion, marking the biggest win of his illustrious career.
Crawford's victory not only adds another title to his collection but also solidifies his legacy in the boxing world. By becoming the first men's fighter in the four-belt era (since 2007) to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight classes—junior welterweight, welterweight, and now super middleweight—Crawford has etched his name into the annals of boxing history.
For most of his career, Crawford has competed in the weight range of 135 to 147 pounds. However, in August 2024, he made the pivotal decision to move up a weight class to 154 pounds. This strategic move paid off when he defeated Israil Madrimov, claiming the WBA junior middleweight title. Following this, Crawford took a year to meticulously prepare for the high-stakes fight against Canelo, demonstrating his commitment to success in the sport.
Canelo Alvarez, a fellow four-division champion, faced Crawford with a track record of only three losses. His previous defeats came at the hands of Crawford, Floyd Mayweather in 2013, and Dmitry Bivol in 2022, when Canelo ventured into the light heavyweight division in pursuit of another world title. The loss to Crawford not only halted his impressive six-fight winning streak but also raised questions about his next steps in the boxing world.
For boxing enthusiasts eager to re-experience this monumental bout, round-by-round highlights are available to relive the thrilling moments that defined Crawford's victory over Canelo. This fight will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant chapter in the careers of both fighters as well as in the history of boxing.
