Terence “Bud” Crawford did what many thought was impossible. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, the undefeated four-division champion added another historic achievement to his résumé, defeating Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) in front of a roaring crowd at Allegiant Stadium. The performance marked not just another win, but the kind of career-defining moment that puts Crawford firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest fighters of his era.
Crawford’s strategy was clear from the opening bell.
“The first three rounds … I felt like I was in control. I think he was trying to figure me out,” he told reporters afterward. Throughout the fight, he used his speed, movement, and defensive instincts to frustrate Álvarez, preventing the longtime champion from landing his signature power shots.
Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Highlights
For Crawford, the victory was no surprise. “When I set my sights on doing something and I know what I’m capable of, it’s not like a surprise to me. It’s a surprise to y’all because y’all didn’t believe me … but for me, I knew I could do it, I just needed the opportunity.”
The opportunity resulted in a historic achievement: moving up two weight classes and becoming the first man in nearly a decade to take the super middleweight titles away from Álvarez. Already a two-time undisputed champion, Crawford’s résumé now includes wins that span weight classes and eras, elevating him into the upper echelon of all-time greats.
When asked if this was his signature victory, Crawford didn’t hesitate: “For sure, this is definitely a signature win … moving up two weight classes, being the B side, fighting a guy that’s been undefeated in the division, undisputed … of course this means a lot.”
Crawford has long pushed back against critics who questioned the strength of his opposition. On Saturday night, he made a statement. “Great things come to those who wait … the cream always rises to the top. … My time is now and I’m happy that everything played out the way it did. And you looking at the undisputed champion of the world right now.”
The result ensures Crawford’s name will be discussed not just among today’s best fighters, but alongside the greatest of all time. “I knew I won when the last bell rang … God don’t make no mistakes. It’s no mistake that I’m here for a reason … it’s God’s plan, not my plan.”
How the rest of the card played out
Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. Highlights
Full Card Results & Winners
Rising Irish prospect Callum Walsh kept his unbeaten record intact with a composed performance against Fernando Vargas Jr. Walsh went to the body early and often, controlling the pace across ten rounds and leaving little doubt on the scorecards.
Final Result: Walsh by unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 100-90)
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In a super middleweight battle that had the crowd roaring, Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez engaged in a relentless back-and-forth war. Mbilli’s nonstop pressure clashed with Martinez’s sharper counters, and after ten grueling rounds the judges could not separate them.
Final Result: Split draw (93-97, 96-94, 95-95)
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Earlier on the card, Mohammed Alakel showcased composure and accuracy against Travis Kent Crawford, using smart movement and clean combinations to outbox his opponent over ten rounds. Crawford pressed forward and found moments of success, but Alakel’s consistency carried him to a clear decision.
Final Result: Alakel via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)
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On the preliminary card, Brandon Adams, Jermaine Franklin, Reito Tsutsumi, Sultan Almohammed, Raiko Santana, and Marco Verde all picked up victories, with Tsutsumi, Santana, and Verde scoring emphatic stoppages. See more information about the Canelo vs. Crawford prelims here.
Didn’t catch it live? You can still stream the full Canelo vs. Crawford fight — along with the entire card — right now on Netflix.
