Terence Crawford’s Victory Over Canelo Álvarez Was More Than an Underdog Story
LAS VEGAS — “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” On Saturday night, Terence Crawford embodied that timeless phrase as he stunned the boxing world with a decisive win over Canelo Álvarez at Allegiant Stadium.
Crawford Defies the Odds
Heading into the undisputed super middleweight championship fight, almost nobody gave Crawford a chance. He was moving up two weight classes, stepping into Canelo’s natural division at 168 pounds. Canelo’s size, strength, and knockout power seemed like an insurmountable advantage. In fact, Crawford entered the ring as the underdog in nearly every sportsbook across Las Vegas.
But once the bell rang, it became clear this was not a mismatch — it was a masterclass. Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) executed a flawless tactical plan, neutralizing Canelo’s power with superior movement, footwork, and precision punching. Judges scored the bout 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112 in Crawford’s favor, extending his undefeated record.
The Turning Point
By the fifth round, the momentum had shifted entirely. Crawford proved impossible to hit cleanly, using his reach and ring IQ to dictate every exchange. Instead of backing down, he controlled the geography of the ring and forced Canelo into unfavorable positions. Each time Canelo tried to land heavy shots, Crawford countered with sharper, quicker combinations.
Canelo’s face told the story — swollen and battered — as round after round slipped away. The Mexican superstar, usually celebrated on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, was left visibly frustrated. The aura of invincibility that had long surrounded him seemed to crumble.
Out-Boxed, Out-Worked, Out-Thought
For all of Canelo’s power, he never landed the kind of fight-changing punch that fans hoped for. Crawford simply didn’t allow it. His technical brilliance meant Canelo’s one shot was always met by Crawford’s two or three. The anticipated late rally never came.
Afterward, Canelo offered no excuses. He acknowledged the reality — on this night, Crawford had been the sharper, smarter, and more prepared fighter.
Crawford’s Boxing IQ Makes the Difference
The significance of Crawford’s victory goes beyond an underdog story. This wasn’t just about grit or determination; it was about intelligence and execution. His boxing IQ — the ability to adjust, strategize, and out-think an elite opponent — proved to be the decisive factor.
Crawford didn’t just beat Canelo Álvarez. He dismantled the narrative that size and power alone dictate greatness. And in doing so, he solidified his legacy as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world today.
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FAQs
Who won the Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Álvarez fight?
Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision on September 13, 2025, in Las Vegas.
What were the judges’ scorecards for Crawford vs. Álvarez?
Judges Tim Cheatham and Max DeLuca scored the fight 115-113 for Crawford, while Steve Weisfeld scored it 116-112.
How did Terence Crawford beat Canelo Álvarez despite being the underdog?
Crawford used speed, precise counterpunching, superior footwork, and his boxing IQ to neutralize Canelo’s power and control the fight.
What was significant about this fight for Crawford?
Crawford moved up two weight classes to fight at super middleweight (168 lbs) and still extended his undefeated record to 42-0, cementing his status as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
How did Canelo Álvarez react after the loss?
Canelo offered no excuses in his post-fight interview, acknowledging that Crawford out-punched, out-maneuvered, and out-worked him over 12 rounds.
Why is this fight considered historic?
It wasn’t just an underdog win — it highlighted Crawford’s elite technical skills and boxing intelligence, proving that ring IQ can overcome size and power advantages.
