Terence Crawford Defeats Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas to Become Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion

On September 13, 2025, the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas became the stage for one of the most anticipated fights in modern boxing history. Mexican superstar Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez, the reigning undisputed super middleweight champion, faced American pound-for-pound great Terence "Bud" Crawford. The bout carried immense weight, not just because of the titles on the line, but also because of its potential to reshape the legacy of both fighters. Crawford, stepping up two divisions, aimed to become the first man in the four-belt era to hold undisputed championships in three different weight classes. Canelo, at 35 years old, entered the ring with questions surrounding his recent form and inability to finish opponents in dominant fashion. The clash was billed as a fight of eras, with both men representing the pinnacle of boxing excellence. The night ended with Crawford pulling off a career-defining victory. After twelve tactical rounds, he won a unanimous decision, cementing his place in history as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

Saúl Álvarez’s rise in boxing is well documented. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, the red-haired fighter turned professional at 15 and climbed the ranks with unmatched determination. Over two decades, he built a career defined by major championships, victories against elite opposition, and a fan base that followed him from Mexico to the United States and beyond. By 2025, Canelo held a record of 63 wins, 2 defeats, and 2 draws, with 39 of those victories coming by knockout. His last knockout, however, dated back to November 2021, when he stopped Caleb Plant. Since then, he had racked up a series of unanimous decision wins, often criticized as calculated but uninspiring. He had already faced legendary names such as Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Dmitry Bivol. Yet, his defeats to Mayweather in 2013 and Bivol in 2022 left questions about his ability to overcome slick boxers with high ring IQ. Against Crawford, those doubts resurfaced.


Terence Crawford, from Omaha, Nebraska, entered the fight undefeated with 41 wins, 31 of them by knockout. At 37, he had already cemented his legacy as one of the finest technicians in the sport. He became undisputed champion at lightweight, then repeated the feat at welterweight. His ability to fight in both orthodox and southpaw stances, coupled with his ring intelligence, made him a nightmare for opponents. Crawford’s resume included victories over Yuriorkis Gamboa, Viktor Postol, Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence Jr., whom he dismantled in 2023. Yet, stepping up two divisions to challenge Canelo presented risks. The size, strength, and natural power of the Mexican posed a serious obstacle. But for Crawford, the chance to make history outweighed the dangers.

The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was packed with over 60,000 fans. Mexican supporters waved flags, sang traditional songs, and cheered their champion. Crawford’s supporters, though smaller in number, made their voices heard with chants of “Bud, Bud, Bud.” The spectacle reflected boxing’s biggest nights. Both fighters had grand entrances. Canelo walked to the ring accompanied by a mariachi band performing “México Lindo y Querido.” Crawford entered moments earlier to “La Canción del Mariachi,” a symbolic choice aimed at both respecting and challenging his Mexican opponent. Celebrities, former champions, and sports icons filled the front rows. The sense of history was palpable.

The opening round was cautious. Both men measured distance with jabs. Canelo pressed forward, trying to cut the ring. Crawford switched stances early, moving fluidly to test Álvarez’s reactions. Neither landed anything significant, but Canelo edged it with a few body shots. In the second round, Canelo grew more aggressive, landing straight rights and combinations to the body. Crawford countered but struggled to break through the Mexican’s guard. The round favored Canelo, who seemed to dictate the pace. By the third, momentum shifted. Crawford adjusted his timing, using sharp jabs and lateral movement. He connected with crisp counters that frustrated Canelo. The Nebraska fighter’s accuracy began to show.

Round four saw Crawford find his rhythm. His jab snapped Álvarez’s head back multiple times. Canelo’s eye began swelling. The American landed clean left hands from the southpaw stance. Judges likely gave this round to Crawford. The fifth was more balanced. Both fighters traded heavy shots, especially in close exchanges. Canelo landed hooks to the body, but Crawford responded with uppercuts. The crowd roared at the intensity. By the sixth, Canelo showed damage around his right eye. Crawford controlled distance with movement and combinations. His jab remained a key weapon, neutralizing Canelo’s forward pressure.

In round seven, Crawford dominated. He landed clean right hands and limited Canelo’s output. Álvarez grew hesitant, unable to cut off the ring effectively. Crawford’s confidence surged. Round eight showed the jab again giving Canelo problems. He tried to respond with power punches but struggled with accuracy. Crawford slipped shots and countered effectively. The Mexican’s corner urged more urgency. Round nine brought flashes of aggression from Canelo, who landed hooks in exchanges. But Crawford responded with cleaner punches, especially to the head. Both men traded, but the American’s accuracy stood out.


Round ten saw Crawford dominate again with sharp counters. His speed and footwork frustrated Canelo. The crowd sensed the tide had turned. Álvarez looked for the knockout but failed to trap his opponent. In round eleven, fatigue showed on both fighters, but Crawford remained sharper. He landed combinations, while Canelo’s shots were wide and predictable. Crawford’s defense frustrated Álvarez, who seemed desperate. The twelfth and final round saw Canelo attempt to rally. He threw heavy shots, hoping for a miracle finish. Crawford stayed composed, clinched when necessary, and landed counters. When the bell rang, the outcome seemed clear.

The judges delivered a unanimous decision in favor of Terence Crawford. The scorecards read 117-111, 116-112, and 118-110. Crawford raised his hands as the crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and disappointment. Canelo accepted defeat graciously, acknowledging Crawford’s superior performance. With this win, Terence Crawford made history. He became the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed championships in three different divisions: lightweight, welterweight, and now super middleweight. At 37, he defied the odds by moving up two weight classes and defeating one of the sport’s most dominant champions. His ability to adapt, his ring IQ, and his composure in the biggest moment of his career ensured his name would be etched among the all-time greats.

For Canelo, the loss raised new questions. At 35, with years of grueling fights behind him, his decline appears more visible. His inability to adjust to Crawford’s movement and jab showed vulnerabilities that top-level opponents can exploit. Although he remains one of the most successful Mexican boxers in history, the defeat damages his claim as the best pound-for-pound fighter of his era. Canelo must now consider whether to continue at the highest level, seek redemption in a rematch, or choose carefully to extend his career.

The fight was groundbreaking financially. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and broadcast exclusively on Netflix, the event reached millions of households worldwide. Unlike traditional pay-per-view, the bout was included for Netflix subscribers, signaling a potential new era for boxing broadcasting. Estimates placed the total purse at around 200 million dollars. Canelo reportedly earned between 100 and 150 million, while Crawford secured a guaranteed 10 million, with bonuses potentially raising his take to 50 million. In addition to prize money, the winner received a Super Bowl-style championship ring worth 100,000 dollars, alongside the traditional championship belts.

Reactions poured in from across the sport. Many hailed Crawford’s performance as a masterclass. Former champions praised his adaptability, while analysts argued he had solidified himself as one of the greatest technicians of all time. Mexican fans expressed disappointment but applauded Canelo’s bravery in taking on such a dangerous fight. Discussions about a possible rematch immediately began, though Crawford’s clear victory may make it unnecessary.

This fight will be remembered as a turning point in boxing. It showed how streaming platforms can reshape the business model of big events. It also highlighted the importance of skill and strategy over size and power. For Crawford, it was the crowning moment of a career defined by discipline, patience, and mastery. For Canelo, it marked the start of a new phase, where questions about his legacy and future will dominate conversations.

The Las Vegas showdown between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford was more than just a fight. It was a collision of legacies, styles, and ambitions. In the end, Crawford emerged as the superior boxer, writing his name into the record books as a three-division undisputed champion. Canelo, though defeated, remains a legend of the sport. But the night belonged to Terence "Bud" Crawford, whose victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments in boxing’s modern era.