'Masterful performance': Terence Crawford claims undisputed world title with stunning win over Canelo Alvarez
Updated . First published at
Terence Crawford has cemented himself as one of boxing's all-time greats, defeating Canelo Alvarez to become the new undisputed super-middleweight world champion.
With the eyes of the combat sports world fixed on them - both in Las Vegas and across the globe on Netflix - two of the best of the modern era did battle for 12 rounds in one of the purest boxing spectacles this century at a jam-packed Allegiant Stadium.
In the end, the judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 in favour of the American.
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Crawford got the better of the early stages and looked more than comfortable stepping up in weight. Still, things swung slightly in Alvarez's favour by the fifth round, despite some heavy swelling coming through around the Mexican superstar's eye.
Terence Crawford throws a punch at Canelo Alvarez TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Imag
"This is a high-level chess match with punches being thrown with bad intentions," Max Kellerman said on commentary.
"Something changed in that fifth round. It went from a fight where Crawford was out-boxing Canelo to where Canelo was overwhelming Crawford."
Things were rather even as the fight reached the halfway mark, as both boxers had their moments - but it was Crawford who was receiving plenty of the praise.
The challenger landed a big straight left in the sixth round that got the crowd involved.
"That shot got Canelo's attention," Antonio Tarver said on commentary.
Terence Crawford TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Imag
Early in the ninth round, Crawford came out guns blazing, and while it certainly looked like it was giving him the momentum, it did come at a price.
The referee was forced to momentarily stop the bout due to a cut above Crawford's right eye, which was opened due to an accidental headbutt from his opponent.
"This is furious action - they are both looking for a knockout," Kellerman said.
As the world title showdown entered the championship stages, Crawford continued to pile on the pressure and scored with a big uppercut early in the 11th round.
"I thought I saw Canelo wobble a little bit," Kellerman said.
The frustration started to show for Alvarez in the final moments of the fight, seemingly chasing that one big combination that could have swung things in his favour.
But instead, it was Crawford who reigned supreme in the highlight of his career.
"This has been a masterful performance," Kellerman said.
Terence Crawford TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Imag
The loss was just the third in Alvarez's incredible professional career. The other two men to defeat him were Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Crawford's professional record now stands at 42-0 after claiming his latest world title.
When asked post-fight if he would hang up the gloves, Crawford was non-committal.
"I don't know - I'll have to sit down with my team and talk about it," he said.
"I told ya'll I'm not here by coincidence. God blessed me, he made this night and event just for me. I'm a big fan of Canelo and he fought like a champion today.
"Thank you to the supporters, thank you to the haters, I appreciate everyone of you."
