Terence “Bud” Crawford etched his name into the history books on Saturday night after defeating Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez by unanimous decision to claim the undisputed super middleweight championship of the world. The victory makes Crawford the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in three different weight divisions.
The showdown took place at a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where more than 70,000 fans gathered to witness one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent memory. While many in attendance expected Alvarez to impose his power and experience at 168 pounds, it was Crawford’s speed, footwork, and tactical discipline that carried the night.
The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford. From the opening rounds, the Omaha native relied on his sharp counterpunching and ring movement to frustrate Alvarez, who pushed forward but struggled to land consistently clean shots. As the fight wore on, Crawford’s composure and precision became increasingly evident, neutralizing Alvarez’s trademark body attacks and limiting his offensive bursts.
With the win, Crawford extends his professional record to 42-0 with 31 knockouts, further strengthening his claim as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. Already undisputed at junior welterweight and welterweight, his leap to super middleweight against one of boxing’s most dominant champions underscores the magnitude of his achievement.
For Alvarez, the loss marks the end of his reign as undisputed champion at 168 pounds. The Mexican superstar had enjoyed a lengthy stretch as the face of boxing, unifying the division and taking on some of the sport’s toughest challengers. While the defeat will sting, his willingness to face Crawford who was moving up two weight classes reaffirms his legacy as a fighter who never shied away from high-risk bouts.
Crawford’s triumph is already being hailed as one of the defining moments of modern boxing. By breaking barriers across three divisions, he has not only cemented his place in the sport’s elite history but also set a new standard for future champions.
The night in Las Vegas closed with the crowd divided some stunned by the upset, others celebrating the brilliance of a fighter who continues to defy expectations. For Crawford, however, the message was clear: history has been made, and his name will forever be linked to it.
