In a shocking turn of events, Terence “Bud” Crawford delivered a stunning knockout to Saul “Canelo” Álvarez in their highly anticipated super middleweight clash on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” the bout ended after just 25 minutes, with Crawford dethroning the Mexican superstar and claiming the undisputed super middleweight championship. The victory marks a historic moment, as Crawford becomes the first male boxer to achieve undisputed titles in three weight classes in the four-belt era.
From the opening bell, the fight lived up to its hype. Canelo, with a record of 63-2-2 (39 KOs), relied on his signature power and relentless pressure, aiming to overwhelm Crawford, who was stepping up two weight classes to 168 pounds. Crawford, undefeated at 41-0 (31 KOs), showcased his superior ring IQ, using footwork and precise counters to keep the champion at bay. The first few rounds saw a tactical chess match, with Canelo landing heavy body shots while Crawford responded with sharp jabs and elusive movement.
The turning point came in the eighth round. Crawford, leveraging his four-inch reach advantage, caught Canelo with a devastating left hook that staggered the champion. Sensing his moment, Crawford unleashed a flurry of punches, culminating in a right uppercut that sent Canelo crashing to the canvas. The referee waved off the fight at the 1:23 mark, as the 65,000-strong crowd erupted in disbelief. Canelo, who had never been knocked down in 765 professional rounds, lay defeated, his reign as the face of boxing abruptly halted.
Post-fight, Crawford was humble yet confident, stating, “I knew I had to be perfect tonight. Canelo’s a legend, but I came to make history.” The victory not only secured the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles but also positioned Crawford as a contender for the pound-for-pound top spot. Analysts, including ESPN’s Andre Ward, praised Crawford’s adaptability, noting his ability to neutralize Canelo’s power despite the size disparity.
For Canelo, the loss raises questions about his future. At 35, with a lucrative $400 million Riyadh Season deal, he may face pressure to pursue a rematch or take on new challenges, such as a bout with David Benavidez. Critics, including former champion Shannon Briggs, had predicted Crawford’s technical brilliance would prevail, but few anticipated such a decisive finish.
The boxing world is reeling from this seismic upset. Crawford’s triumph redefines the sport’s landscape, proving that skill and strategy can overcome even the most formidable champions. As fans and pundits debate whether this truly marks “the end of a king,” one thing is clear: Terence Crawford has etched his name into boxing immortality.
