Terence Crawford Defeats Canelo Alvarez: The Modern Era GOAT

On September 13, 2025, inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, history was made. More than 70,000 fans packed the arena for what many billed as the biggest fight possible in boxing today: Saul “Canelo” Álvarez against Terence “Bud” Crawford. After twelve hard rounds, it was Crawford’s hand raised by unanimous decision.

The official scorecards read 116-112, 115-113, 115-113, all in favor of Crawford. With that, the Nebraska native became the first boxer in the four-belt era to win undisputed championships in three different weight classes. Already the king at 140 and 147, he now sits on the throne at 168 after dethroning Canelo, the long-reigning super middleweight champion.

How the Fight Played Out

Crawford entered the ring as the smaller man on paper, moving up from his natural welterweight division to face an opponent who has been at super middleweight for years. From the opening bell, however, the difference was less noticeable than expected. Crawford met Canelo in the center, held his ground, and countered with the sharp timing that has defined his career.

Canelo worked to the body with his left hook and pressed forward behind a high guard. He had success in the early rounds, but Crawford quickly adjusted. Switching stances, picking shots, and keeping Canelo off balance, he gradually tilted the fight his way.

A clash of heads in the ninth round opened a cut over Crawford’s eye, but he remained composed and continued to land clean counters. In the championship rounds, when many thought Canelo might rally, Crawford looked fresher, closing the show with confidence and control.

What the Judges Saw

• Tim Cheatham: 115-113 Crawford
• Max De Luca: 115-113 Crawford
• Steve Weisfeld: 116-112 Crawford

The fight was competitive, but Crawford’s accuracy and consistency were clear. He outboxed Canelo in the majority of rounds, which was reflected on all three scorecards.

The Meaning of the Win

Crawford’s record now stands at 42-0 with 31 knockouts. From undisputed at junior welterweight, to undisputed at welterweight, to now beating Canelo at super middleweight, his career has reached a level unmatched in today’s boxing landscape.

For Canelo, who falls to 63-3-2, the result marks the end of his reign at 168. He remains one of the most accomplished fighters of the last decade, but questions about his future will follow him. At 35, with his last knockout win coming in 2021, some will wonder how much longer he can compete at the very top.

Why Crawford is the Modern Era GOAT

Crawford has not only stayed unbeaten, he has done so while taking on the best available opponents and consistently delivering in the biggest moments. Beating Canelo, one of the most decorated champions of his era, is the kind of victory that secures legacy.

No other fighter in the four-belt era has become undisputed in three divisions. From dominating Errol Spence Jr. in 2023 to overcoming the size and power of Canelo in 2025, Crawford has proven his ability across weight classes and against elite opposition.

On September 13 in Las Vegas, Terence “Bud” Crawford did more than win another fight. He secured his place as the modern era GOAT.