Terence Crawford outclasses Canelo Alvarez in historic bout

Terence Crawford showcases impressive skill against Canelo Alvarez

Moving up to super middleweight for the first time, Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) answered questions about size and power, neutralizing Alvarez’s strength with sharp footwork and precise counters while looking comfortable throughout.

"I'm not here by coincidence," Crawford said following his win, via Sky Sports. "Canelo is a great champion. I have to take my hat off to him, he's a strong competitor and I have nothing but respect for him. He fought like a champion."

Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), long the face of boxing, had his moments, particularly in the middle rounds, where his body shots and uppercuts briefly shifted momentum. But too often, the Mexican star found himself chasing shadows. Crawford’s jab disrupted Alvarez's rhythm, while his lateral movement prevented the champion from pinning him down. Statistically, Crawford out-landed Alvarez 115 to 99 overall, including a decisive 45-16 edge in jabs.

"I'm a winner for being here," Alvarez said. "The fact I'm here makes me a winner. I take risks and that's what I did."

"I feel great to share the ring with great fighters like him. If we do it again then it'll be great. I already accomplished a lot in boxing. My legacy is already there and I like taking risks because I love boxing."

Saturday's match carries huge impact for Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez

The fight carried monumental significance beyond the result. More than 70,000 fans packed Allegiant Stadium, setting a new attendance record for Las Vegas boxing, while millions more tuned in globally on Netflix. The streaming giant’s foray into live combat sports marked another shift in boxing’s broadcast landscape, bringing one of the year’s biggest events directly into households worldwide.

For Crawford, the victory adds to a resume already glittering with achievements. Having dominated at lightweight, light welterweight and welterweight, his leap to 168 pounds and triumph over one of the sport’s premier names pushes him firmly into pound-for-pound debates with legends of the past.

Alvarez, meanwhile, faces questions about his next step. Still only 35, he remains a massive draw and a formidable operator, but the loss underlined the wear of nearly two decades at the elite level. While some speculate about a rematch, others suggest Alvarez may choose to scale back.

Ultimately, Saturday night belonged to Crawford. In silencing doubts about size and opposition, and in mastering one of the most decorated fighters of his generation, he delivered not just a victory, but a legacy-defining moment that will be remembered as one of the great nights in boxing history.