by Todd Bowles, Staff Writer
Las Vegas, NV – September 13, 2025 — In what many are calling one of the most significant boxing bouts in recent memory, Terence “Bud” Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision last night at Allegiant Stadium to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. With judges scoring the fight 116-112, 115-113 (Judges), 115-113 (Associated Press), Crawford handed Alvarez only the third loss of his professional career.
Crawford entered the fight undefeated at 42-0 (31 KO’s), having won world titles in multiple divisions. Before this bout, he held undisputed status at both junior welterweight (140 lbs) and welterweight (147 lbs). In August 2024, he moved to junior middleweight (154 lbs) and won the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, setting up the challenge against Alvarez.
Canelo Alvarez also came into this fight with an already storied career. A multiple-division champion known for his power, counterpunching, and experience at higher weight classes, Alvarez had established a reputation for consistency and dominance in super middleweight. His only losses prior to this fight had come against notable names: Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol, and, now, Crawford.
Heading into the fight, many analysts and bettors favored Alvarez. His experience at the weight and his record in high-profile fights made him the early betting favorite. Crawford was respected, but many questioned how well his skills and speed would translate going up two weight classes.
Early rounds saw both fighters feeling each other out, with Alvarez attempting to set a pace and land power shots, while Crawford focused on movement and avoiding being boxed in. As rounds progressed, Crawford increasingly took control—using angles, lateral movement, and defensive skills to frustrate Alvarez.
In key middle rounds, Crawford’s combination punching and ability to avoid Alvarez’s signature power punches shifted momentum. By the final rounds, Alvarez showed signs of fatigue and was less able to respond effectively to Crawford’s pace and accuracy.
In the end, all three judges scored in favor of Crawford, who claimed undisputed super middleweight titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) and became the first man in modern boxing to achieve undisputed status in three different weight divisions.
Students at the Long Island Post Campus offered a range of thoughts about the upset.
“It was incredible to see someone move up two divisions and still dominate,” said Jack Person, a Sophomore Business major. “Crawford’s footwork and timing were just different. It looked like he was always one step ahead.”
Jason Kumar, a Senior Accounting major, noted, “Alvarez has earned his respect over the years, and people saw him as the safer bet. But Crawford showed that styles make fights. The strategy really paid off.”
Crawford’s win alters the pound-for-pound rankings across boxing. Analysts are already considering him among the top in the sport’s current era, not just for this victory but for his ability to perform at high levels across multiple weight classes.
For Alvarez, the loss marks only his third defeat and the end of a long run as holder of undisputed status in super middleweight. Questions are expected about his next possible opponents, adjustments in training, and whether this changes his legacy in the sport.
For Crawford, the path ahead might include defending his newly won titles, potential matchups against rising contenders, or possibly returning to prior weight classes. Whatever direction he takes, last night’s victory already stands as one of the most consequential of his career.
This Fight also became the largest attended sporting event for the five year old Allegiant stadium with an astounding record crowd of 70,482
The fight between Crawford and Alvarez will likely be remembered as more than just an upset. It represents a shift in the landscape of boxing — where tactical skill, adaptability, and strategy overcame size and reputation. With a record, titles, and legacy elevated, Crawford has etched himself deeper into boxing history, and the sport itself has gained a dramatic chapter.
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