Terence Crawford Clinches Undisputed Super Middleweight Title in Stunning Upset Over Canelo Álvarez

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Terence Crawford etched his name into boxing history Saturday night, defeating Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion. held before a record-breaking crowd of over 70,000 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the bout saw Crawford, 37, overcome a size disadvantage and years of doubt to best Mexico’s star. Judges scored the fight 116-112,115-113,and 115-113,all in Crawford’s favor.Already unique in this four-belt era for unifying titles across two weight classes, Crawford now adds a third, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Crawford started strong, utilizing a southpaw stance and effective jab. He absorbed early body shots from Canelo, then turned the tables, finding openings for his own attacks. By mid-fight,he consistently landed more punches and with greater accuracy,repeatedly snapping Álvarez’s head back with counter strikes while maintaining distance.

While Canelo had moments, landing some impactful shots of his own, he struggled to corner Crawford or change the fight’s momentum. As the fight progressed, Crawford grew more confident, firing off crisp combinations and even trading punches in close quarters. By the championship rounds, the American was firmly in control, even smiling as he deflected Canelo’s increasingly desperate attacks.

“Canelo is a great champion,” Crawford said post-fight, “I’ve got to take my hat off to him. He’s a strong competitor. Like I said before, I’ve got nothing but respect for canelo… I’m a big fan and he fought like a champion today.”

Regarding his future plans, Crawford was noncommittal, stating, “I don’t know. I’ve got to sit down with my team and talk about it. I just want to say thank you to all the supporters, and thank you to all the haters. I appreciate all of you.”

Álvarez,35,suffered only his third defeat in a renowned 64-fight career. the four-division champion, having held sway in the 168-lb division for seven years, was repeatedly outmaneuvered and outpaced by Crawford’s speed, skill, and timing.

What strategic adjustments did Terence Crawford make during the fight that exploited Canelo Álvarez’s vulnerabilities?

The Fight That Shook Boxing: Crawford vs. Álvarez

Terence Crawford has done it again. In a monumental upset that reverberated throughout the boxing world, “Bud” Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez via unanimous decision on September 13th, 2025, to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. The victory marks Crawford’s second undisputed title, adding to his previous reign as the undisputed welterweight king. This fight, billed as a clash of generations and styles, delivered on its promise of drama and solidified Crawford’s legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his era. The final scores were 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, all in favor of Crawford.

Analyzing Crawford’s Masterclass: Key Tactics & Strategy

Crawford’s victory wasn’t simply luck; it was a meticulously executed game plan. Several key factors contributed to his success against the previously dominant Canelo Álvarez:

* Ring Generalship: Crawford consistently controlled the center of the ring, dictating the pace and distance of the fight.his footwork was impeccable, allowing him to evade Canelo’s power punches and create angles for his own attacks.

* Jab Dominance: The jab was Crawford’s most potent weapon. He used it to disrupt canelo’s rhythm, set up power shots, and maintain control of the fight. Analysts noted the consistent use of a stiff jab to the body, visibly slowing Canelo down in the later rounds.

* Defensive Prowess: Crawford’s defensive skills were on full display. He slipped punches, rolled under hooks, and effectively blocked many of Canelo’s attempts to land clean shots. His high guard and quick reflexes proved tough for Canelo to penetrate.

* strategic Counter-punching: Crawford didn’t engage in a brawl. He patiently waited for Canelo to commit,then countered with precise and damaging punches. This approach neutralized Canelo’s power and frustrated his attempts to impose his will.

canelo Álvarez’s Performance: What Went Wrong?

While Canelo Álvarez is a legendary fighter, he appeared uncharacteristically off-balance and struggled to adapt to Crawford’s style.Several factors contributed to his performance:

* Crawford’s Speed & Movement: Canelo, accustomed to fighting opponents who stood in front of him, had difficulty dealing with Crawford’s superior speed and footwork.

* Lack of Adjustments: Throughout the fight, Canelo seemed unable to adjust his strategy effectively. He continued to pursue Crawford head-on, repeatedly walking into counter punches.

* Fatigue: Crawford’s relentless pressure and consistent jab visibly wore Canelo down as the fight progressed. His punch output decreased substantially in the later rounds.

* Underestimation of Crawford: Some speculate that Canelo may have underestimated Crawford’s abilities, leading to a less cautious and more predictable approach.

The Road to Undisputed: Crawford’s Championship Journey

Terence Crawford’s path to becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion has been nothing short of remarkable.

1. Welterweight Dominance (2014-2023): Crawford first established himself as a force in the welterweight division, capturing titles and defeating top contenders like Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr. (in a stunning upset in 2023).
2. Move to Super Middleweight (2024): In a bold move, Crawford decided to move up two weight classes to challenge for the super middleweight title.
3. Dominant Wins: He quickly dispatched of several highly-rated super middleweight contenders, showcasing his adaptability and power.
4. The Canelo Challenge (2025): The fight against Canelo Álvarez represented the ultimate test of Crawford’s ambition and skill. His victory cemented his place in boxing history.

Impact on the Boxing landscape: