In a historic showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford delivered a performance for the ages by outclassing Canelo Álvarez to claim the undisputed super-middleweight championship before a record crowd. This monumental victory marks a defining moment in Crawford’s already illustrious career, as he reflected on the significance of the win.
“This is definitely a signature win,” Crawford stated confidently after the fight. “Moving up two weight classes, being the B-side, fighting a guy that’s been undefeated in the division, undisputed, taking all his titles, doing everything that I said I was going to do. Of course, this means a lot.”
When asked when he realized he would defeat Álvarez, Crawford didn’t hesitate, quipping, “When he signed the contract,” which elicited laughter from the assembled media. However, beneath his humor lay a serious determination. “When I set my sights on doing something and I know what I’m capable of, it’s not a surprise to me. It’s a surprise to y’all because y’all didn’t believe me. But for me, I knew I could do it. I just needed the opportunity.”
Crawford described the early rounds as strategic rather than overly cautious, noting, “I felt like I was in control. I think he was trying to figure me out.” Even when Álvarez landed some punches to the body, Crawford remained unfazed, stating, “He wasn’t hitting the body or anything. He was hitting my elbow because I was blocking it.”
The turning point in the match came in the sixth round when Crawford began to assert himself more aggressively, landing sharp left hands and gaining control. “Around the sixth round, I felt like I needed to step it up a little more and get more control of the fight,” he said, expressing his growing confidence as the bout progressed.
Much of the buildup to the fight revolved around concerns regarding whether Crawford, who had fought primarily at 147 pounds or below, could withstand Canelo’s renowned power. Crawford dismissed such worries, asserting, “I’ve been hit harder,” referencing a past fight against Egidijus Kavaliauskas. “Kavaliauskas hit harder than Canelo, to me, to be honest.”
After the fight, Canelo Álvarez showed grace in defeat, acknowledging Crawford’s skill. “We knew Crawford is a great fighter … I tried my best tonight, and I just couldn’t figure out the style. You need to take the loss and accept everything,” he stated. Álvarez went on to express his frustration, saying, “Sometimes you try and your body cannot go. That’s my frustration … my body just didn’t let me go anymore.”
Crawford’s victory made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed in three different divisions, a feat that had only been accomplished previously by legendary fighter Henry Armstrong in 1938. Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Crawford said, “It means a lot to me because anybody can be a nobody. That’s all they say I’ve been fighting is nobodies. So what can they say now? Somebody tell me, what can you say now?”
Crawford continued to express respect for Álvarez, describing him as a “great champion” and a “strong competitor.” In a surprising admission, Álvarez even declared, “I think Crawford is way better than Floyd Mayweather,” a statement that adds weight to Crawford’s legacy.
Regarding comparisons to Mayweather, Crawford maintained his place in the current era: “Floyd was the greatest in his era. I’m the greatest in my era. It ain’t no need to compare me to Floyd or Floyd to me.”
As he wrapped up his remarks, Crawford acknowledged the significance of his victory in relation to his critics. “The ones that doubted me, they know,” he asserted. “I don’t have to say I told you so or rub it in their face. This right here is I told you so.”
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