Terence Crawford produced a spectacular and historic win over Canelo Alvarez to become the new undisputed super-middleweight world champion in a claim to be the definitive fighter of a generation.
Billed as one of the biggest fights of the century, the American prevailed at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with a classy display landing him the unanimous points victory on the judges’ scorecards (116-112, 115-113, 115-113).
“He's a strong champion, I've got nothing but respect for him, he's a great champion,” a gracious Crawford said in victory in front of 71,000 fans at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team.
Crawford produced a measured performance, holding the ring and gaining the larger Mexican’s respect, while marking up his face with a series of quick, punishing shots. Crawford then weathered a wave of pressure from the champion in the final rounds, who maintained in defeat that he still “felt great”.
"I'm a winner for being here,” Canelo claimed afterwards. “there's no defeat here. I've done everything in my career, I take risks.” Relive all the action, updates and reaction from the fight card below, as The Independent provides brings you the latest from Las Vegas:
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford live
- Report: Crawford outclasses Canelo to make boxing history in Las Vegas super-fight
- Crawford given the nod by all three judges (116-112, 115-113, 115-113)
- Crawford responds to question over retirement after third undisputed title win
- Canelo maintains victory in 'taking risks' in boxing despite loss to smaller man
- Mike Tyson floors YouTube star MrBeast with crushing punch before main event
The Independent reacts to Crawford's masterful win over Canelo in Vegas
19:14
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Alex Pattle
Terrence Crawford gives post-fight reaction after history-making win against Canelo Alvarez
18:38
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Alex Pattle
The surprising punch stat from Terence Crawford’s win over Canelo Alvarez
15:08
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Flo Clifford
Crawford, competing two divisions above his previous maximum, scored 116-112 and 115-113 twice in a slick and assured performance.
But there was a surprising twist in the final stats, with Canelo’s punch accuracy 1 per cent greater than his rival, at 38 per cent to 37 per cent for the victorious Crawford.
The stats overall however largely favoured the American, who landed 115 of 534 total punches and 70 of 208 power punches, with Canelo landing just 99 of 338 total punches in comparison, per Compubox.
Canelo makes bold Crawford comparison with Mayweather Jr
13:30
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Jack Rathborn
“I think Crawford is way better than Floyd Mayweather,” Canelo says.
"He deserves all the credit, I tried my best tonight, I couldn't figure out the style. He has everything, I tried my best.”
Crawford's next opponent at 160 lbs?
13:00
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Jack Rathborn
If Crawford does duck down to 160 lbs, then his options are as follows:
- Janibek Alimkhanuly (WBO and IBF champion)
- Carlos Adames (WBC champion)
- Erislandy Lara (WBA champion)
- Chris Eubank Jr
- Conor Benn - currently campaigning at middleweight with rematch set against Eubank JR
- Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis; a 154-pounder, but would the American come up one more weight division for an all-American clash?
- Hamzah Sheeraz - a favourite of Turki Alalshikh, this could lead to a golden opportunity for the Briton
Canelo vs Crawford official scorecards: Did the judges get it right?
12:30
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Alex Pattle
Terence Crawford made boxing history on Saturday night, outpointing Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight champion – the first three-weight undisputed king of the modern era.
Crawford, 37, overcame Canelo, 35, inside Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium, with more than 70,000 fans watching on. Many of them were Mexican, on the nation’s Independence Weekend, cheering on Canelo as he looked to hand Crawford his first defeat.
But Crawford was too slick and too smart for Canelo, ultimately earning a unanimous-decision win: 116-112, 115-113, 115-113.
Here is how each scorecard looked, round by round:
The official scorecards for Terence Crawford's dethroning of Canelo Alvarez #CaneloCrawford pic.twitter.com/2xgoPFaEyD
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) September 14, 2025
But did the judges get it right? Here’s how The Independent scored Canelo vs Crawford:
Terence Crawford makes bold claim after victory over Canelo Alvarez
12:00
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Jack Rathborn
“You have to win the championship rounds, I new I had to close out the show.
“This is top of the top, Canelo is an all-time great. There are no more Canelos, I’m the Canelo, I’m the face of boxing now.
“I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
Oleksandr Usyk might still have a claim to that title, but he has certainly separated from the rest, including Naoya Inoue, for now.
Terence Crawford shows off his new collection of belts after win over Canelo Alvarez
11:30
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Jack Rathborn
Terence Crawford teases trip to middleweight after becoming undisputed super middleweight king
11:00
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Jack Rathborn
“My gut says the same thing, I’ll sit down with my team, who knows, I might go down to 160 pounds,” Crawford says again when asked about retirement.
“There will be excuses behind every victory I’ve had, but the competition don’t respect you, they think the people you are fighting are not worthy, a lot of fans don’t realise these fighters put their lives on the line.”
New footage shows emotional Canelo react to Crawford loss
10:30
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Jack Rathborn
Canelo Alvarez appears emotional immediately after being handed the third defeat of his career by Terence Crawford.#CaneloCrawford on Netflix l #RiyadhSeasonCard | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/wX4n3gzafq
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 14, 2025
Canelo added to list of victims for Crawford
10:15
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Jack Rathborn
- Canelo Alvarez
- Errol Spence
- Shawn Porter
- Amir Khan
- Kell Brook
- Jeff Horn
- Ricky Burns
- Viktor Postol
- Julius Indongo
- David Avanesyan
- Yuriorkis Gamboa
- Egidijus Kavaliauskas
Terence Crawford relives origin of Canelo Alvarez fight
10:00
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Jack Rathborn
“I couldn’t get the Errol Spence fight, Bill Haney put it in my mind. Forget Errol, go for Canelo, you can beat him. But I said, ‘Canelo, he’s 168!?’ But then I thought, Bill might be right.
“I went to Paco and said, ‘listen, I want to fight Canelo.’ I said, ‘I’m serious’. I beat him by being myself, I don’t have to do anything that isn’t in my character.”
Terence Crawford downplays Canelo Alvarez's power
09:30
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Jack Rathborn
“We knew what he was trying to do, the wide hooks, he knew I was faster, but he then respected my power.
“I felt like I had to separate myself, I didn’t want to eat too soon, but when the time came, I let my hands go.
“I was looking at his body language, things like that, trying to amp himself up, I’m not going to feed into that and give him the opportunity.
“He didn’t hit as hard as I thought he was, he’s definitely technical, but I’ve been hit harder. I’m blessed by God, like I said, they never gave me credit. I told you all, a lot of people would go home disappointed and crying.”
Who’s really the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world? Crawford makes claim after Canelo victory
09:15
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Jack Rathborn
Terence Crawford prevailed over Canelo Alvarez in the fight of the year with the boxing landscape as intriguing as it has ever been, with more big fights over the last two years than there had been in decades.
That is largely due to the arrival of Saudi Arabia in the boxing space, an arrival that has proven controversial from a political and ethical point of view, but one that has delivered fans the match-ups they long desired.
Terence Crawford analyses his victory over Canelo Alvarez
08:45
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Jack Rathborn
“I feel great, anybody can be a nobody, a lot of people doubted me, said I'd fought nobody, had no personality. They all wrote me off for years.
“I’ve always sparred bigger guys, I’d bully the smaller guys. I used to work on my defence.
“Fighting at a bigger weight, not having to lose so much, it helped me.
“I wanted to come out orthodox, but my coaches said southpaw will kill him. That’s what we did tonight.”
Will Terence Crawford retire?
08:32
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Jack Rathborn
“He ain't made enough money to retire, he needs another $100m,” Antonio Tarver says. “What if he can dance from 168 to 160 pounds?”
A rematch with Canelo? Who else is out there for Crawford?
Terence Crawford attributes victory to 'the nobodies'
08:20
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Jack Rathborn
For all the nobodies ✔️
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) September 14, 2025
Crawford and Canelo react to judges' scorecards
08:05
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Jack Rathborn
Canelo v Crawford secure record attendance at Allegiant Stadium
07:55
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Jack Rathborn
Record number of attendees for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) September 14, 2025
70,482 boxing fans came out the #RiyadhSeasonCard #CaneloCrawford pic.twitter.com/Er0nCOw1J2
AI judge scores Canelo v Crawford a draw
07:46
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Jack Rathborn
Not something many fans have called for, but The Ring’s AI judge scored it a draw.
We’re yet to see a human score the fight a draw or for Canelo.
The Ring’s AI fourth judge scored Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford a 114-114 draw #CaneloCrawford on Netflix l #RiyadhSeasonCard | Riyadh Season pic.twitter.com/vxJxcMbBDS
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 14, 2025
Canelo v Crawford punch stats
07:36
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Jack Rathborn
Crawford landed 180 of 395 total punches (45.6%) tonight.
And 60/150 jabs, 120/245 power punches.
Canelo landed just 117 in comparison, per Compubox, throwing 461 total to give him a connection rate at 25.4%.
The Mexican has landed 35/212 jabs, 82/249 power punches.
Terence Crawford celebrates victory over Canelo Alvarez
07:25
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Jack Rathborn
Antonio Tarver lauds Terence Crawford's 'focus' against Canelo Alvarez
07:13
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Jack Rathborn
“This was one to remember, I’m so happy for Crawford,” says Antonio Tarver.
“He said what he said he would do, the focus, one relapse, he’d have been knocked out.”
Crawford joins illustrious group as three-time undisputed champion
07:08
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Jack Rathborn
Terence Crawford is now:
- Undisputed Super-Lightweight
- Undisputed Welterweight
- Undisputed Super-Middleweight
Oleksandr Usyk is a three-time undisputed champion, across two weight classes.
Terence Crawford outclasses Canelo Alvarez to make boxing history in Las Vegas super-fight
07:01
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Jack Rathborn
Terence Crawford produced a clinic against Canelo Alvarez to take the undisputed super-middleweight titles from the Mexican star on Saturday, making history in the process.
With his unanimous-decision victory over Canelo at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas – where more than 70,000 fans watched on – Crawford became the first three-weight undisputed champion of the modern era.
The unbeaten American, 37, achieved scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 to add to his prior undisputed triumphs at super-lightweight and welterweight. In doing so, he became a five-weight world champion, going one better than Canelo, 35.
Andre Ward calls for respect for fighters after defeats
07:00
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Jack Rathborn
“We can take a page from the UFC, they still support their guys, when they lose in boxing, they act differently,” Andre Ward says.
“A loss doesn’t mean the end or taint your legacy.”
Terence Crawford reacts to victory over Canelo Alvarez
06:58
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Jack Rathborn
“He's a strong champion, I've got nothing but respect for him, he fought like a champion today,” Crawford said in victory and now three time undisputed world champion.
“I don't know [if this is the last fight of my career], I've got to sit down with my team and we'll talk about it.”
Max Kellerman says Crawford is the “best pound-for-pound fighter for a dozen years.”
Conveniently he forgets Oleksandr Usyk, who is not mentioned tonight whatsoever.
Canelo Alvarez reacts to loss against Terence Crawford
06:55
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Jack Rathborn
"I feel great," Canelo says in defeat. "I'm a winner for being here, there's no defeat here. I've done everything in my career, I take risks.
“I feel great to share the ring with great fighters like him, if we do it again, great, I'm glad to be here, I already accomplished a lot, my legacy is here, but I'll take risks because I love boxing.”
Terence Crawford outpoints Canelo Alvarez to seize undisputed super-middleweight titles
06:49
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Jack Rathborn
116-112, 115-113, 115-113 to your winner by unanimous decision... The fighting proud of Omaha... AND NEW!
Terence Crawford reigns supreme in Las Vegas, he was too classy for Canelo Alvarez. What a performance from the American. He is your undisputed super-middleweight world champion!
Canelo v Crawford goes to the judges' scorecards
06:47
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Jack Rathborn
Crawford ends strong after throwing down with Canelo to end gripping tussle
06:45
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Jack Rathborn
12th round
Huge shots from Crawford! Canelo now swinging for the fences, desperation.
Skipper has Crawford up five, 107-102, but this is surely closer, as it always is for the Mexican in Las Vegas.
Big left hook whistles past Canelo’s chin. Then a clubbing right from Canelo, both men exchanging good shots as we close this one out.
Crawford has outlanded Canelo 157-123 by the half-way point of the 12th round. He has surely done enough, but both men raise their arms!
Canelo starts to march down Crawford
06:40
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Jack Rathborn
11th round
Netflix’s unofficial scorer Skipper has it 97-93 to Crawford.
OH! Short, big uppercut from Crawford, then a right to the body, a big left rammed home too.
A left uppercut from Canelo, then a big right. Power punches? 101-98 to Canelo through 11 rounds!
Canelo’s chin holding up, now he’s marching Bud down. But is he running out of time?
Canelo gets home with a few big rights
06:38
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Jack Rathborn
10th round
Crawford’s trainer remarks: "I don't think he's up, but you've got to finish strong.”
While Reynoso adds: "We've got three rounds to blow him up!"
Crawford has outlanded Canelo to the head 83-40.
Time for Canelo to mix this up? Will he risk it or feel he’s even in such a desperate situation?
Crawford with a lovely combination, both high and low, in that last 20 seconds. A couple of big rights from Canelo in this round,too.
Crawford cut after accidental headbutt as fight catches fire
06:31
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Jack Rathborn
9th round
A furious assault from Crawford to begin the ninth, wow! Canelo in trouble!? These are punishing shots.
Canelo replies, but there’s a cut, accidental headbutt called by the referee as a pause to end that gripping encounter.
We’re back underway and Canelo is hunting, is this his chance?
Crawford only landing two more punches this round (22-20), but the eye-catching opening might just be enough.
Crawford remains on top against Canelo entering championship rounds
06:28
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Jack Rathborn
8th round
More body shots from Canelo, who has landed just 48 punches so far to Crawford’s 64.
A shake of the head fro Crawford as he avoids a wayward uppercut from the Mexican.
A big right from Canelo, with Crawford able to respond and bounce away. Canelo investing a lot in the body work, time running out for it to pay off?
Canelo attacks Crawford's body once again
06:24
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Jack Rathborn
7th round
Both men throwing down! Canelo peppering the body, will those shots add up?
No hurtful shots really, so far, a jab from Crawford concludes the seventh. More of a low key three minutes.
“Keep boxing that...,” Crawford is instructed.
Canelo’s trainer adds: “We came to win, you have a lot of freaking heart!"
Crawford lands shot of the fight to mark up Canelo's face
06:19
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Jack Rathborn
6th round
Crawford with a big left! Then the tongue comes out, he’s gaining in confidence now. Canelo’s right eye is swollen.
Crawford now barking at Canelo, trash talking in the ring.
Punches landed to the head? Crawford’s fight, leading 41-19. Though Canelo has outlanded him to the body so far 15-8.
A great response from the Nebraskan!
Canelo starts to find more success after early Crawford control
06:16
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Jack Rathborn
5th round
Netflix’s unofficial scorer, Skipper, has it 4-0 to Crawford, by the way.
This is a better round for Canelo, though. Crawford tapping the jab out, three, four, five of them. Teasing Canelo.
A body shot from Canelo there, then the looping right falls short. One more down low. And perhaps he narrows the gap to Crawford.
Crawford takes big Canelo shot as fight ignites
06:13
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Jack Rathborn
4th round
Canelo starting to hunt and unload, Crawford stands his ground, quick, crisp shots finding the short route to Canelo’s chin.
Crawford has landed 20 head shots, Canelo just 10 at the mid point in the fourth.
Lovely looping left from Crawford catches Canelo, this is getting a little more open. A smile from Crawford as he brings his rival to the ropes and spins away. Then Canelo lands, he likes it, outwardly at least, goading the Mexican as the bell sounds.
Two beautiful uppercuts in quick succession from Crawford, but Canelo landed a big right upstairs to conclude that round. 3-1 Bud, though.
Canelo finding success to Crawford's body
06:08
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Jack Rathborn
3rd round
Crawford pushing Canelo back, but doesn’t seem to have the genuine power to scare the Mexican.
Centre control is in Canelo’s favour so far at 44 percent, Crawford at 22 percent.
Canelo’s nose a little red, but he goes to the body, could that slow Crawford down as the fight progresses? At some point, he surely has to stand his ground and get Canelo retreating, like Bivol did so brilliantly.
Another clean left hook to Crawford’s body, but the American springs back at him, though Canelo blocks the assault. Crawford is calm and controlled, and probably leads this one 2-1.
Crawford responds well to pepper Canelo in second round
06:04
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Jack Rathborn
2nd round
Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, Crawford’s trainer, begging for the jab between rounds.
Crawford lands clean early in the second round. A body shot from Alvarez and Crawford skips away.
But that’s a lovely combination from Crawford just as the Mexican resets. Good work. Now Canelo againt the ropes, a counter left, often so dangerous for pressure fighters against the Mexican, grazes Crawford’s cheek. But that’s a Bud round.
Canelo takes control early against Crawford
05:58
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Jack Rathborn
1st round
Both men getting a good look early, a jab from Crawford falls short, Canelo’s just a range-finder.
The tension is palpable, what an atmosphere in Las Vegas.
Bud circling on the ropes, not throwing much and getting out of range. Canelo, like a bull in there, loops a big right hand over the top. Good shot. But Crawford with a clean left staggers Canelo back slightly.
Certainly a Canelo round, there, though hardly explosive.
Canelo v Crawford is go!
05:55
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Jack Rathborn
"Fighting out of the red corner, wearing black and gold..."
Buffer adds: “The four-time, four-division world champion...”
“The reigning, defending, Ring Magazine, undisputed super middleweight champion of the world...”
“Fro Guadalajara, Mexico... Saul... Canelo... ALVAREZ!”
Michael Buffer introduces the fighters at Allegiant Stadium
05:54
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Jack Rathborn
Here we go... Michael Buffer introduces the fighters.
Crawford, his record, of course... “a perfect one.”
“The current, reigning, super welterweight champion... Terence... Bud... Crawford!”
Canelo walks to the ring
05:48
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Jack Rathborn
Here is the face of boxing!
A slow march, in black uniform, with his Canelo logo in bright yellow, hood lifted.
The Mexican looks menacing, the band ringing true around Allegiant Stadium, 70,000 fans, mostly Mexican, it seems given the noise circulating.
“He got a lot of heat for his last fight, is he getting old? You better believe he’ll be 10 times better than against Scull, great fighters rise to atmospheres like this,” says Andre Ward.
Crawford in the ring and waiting for Canelo
05:43
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Jack Rathborn
Crawford looks confident, a skip and a jump and he’s in the ring.
He’s bobbing his head to the mariachi band, now for the Mexican warrior to join him in the ring.
Canelo vs Crawford ring walks
05:42
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Alex Pattle
Oh, wow! After that metal tease, Crawford actually comes out to Mariachi music himself!