Crawford says Canelo made a big mistake: “He tried to touch the gloves after the ninth round.” I walked away, we didn’t touch hands. “I already knew I had it.”

In one of the most talked about moments after his dominant performance, Terence Crawford made it clear that he was in complete control of his fight against Canelo Alvarez. The welterweight champion shared his thoughts on a critical moment in the ring: when Canelo attempted to offer a gesture of sportsmanship by attempting to touch gloves after the ninth round. Crawford’s response? He walked away. “We didn’t touch hands,” he said confidently, revealing how sure he was of his imminent victory.

Crawford’s statements have caused a stir in the boxing world, especially given the high expectations surrounding the fight between both fighters, who are considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. But what does Crawford’s reaction tell us about his mentality heading into the fight and the way he viewed his performance in the ring? Let’s analyze it.

A critical moment in the fight

The moment Crawford is referring to occurred after the ninth round of their long-awaited showdown. By then, it was clear to many that Crawford was in control of the fight. The two fighters had been through some tense and tactical rounds, but Crawford was beginning to assert his dominance. His superior technique, ring IQ, and counterpunching ability were beginning to frustrate Canelo, who was struggling to land clean punches.

After the ninth round, Canelo, perhaps showing signs of frustration or looking to reset the mood, extended his gloves in an attempt at a respectful touch. In boxing, this gesture is often used to signal mutual respect between fighters, especially after a difficult round or an important exchange of blows. However, Crawford, confident in his position, did not consider the idea. He walked away, making it clear to Canelo (and the world watching) that he felt he was in complete control and wasn’t interested in any token gestures of respect.

Crawford then explained his decision, saying that by then he knew victory was within his reach. “I already knew I had it,” Crawford added, emphasizing how confident he was that the fight was going in his favor.

The mentality of a fighter: trust or lack of respect?

Crawford’s response to Canelo’s attempt at a gesture of sportsmanship may be seen by some as disrespectful or lacking humility. Boxing fans, analysts and even fellow fighters have different views on these types of actions. Some could argue that Crawford’s refusal to acknowledge the touch of the glove could have been perceived as a slight towards Canelo, especially considering Canelo’s status as champion and his reputation as a fighter who has earned the respect of the boxing world.

On the other hand, Crawford’s comments reveal a deeper layer of his fighter mentality. For a champion like Crawford, a confident, almost arrogant attitude is crucial to his success. Crawford’s words reflect the mentality of a fighter who believes in his abilities and his ability to dictate the flow of the fight. By the time he stopped touching the glove, Crawford already knew he had done enough to secure victory in his mind.

For Crawford, his decision was probably more a matter of mentality than disrespect. In his opinion, the fight was over mentally, and no gesture from his opponent would change that. This moment highlights how much Crawford thrives on self-confidence and how he takes advantage of every opportunity, whether big or small, to reinforce his dominance in the ring.

Crawford’s performance against Canelo

Crawford’s confidence heading into the fight was well deserved. While Canelo was the more established name, Crawford came into the fight as the undefeated champion with a stellar record. Crawford had dominated every opponent he faced with his exceptional skills: speed, power, precision and intelligence.

As the fight progressed, Crawford’s skills shined. He was able to overcome Canelo with ease, thwarting the Mexican fighter’s attempts to land important blows. Crawford’s footwork and timing were on display throughout the match, making it difficult for Canelo to catch him cleanly. Even when Canelo landed some solid shots, Crawford seemed unfazed, showing his resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.

By the ninth round, it was clear to those watching that Crawford was in control. His defensive skills were excellent and his counterpunching ability kept Canelo off balance. It was this precise control of the fight that led Crawford to believe he had already won. It was not about disrespecting Canelo, but rather confirming that his tactical superiority had given him a clear advantage.

Canelo’s reaction: What does it mean?

While Crawford’s response to Canelo’s attempt to touch the gloves has drawn a lot of attention, Canelo’s reaction, or lack thereof, is also noteworthy. Canelo, known for his cool demeanor and sportsmanship, did not respond to Crawford’s refusal with any animosity. Instead, he simply continued to focus on the fight, even as it became increasingly clear that Crawford was the superior fighter that night.

Canelo, having fought some of the toughest opponents in the world, was no stranger to difficult situations in the ring. While his performance against Crawford may not have been his best, it didn’t necessarily diminish his reputation as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Canelo has faced adversity throughout his career, and his calm reaction to Crawford’s gesture was likely a sign of maturity and experience in the ring.

The Big Picture: Trust and Respect in Boxing

In the world of boxing, the line between trust and disrespect is often very fine. Fighters like Crawford and Canelo operate at the highest levels, where self-confidence is essential for success. At the same time, there is an unspoken code of respect between champions. The way a fighter behaves outside the ring, through gestures such as touching gloves, can say a lot about his character.

For Crawford, his refusal to make such gestures was not about disrespecting Canelo, but about asserting his dominance and staying focused on his goal: victory. His belief in his own abilities was so strong that he felt no need to acknowledge anything other than the victory he had already secured in his mind.

Conclusion: Crawford’s Mindset and the Way Forward

Terence Crawford’s comments after his fight against Canelo Alvarez will likely be remembered as a defining moment in his career. The incident reveals how mentally strong and focused Crawford is as a fighter. His refusal to perform a typical post-fight gesture, such as touching gloves, spoke volumes about his faith in his abilities and his belief that he had already secured victory.

As Crawford progresses in his career, it will be interesting to see how this mentality continues to shape his approach for future fights. His confidence is undeniable and his performance against Canelo only further solidified his place among the best in the sport. Regardless of how others perceive his actions, Crawford’s mentality will continue to lead him to greatness as he faces new challenges in the world of boxing.