Crawford Achieves Unprecedented Feat, Dominates Canelo to Become Three-Division Undisputed Champion

LAS VEGAS – In a stunning display of skill and tactical brilliance, Terence "Bud" Crawford etched his name into boxing history on Saturday night, defeating Saul "Canelo" Alvarez by unanimous decision to become the first-ever three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era. Crawford, previously undisputed at light welterweight and welterweight, moved up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez for his super middleweight crown, defying pre-fight odds and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The bout, held at a packed T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw Crawford execute a near-flawless game plan, utilizing his superior speed, footwork, and ring IQ to neutralize Alvarez’s power and aggression. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, all in favor of Crawford, reflecting his dominance over the 12-round contest.

Crawford’s victory marks a monumental achievement in a career already filled with accolades. He previously unified the light welterweight division in 2017, becoming the first undisputed champion at 140 pounds since Kostya Tszyu in 2001. He then moved up to welterweight, where he captured the WBO title and eventually unified the division by defeating Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023, in what many considered a career-defining performance.

Despite his accomplishments, Crawford has often faced challenges in securing high-profile fights due to promotional and network rivalries. However, his victory over Alvarez, a box-office superstar and one of the most recognizable faces in the sport, has elevated his status to a new level.

Alvarez, who entered the fight as the reigning super middleweight champion and a four-division world champion, struggled to impose his size and power on the elusive Crawford. The Mexican star, known for his counter-punching ability and devastating body shots, found himself repeatedly outmaneuvered and outboxed by Crawford’s precise combinations and defensive prowess.

"I was just the better fighter tonight," Crawford said in the post-fight interview. "I came up two weight divisions and beat a great fighter. I proved that I’m the best fighter in the world."

Crawford’s ability to seamlessly transition between weight classes and maintain his dominance has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s legendary figures, including Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. His victory over Alvarez further solidifies his claim as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation.

Alvarez, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Crawford’s superior performance. "He’s a very talented fighter," Alvarez said. "He was able to control the distance and use his speed to his advantage. I have no excuses. He won the fight."

The victory over Alvarez places Crawford in an elite group of fighters who have achieved undisputed status in multiple weight divisions. Only Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk have accomplished the feat in two divisions, making Crawford the sole boxer to achieve undisputed status in three weight classes in the four-belt era.

The fight against Alvarez was a significant gamble for Crawford, who had never previously competed above the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. However, he embraced the challenge, adding muscle and refining his training regimen to prepare for the larger Alvarez.

"We knew it was going to be a tough fight," Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre, said. "Canelo is a great champion, but Terence is just on another level. He’s a special talent."

The undercard of the Canelo-Crawford event featured several compelling matchups. The most notable was a thrilling WBC interim super middleweight title bout between Christian M’billi and Lester Martinez. The two fighters engaged in a brutal, back-and-forth battle for 10 rounds, showcasing their toughness and determination. The fight ended in a split draw, with one judge scoring the fight for M’billi, one for Martinez, and the third scoring it a draw. The result has fueled anticipation for a potential rematch.

M’billi, a rising contender in the super middleweight division, entered the fight with an undefeated record of 26-0, with 22 knockouts. Martinez, a native of Guatemala, was also undefeated, with 16 wins and 13 knockouts. The draw was the first blemish on both fighters’ records.

The co-main event featured Callum Walsh, an Irish prospect, who improved his record to 15-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Fernando Vargas Jr. Walsh, trained by Freddie Roach, showcased his boxing skills and relentless pressure against Vargas, the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas.

Walsh, a popular figure in the boxing world, is known for his aggressive style and exciting fights. He has quickly risen through the ranks and is considered a potential future star. Vargas, who entered the fight with a record of 12-0, proved to be a tough and durable opponent, but Walsh’s superior skills and work rate ultimately prevailed.

The Canelo-Crawford event was a major success, drawing a large crowd to the T-Mobile Arena and generating significant pay-per-view revenue. The fight solidified Crawford’s status as a superstar and further enhanced his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

The future remains uncertain for both Crawford and Alvarez. Crawford could potentially defend his super middleweight title or move back down to welterweight to unify the division once again. Alvarez could seek a rematch with Crawford or explore other options at super middleweight or light heavyweight.

Regardless of their future paths, both fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. Crawford’s victory over Alvarez will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in boxing history, a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities.