A Masterpiece of Boxing: Terence Crawford Dethrones Canelo Alvarez in Historic Showdown
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Sep 2025
In a masterful display of tactical genius and ring generalship, Terence "Bud" Crawford etched his name into the annals of boxing history Saturday night (Sunday in Manila), defeating Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision at a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on the Mexican Independence Day weekend. In front of an announced attendance of 70,482, Crawford put on a clinic, out-thinking and out-maneuvering the bigger man in a career-defining performance that secured his legacy as one of the sport's greatest pound-for-pound fighters.
The final scorecards told the story of a close, fiercely fought contest that ultimately favored Crawford's superior boxing IQ: Tim Cheatham (115-113), Max DeLuca (115-113), and Steve Weisfeld (116-112), all for the Omaha, Nebraska native.
The fight's narrative was a clash of styles, with Alvarez's formidable power and pressure facing off against Crawford's slick, switch-hitting brilliance. From the opening bell, Crawford came out in a southpaw stance, using a sharp jab to control distance and disrupt Alvarez's rhythm. The first few rounds were a cagey affair, with both men settling in, but Crawford's early combinations and footwork allowed him to edge ahead on the scorecards.
As the fight progressed, Alvarez, a notoriously slow starter, increased his pressure and began targeting Crawford's body. In the middle rounds, the Mexican warrior found more success, landing punishing hooks to the midsection and connecting with hard right hands to the head that pushed Crawford back. A notable moment occurred in Round 9, when an accidental clash of heads opened a cut over Crawford's right eye, adding a layer of drama to the bout.
But Crawford showed the heart and resilience of a true champion. Despite facing adversity and the undeniable power of Alvarez, he never wilted. He would absorb a hard shot, then immediately counter with a precise combination. Crawford's ability to seamlessly switch between attack and retreat was the key to his victory. He would maintain a safe distance to pepper Alvarez with jabs and straight punches, then suddenly shuffle forward to land a flurry of shots before slipping away.
The championship rounds were a testament to both fighters' conditioning and will. In the twelfth and final round, with the crowd on its feet, Crawford landed a pair of clean left hands, while Alvarez desperately sought the one big shot that could change the fight. But it never came. Crawford's defense was impeccable, as he made Alvarez miss and pay for his aggression in the final minutes. The bell rang, and both fighters embraced, knowing they had delivered a battle for the ages.
Terence Crawford's victory is more than just a win; it is a master class in the art of boxing. He defied the odds and the size difference, proving that an elite fighter with unmatched skill and intelligence can overcome power and a seemingly impenetrable legacy. The win firmly places Crawford at the very top of the boxing world, cementing his status as a living legend and a three-division undisputed champion.
Crawford, who will be a first ballot hall of famer even if he hang up his gloves tomorrow, now improved his undefeated record to 42 wins with 31 stoppages. Alvarez, who may be on his last run as an elite boxer, dropped to 63 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws with 39 stoppages.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A Masterpiece of Boxing: Terence Crawford Dethrones Canelo Alvarez in Historic Showdown
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025LEWIS CROCKER IS CROWNED THE NEW IBF WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Sep 2025Battle of Undefeated: Callum Walsh Vanquishes Fernando Vargas Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Undercard Inferno: Mbilli and Martinez Deliver a Super Middleweight War Ending in a Thrilling Draw
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Crawford to defy odds?
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Clash of Titans: The Final Predictions for Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Weigh-In Results: Naoya Inoue vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Sun, 14 Sep 2025Inoue and Akhmadaliev Make Weight for Sunday's Battle, Watch it LIVE on Facebook!
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 14 Sep 2025IIEE North Cotabato and Metro Central are the Golden Champion on 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Sydney Sy Tancontian is Female Awardee of Sports Hero of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Sep 2025Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Size Matters
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Sep 2025BOOTS TALKS SPARRING WITH CANELO IN ‘DAY IN THE LIFE’
Sat, 13 Sep 2025WEIGHTS FROM LAS VEGAS: CANELO - 167.5 LBS., CRAWFORD - 167.5 LBS.
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Sep 2025BELFAST: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 13 Sep 2025Canoy cancels title fight due to child’s death
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Sep 2025