Canelo Alvarez came to fight. Terence Crawford came to separate himself from the rest of this era. That’s the difference, and it was written round after round inside Allegiant Stadium.
The Mexican hero opened strong with heavy hooks downstairs, the kind of rib-crunching work that’s broken plenty of men before. Crawford didn’t blink. He rode it out, adjusted, and then made Canelo look ordinary. By the middle rounds, Bud was in command, and Canelo—one of the great champions of this generation—was down to single punches and frustrated glances.
Crawford Shows Levels Few Ever Reach
The sharpness was obvious by the third. Crawford’s jab, his timing, his ability to read what Canelo thought he was hiding—it was a master at work. Every exchange reminded you that great fighters win fights, but true greats make other legends look second-best.
Canelo deserves his respect. He’s fought them all, carried the sport for a decade, and he gave Crawford no easy minutes. But Crawford’s composure, his refusal to panic under fire, and his ability to turn the tide so effortlessly is what separates the special from the great.
The Warrior Beaten by the Master
By the ninth, the truth was clear. Unless Canelo produced a miracle, the night belonged to Bud. He never did. Round eleven was Crawford’s peak—commanding, confident, sharp, precise, and punishing. Alvarez kept throwing, kept trying, because that’s what warriors do. But the fight was gone.
Unanimous decision, and not a soul who watched needed the scorecards. Crawford jumped two divisions, took the biggest name in boxing, and owned him. That’s not ambition. That’s greatness.
The Verdict
Crawford walks out of Las Vegas 42-0, undisputed at super middleweight, his legacy beyond debate. Canelo fought like the proud fighter he’s always been, but even the proud fall when they run into a man operating on a higher level.
Terence “Bud” Crawford isn’t chasing greatness anymore. He is greatness.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Terence Crawford speaks to the media during a press conference following his undisputed super middleweight title fight where he defeated Canelo Alvarez (not pictured) by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Terence Crawford is interviewed after his win by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) over Canelo Alvarez (not pictured) in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Terence Crawford throws a left punch at Canelo Alvarez in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Terence Crawford (R) lands a left punch at Canelo Alvarez (L) in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Canelo Alvarez (R) throws a right punch at Terence Crawford (L) in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Terence Crawford is seen with his belts following his undisputed super middleweight title fight where he defeated Canelo Alvarez (not pictured) by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: A general view is seen before Canelo Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: A general view is seen before Canelo Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Terence Crawford (R) lands a left on Canelo Alvarez (L) in the eighth round of their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix’s Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)
Amy Kaplan has been glued to boxing since the age of 10, long before most kids her age even knew what a jab was. A lifelong fan turned sharp writer, she brings both passion and a bit of bite to her coverage at Boxing247.com.
With over 5 years covering professional boxing, she has reported from ringside at major events across the UK, U.S. and Puerto Rico, delivering timely breakdowns and exclusive insights.
Known for her quick wit and clear style, Amy doesn’t just report on the global fight scene — she points out the things others miss and occasionally says what everyone else is thinking (but won’t write).