Terence Crawford Outboxes Canelo Alvarez to Make History in Las Vegas

In a masterful display of boxing skill and ring intelligence, Terence "Bud" Crawford secured a historic unanimous decision victory over Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. The highly anticipated bout, held before a record-breaking crowd at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, was not a slugfest but a strategic chess match, with Crawford consistently a step ahead of his larger opponent. The judges' scorecards—116-112, 115-113, and 115-113—reflected a dominant performance from Crawford, who, by moving up two weight classes, became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in three different divisions.
From the opening bell, Crawford showcased his trademark speed and elusiveness, frustrating Alvarez's attempts to close the distance and land his powerful body shots. The first few rounds were a feeling-out process, but Crawford's calculated movements and sharp counter-punching allowed him to control the pace. He utilized a slick southpaw stance, working behind a consistent jab and landing clean, effective combinations. While Alvarez, a formidable champion in his own right, landed some of his signature power shots, they never seemed to faze Crawford, who showed remarkable durability in a new weight class. The fight report noted that Crawford's shots, while perhaps lacking the sheer power of Alvarez's, were more accurate and impactful, leaving their mark on the Mexican star's face as the fight wore on.
The middle rounds were where Crawford truly began to assert his dominance. He started to stand his ground more often, engaging Alvarez in exchanges and consistently getting the better of them. The crowd's initial chants of "Canelo!" were gradually met and then sometimes drowned out by "Crawford!" as the American's performance won over the spectators. A key turning point was the ninth round, where Crawford went on the offensive, landing a flurry of combinations that visibly frustrated Alvarez. Despite an accidental headbutt that caused a brief pause, Crawford maintained his momentum and was the superior fighter for the rest of the night. He showcased an uncanny ability to dictate the rhythm of the fight, slipping punches and returning fire with precision, leaving Alvarez with no clear path to victory.
As the fight entered the championship rounds, it was clear that Alvarez needed a knockout to win. However, Crawford was in total command. He continued to be fresh and elusive, even smiling at Alvarez's counters. He traded in the pocket without hesitation, landing clean punches and demonstrating an unwavering confidence. By the final bell, Alvarez looked weary and resigned, throwing shots more out of hope than conviction. Crawford's performance was not just a victory; it was a boxing clinic that solidified his place among the all-time greats. He proved that his skill, ring IQ, and ability to adapt were more than enough to overcome a significant size disadvantage and a legend of the sport. The win was a testament to his career-long dedication and a moment that will forever be etched in boxing history.
Source@Pulse Sports