Major Takeaways:
Terence Crawford made boxing history by becoming the first male fighter to capture unified titles in three weight divisions in the four-belt era.
The event shattered the Las Vegas boxing attendance record, drawing over 70,000 fans to Allegiant Stadium.
The fight’s global broadcast on Netflix, promoted in part by the UFC’s Dana White, signals a potential shift in how major boxing events are marketed and distributed
Terence Crawford Makes Boxing History with Stunning Victory Over Canelo Álvarez
Date: September 14, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
In a night that will be forever etched in boxing annals, Terence “Bud” Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) achieved what many deemed impossible by defeating Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) via unanimous decision to claim the super middleweight championship. The historic bout, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, drew a record-breaking crowd of 70,482 spectators, making it the largest attendance for a boxing event in the city’s history .
The Fight: A Tactical Masterclass
Crawford, moving up two weight classes to challenge the reigning super middleweight king, delivered a performance that combined technical brilliance with strategic dominance. From the opening bell, Crawford utilized lateral movement, guard changes, and a surgical jab to neutralize Canelo’s aggressive style. The American’s speed and precision kept Canelo off-balance, forcing the Mexican champion to chase shadows for much of the fight .
The turning point came in the sixth round when Crawford planted his feet and unleashed clean combinations that visibly marked Canelo’s face. Despite a brief interruption in the ninth round due to an accidental headbutt, Crawford maintained control, outpacing and outthinking his opponent in the later rounds .
Judges’ Scores and Reaction
The judges scored the fight 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112 in favor of Crawford, though some analysts, including The Associated Press, scored it more decisively at 118-110. The victory makes Crawford the first male boxer to capture unified titles in three weight divisions in the four-belt era. An emotional Crawford fell to his knee upon hearing the decision and later wept tears of joy in the ring .
A Record-Setting Event
The fight shattered previous attendance records for Las Vegas boxing events, surpassing the 1982 record of 29,214 set at Caesars Palace. It also marked the largest crowd for any sporting event at Allegiant Stadium, exceeding the previous record of 63,969 set during a college football game . The event was broadcast globally on Netflix, bypassing traditional pay-per-view models and potentially revolutionizing how major fights are marketed in the future .
Star-Studded Audience and Global Impact
The crowd included boxing legends like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Roy Jones Jr., as well as celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Dave Chappelle, and Stephen A. Smith. The atmosphere, initially dominated by pro-Canelo chants, gradually shifted as Crawford’s performance won over the crowd, with audible “Crawford” cheers echoing through the stadium in the later rounds .
Legacy and Future Implications
Crawford’s victory solidifies his place as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history. For Canelo, the loss marks his first defeat since May 2022, when he fell to Dmitrii Bivol. Despite the loss, Canelo graciously acknowledged Crawford’s superiority, stating, “I’ve taken risks my entire career. Today I lost, but I’m still here” .
The event also marked the debut of UFC President Dana White in professional boxing promotion, in collaboration with Riyadh Season. This partnership, along with the shift to streaming-based broadcasting, could redefine the economic and promotional landscape of boxing moving forward .
Undercard Highlights
Ireland’s Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) defeated Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-1, 15 KOs) by unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 100-90).
WBC interim super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) retained his title after a draw with Lester Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs) .
Conclusion
Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Álvarez was more than a fight; it was a historic moment that transcended the sport. With its record-breaking attendance, global accessibility, and seismic impact on boxing’s legacy, the event has set a new standard for what the sport can achieve. As Crawford himself declared, “Tonight was mine” .
