Crawford claims victory over Alvarez to become super middleweight champion
- Terence Crawford made history by capturing three unified division titles after defeating Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas.
- The fight, which took place on Saturday night, drew a record crowd to Allegiant Stadium and was streamed on Netflix.
- Crawford's win solidified his status as one of the greatest fighters of his era, prompting discussions about his legacy in boxing.
In Las Vegas, Terence Crawford achieved a significant milestone in his boxing career by becoming the first male boxer to unify three division titles following his victory over Canelo Alvarez. This historic match took place at Allegiant Stadium before a record crowd of 70,482 fans. The fight was contentious and closely contested, with judges scoring it 115-113 for Crawford twice and 116-112. Despite being pitted against Alvarez, considered a formidable opponent, Crawford showcased remarkable quickness and skill, landing effective combinations throughout the bout. The matchup held considerable significance in the boxing community as it was promoted on Netflix, marking a shift from traditional pay-per-view models to streaming services for major boxing events. This approach aimed to reach broader audiences, reminiscent of the 1970s when boxing was widely available on network television. The fight drew impressive viewership, with peak numbers reaching approximately 41.4 million individuals. Crawford's achievement not only enhanced his stature within the boxing realm but also sparked discussions regarding his legacy, placing him alongside other legendary figures like Floyd Mayweather. Moving up two weight classes posed challenges, with critics questioning whether his speed would diminish against Alvarez's power. However, Crawford proved his critics wrong, using his jab effectively in the early rounds to disrupt Alvarez’s rhythm. As the bout progressed, it became clear that Crawford was the superior athlete, managing to maintain an advantageous position against Alvarez. The event also attracted various celebrities, underlining its importance as more than just a sporting event but a cultural phenomenon. Following the match, Crawford expressed mixed feelings about the magnitude of the event, indicating that while it was noteworthy, it wasn't necessarily the toughest fight he had faced. Questions arose about his future in boxing, as he was left with little to prove at 37 years old, prompting speculation about potential retirement.