Terence Crawford delivered a stunning performance to dethrone Canelo Alvarez and claim the title of three-weight undisputed champion. Moving up two weight divisions to face the super-middleweight champion, Crawford maintained control throughout the match, impressing all three judges in Las Vegas with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in his favor.
Having previously dominated in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, Crawford stepped up to the 168lb weight class specifically to challenge the unbeaten Alvarez. Despite the odds, Crawford appeared more comfortable in the ring, pushing Alvarez to the brink of frustration and making history by becoming the first man to hold all four belts in three different weight classes.
Reflecting on his victory, Crawford stated, “When I set my mind to something and understand my capabilities, it’s not a surprise to me. I knew I could achieve this; I just needed the opportunity. This victory holds significant meaning for me, proving that anyone can rise from obscurity, regardless of the critics.”
Acknowledging Crawford’s prowess, Alvarez remarked, “I give credit to Crawford. He is a formidable fighter. I consider myself a victor for competing at this level. There is no shame in taking risks and facing challenges.”
The match kicked off with Alvarez taking a slight lead in the opening round, which served as a strategic evaluation period for both fighters. As the bout progressed, Crawford gained momentum, showcasing his left-hand counter and asserting his dominance in the subsequent rounds.
Despite Alvarez’s efforts to rally, Crawford maintained his composure and skillfully dealt with his opponent’s aggression, demonstrating his ability to handle the power differential resulting from moving up in weight class. The intense competition culminated in a decisive victory for Crawford, who outperformed Alvarez in the final rounds to secure the win.
In a display of sportsmanship, both fighters celebrated their efforts, yet it was Crawford who emerged victorious, albeit by narrow margins as determined by the judges.