Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez to become the first male boxer to win undisputed titles in three weight classes.
Terence Crawford etched his name in boxing history on Sunday by defeating Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Álvarez via unanimous decision to claim the undisputed super-middleweight crown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Crawford (42-0), who moved up two weight classes for the bout, became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in three divisions, having previously unified at light-welterweight and welterweight. Judges scored the contest 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in his favour.
The American dominated the early rounds, unsettling Álvarez before the Mexican mounted a late rally. “Canelo is a great champion. I have nothing but respect for him, and he fought like a champion today,” Crawford told Netflix after the fight.
Álvarez (63-3-2), gracious in defeat, praised his opponent: “I feel great, I feel strong. Crawford is a great fighter, a skilled fighter, and I have to give the credit to him.”