When Terence Crawford stepped into the ring against Canelo Alvarez on September 13, 2025, few could have predicted the outcome. But by the end of the night, Crawford’s victory was undeniable. Canelo—the powerhouse from Mexico—was outboxed by the undefeated Crawford, who claimed the undisputed super middleweight title with a unanimous decision. The fight, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, turned into a showcase of Crawford’s skill, speed, and brilliance, marking the end of Canelo’s reign at 168 pounds.
Crawford’s Strategy: A Masterclass
From the opening bell, Crawford looked like the more composed and tactical fighter. Known for his precision and adaptability, Crawford danced around Canelo’s power punches, landing sharp counters and using his footwork to stay out of range. It was a performance that left no room for doubt—Crawford wasn’t just in the fight; he was in complete control.
By the time the final bell rang, the judges’ scorecards reflected Crawford’s dominance. The scores were 116-112, 115-113, 115-113, all in favor of the American. Crawford had thoroughly outboxed Canelo over 12 rounds, proving that skill and strategy could overcome power in this historic showdown.
Canelo’s Struggle

For Canelo, the fight exposed some vulnerabilities. Known for his ability to adapt to almost any opponent, Canelo could not figure out how to deal with Crawford’s elusive movements. While Canelo landed a few powerful shots, he could never quite catch up to Crawford’s lightning-fast reflexes. As the rounds wore on, it became clear that Canelo’s usual strategy—closing the distance and landing heavy hooks—wasn’t working.
Even Canelo himself admitted he didn’t feel like his best self in the ring. This wasn’t the Canelo who had dominated the super middleweight division. The defeat marked the end of his undefeated streak at 168 pounds, a title he had held for several years.
Crawford’s Rise to the Top
This win is monumental for Crawford. Not only did he take the titles from one of boxing’s greatest, but he also became the first male fighter to claim undisputed titles in three different weight classes. In many ways, Crawford’s victory has solidified him as the new face of boxing.
Post-fight, Crawford was brimming with confidence, claiming the title of the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. “I’m the Canelo now,” he boldly declared, further cementing his position at the top of the sport. For a fighter who had been doubted by many, this win was a powerful statement.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
The loss to Crawford has left Canelo with a lot of questions to answer. Does he come back for a rematch, or is this the end of his dominance at super middleweight? Canelo has nothing left to prove, but a fighter like him might want to reclaim what he lost.
On the other hand, Crawford’s future looks brighter than ever. This victory places him firmly at the top of boxing. Even in his late 30s, Crawford shows no signs of slowing down. With his unrivaled skill, he’s now the undisputed champion, and it will take something extraordinary to dethrone him.
The Legacy of This Fight
For boxing fans, this fight will be remembered as a turning point. Crawford’s win wasn’t just about taking a title—it was about showcasing that a boxer’s intelligence, footwork, and defensive strategy can triumph over raw power. Crawford’s performance was a masterclass, proving that in boxing, brains can sometimes win out over brawn.
The night belonged to Terence Crawford, who now holds an undisputed title across three weight classes. This win marks the culmination of his years of hard work and persistence. He’s no longer just a champion—he’s a boxing legend in the making.
Fighter | Terence Crawford |
---|---|
Record | 42-0 (Undefeated) |
Date of Birth | September 28, 1987 |
Nationality | American |
Titles Won | Undisputed Champion in Three Weight Classes |
Notable Wins | vs. Errol Spence Jr., vs. Kell Brook, vs. Canelo Alvarez |
Current Status | Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion |
Website | ESPN |
For more insights on the Canelo vs Crawford fight, check out ESPN’s coverage.