History-maker Terence Crawford stunned Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on points in Las Vegas, becoming the first male fighter in the modern era to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions.
In front of 70,000 fiercely pro-Alvarez fans at Allegiant Stadium, Crawford – jumping up two weight divisions – delivered a masterclass, underlining his status as boxing’s pound-for-pound star.
The unbeaten 37-year-old from Ohio showcased his full arsenal of skill, defence, power and timing, leaving Alvarez, 35, clinging on at the final bell and silencing the partisan crowd.
Despite the judges scoring it tighter than expected – 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 – the verdict capped off a defining performance, on the grandest stage, that will be remembered long in the sport’s history.
“I’m not here by coincidence,” said Crawford, draped in the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight titles.
Despite the victory, the Omaha fighter did not rule out retiring after his 42nd straight professional win.
“I don’t know, I’ve got to sit down with my team and we’ll talk about it,” he added.
Fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend, Alvarez – who loses for the third time in his 68th bout – had his status, pride and the hopes of a nation on the line, but came up against a generational great.