There is a new undisputed super middleweight king, and his name is Terence Crawford.
On Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, live on Netflix, in front of 70,482 fans, Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) did what most thought would be impossible, and that is defeat Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs). The three judges scored this one 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 for Crawford, who becomes the first fighter to become a three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era.
In the post-fight in-ring interview, neither fighter committed to continuing their career nor retiring. Crawford was still in the moment as he accomplished what only the truly special fighters can, and that’s do something that everyone says you can’t do.
In the opening round, Crawford came out in the southpaw stance and flared the right jab with an occasional straight left. Canelo was cutting off the ring and landed the looping right hook a few times that got Crawford’s attention.
Canelo was setting up traps in the second round, landing his left hook effectively. Canelo tried to lure Crawford inside for a counterpunch opportunity, but Crawford didn’t fall for it. Crawford stayed busy on his feet and used good movement throughout the round.
In the third round, Crawford used his feet and right jab to keep Canelo outside of mid-range. Canelo did land some of his vintage right hooks, but Crawford was prepared and rolled with them. Crawford took control of the fourth round with his combinations as Canelo could not catch up with his punch speed. Canelo kept coming forward, and the straight right hand that he landed at the end of the round forced Crawford to stagger back.
In the fifth round, Canelo kept putting foot pressure on Crawford. Canelo landed a few of his big right hands, but Crawford’s hand speed and movement were the highlight of the round. Crawford looked comfortable and in rhythm in the sixth round as Canelo could not counter Crawford. Although Canelo was applying pressure, it was Crawford who dictated the pace throughout the round.
In the seventh round, Crawford worked off the right jab, and when Canelo cornered him, Crawford quickly got out of there. Crawford was the more relaxed fighter in the seventh. The eighth was the same for Crawford, and in the ninth round, Crawford came out on a mission and bombarded Canelo with combinations. Canelo was surprised by this and was visibly buzzed. Crawford was then in receipt of an accidental headbutt, which caused a small cut over his right eye.
Crawford stayed in rhythm in the tenth round, and then Canelo appeared frustrated in the 11th as Crawford was having his way and outboxing him. Crawford landed countless combinations, and Canelo had no answer for them. They boxed until the end, and in the last few seconds, Crawford buzzed Canelo and the bell sounded to end the fight.
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