Crawford Triumphs Over Alvarez to Claim Undisputed Super Middleweight Title

In a historic boxing match held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford emerged victorious over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, securing the undisputed super middleweight title. This victory not only solidified Crawford’s legacy in the sport but also marked a significant moment in boxing history, as he became the first male boxer to win three unified division titles.

A Record-Breaking Attendance

The fight drew an impressive crowd, with over 70,000 fans in attendance, breaking the previous record for a Las Vegas boxing event. This record was previously held by heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, whose bout against Gerry Cooney in 1982 attracted 29,214 spectators at Caesars Palace. The event’s immense popularity was further bolstered by its availability on Netflix, a departure from the traditional pay-per-view model. This move aimed to attract a broader audience, reminiscent of the golden age of boxing when major fights were frequently broadcast on network television.

Crawford’s Performance

Crawford’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. From the outset, he showcased his exceptional hand speed and precise footwork, effectively controlling the pace of the fight. Judges scored the contest 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford, reflecting his dominance throughout the match.

After the fight, an emotional Crawford expressed his respect for Alvarez, stating, “Canelo is a great champion. I have to take my hat off to him. He’s a great competitor, and I have great respect for him. He fought like a champion.” This acknowledgment highlighted the mutual respect shared between the two elite fighters.

Alvarez’s Strategy

While Alvarez managed to connect with some body shots early in the fight, he struggled to keep pace with Crawford’s skillful boxing. As the match progressed, Alvarez increased his aggression, seeking a knockout to turn the tide in his favor. Despite his efforts, Crawford’s strategic approach and superior boxing technique kept Alvarez on the defensive for much of the bout.

Crawford, aware of Alvarez’s powerful punches, executed a careful balancing act, neutralizing his opponent’s offense while landing effective combinations. The 37-year-old Alvarez attempted to retaliate with flurries of blows, but Crawford’s agility and tactical prowess allowed him to evade significant damage.

Historic Achievement

Crawford’s victory not only added another title to his collection but also made him the first male boxer to be crowned an undisputed champion in three different weight classes. Previously, he held undisputed titles in both the light welterweight and welterweight divisions. This achievement underscores Crawford’s versatility and skill, as he successfully stepped up two weight classes for this bout, weighing in at a career-high 167.5 pounds (75.98 kg), equal to Alvarez’s weight.

In reflecting on his accomplishment, Crawford stated, “I already accomplished a lot in boxing. My legacy is already there, and I like taking risks because I love boxing.” His confidence and determination were evident throughout the match, as he improved his record to 42-0, with 31 of those victories coming by knockout.

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Crawford expressed uncertainty about his next steps, saying, “I don’t know, I have to sit down with my team and we’ll talk about it.” This statement leaves fans and analysts speculating about potential future matchups, particularly given the high stakes of this fight.

Meanwhile, Alvarez, despite the defeat, maintained a sense of pride in his performance. The respect shared between the two fighters was palpable, as both acknowledged the significance of this historic bout.

The Undercard Action

The event also featured notable undercard fights, including Ireland’s Callum Walsh defeating Fernando Vargas Jr. Additionally, super middleweights Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez engaged in a slugfest that concluded in a draw. These matches contributed to an exciting night of boxing, further enhancing the event’s appeal.

Conclusion

Crawford’s victory over Alvarez marks a significant chapter in boxing history. With a record-breaking attendance and a match that showcased the elite skills of both fighters, this bout will be remembered as one of the standout moments in recent sports history. As Crawford continues to solidify his legacy, fans eagerly await news of his future endeavors in the ring.

Key Facts

– Terence Crawford defeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by unanimous decision to become the undisputed super middleweight champion.
– The fight took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attracting over 70,000 spectators, breaking the previous attendance record.
– Crawford is the first male boxer to win three undisputed titles in different weight classes.
– The judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford.
– The event was streamed on Netflix, deviating from the traditional pay-per-view model, aiming to reach a broader audience.

Source: www.aljazeera.com