On September 13, 2025, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Terence “Bud” Crawford shocked the boxing world. He defeated Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez by unanimous decision, capturing the undisputed super middleweight championship. With this victory, Crawford became the first male fighter of the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in three different weight classes — a monumental achievement in the sport.
Fight Statistics
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Crawford: 115 punches landed out of 534 (21.5%).
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Canelo: 99 punches landed out of 338 (29.3%).
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Canelo was more accurate with his power punches, but Crawford’s superior jab, work rate, and timing carried the fight.
Round-by-Round Recap
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Rounds 1–4: Canelo started strong, pressing forward and targeting the body with heavy shots. Crawford stayed composed, using his jab and movement to keep the fight balanced.
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Rounds 5–6: The turning point. Crawford adjusted his rhythm, landing sharp counters and taking command of the distance.
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Rounds 7–9: Crawford gained full control, showcasing footwork and defensive mastery. Canelo’s pressure slowed, while Crawford consistently built points.
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Rounds 10–12: Canelo searched desperately for a fight-ending blow, but Crawford stayed disciplined, landing the cleaner punches and sealing the victory.
When the Fight Broke Open
The key shift came in Round 6. Crawford neutralized Canelo’s body attack and began dictating pace and space. From that moment, Canelo was chasing the fight, unable to land the decisive shot that could turn things around.
Comparison With Past Fights
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Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. (2023): Crawford dominated offensively, overwhelming Spence with volume. Against Canelo, he showed his adaptability — winning with patience, precision, and ring IQ rather than sheer offense.
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Canelo vs Jermell Charlo (2023): Canelo’s pressure and power shots were decisive then. Against Crawford, a southpaw with elite footwork and timing, the same approach proved less effective.
Lessons Learned
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Patience beats pressure: Crawford demonstrated that measured strategy can outlast brute force.
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The jab as a weapon: More than a setup tool, it became the foundation of Crawford’s victory.
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Adaptability is legacy: The ability to fight differently against different opponents is what sets all-time greats apart.
What’s Next
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Crawford: His legacy is cemented, but the future could hold super fights at light heavyweight or lucrative defenses against top contenders.
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Canelo: Though defeated, he remains one of boxing’s biggest draws. A comeback fight against a top super middleweight or even a trilogy with a rival could reignite his momentum.
