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.
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