Terence “Bud” Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) carved his title deeper into boxing’s document books on Saturday evening on the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Omaha native defeated Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) by unanimous determination (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) to develop into the primary fighter in historical past to assert undisputed standing in three separate weight lessons.
Crawford climbed two full divisions to face Álvarez, the longtime pound-for-pound star, and from the opening bell it was clear this wouldn’t be simply one other combat—it was a chess match on the highest degree.
Canelo managed the early rounds, slicing off the ring successfully and forcing Crawford into defensive mode. Although the Mexican didn’t land many telling blows, his stress and ring generalship gave him the sting by means of the primary three frames. By the third spherical, nonetheless, Crawford started to let his palms go, displaying flashes of the offense that has carried him by means of an unbeaten profession.
From the fourth to the sixth, Crawford’s jab took over. The southpaw stance, the timing, the slick footwork—the whole lot mixed to neutralize Canelo’s counters. Crawford’s rhythm, pace, and shoulder-roll protection pissed off the Mexican star, who struggled to seek out clear openings.
Spherical by spherical, Crawford’s intelligence separated him. He diversified his assault, combined motion with well-placed photographs, and proved as soon as once more why his boxing IQ is among the many better of this technology. Canelo pressed ahead together with his trademark grit, however couldn’t crack the puzzle in entrance of him.
By the championship rounds, Álvarez fought with urgency, whereas Crawford—nonetheless recent on his legs—closed robust, slipping punches, scoring clear counters, and making historical past within the course of.
Crawford’s leap up two weight lessons was a chance, however on this evening it paid off in full. He walked by means of hearth in opposition to considered one of boxing’s trendy greats and got here out together with his hand raised, turning into the brand new WBA Tremendous Champion at 168 kilos.
Respect was mutual afterward. Canelo acknowledged Crawford’s brilliance; Crawford acknowledged the chance. However the result’s indeniable: the person from Omaha is now a three-division undisputed king.
