Crawford, who moved up from 154 to 168 pounds to take on Canelo, produced an outstanding display as he proved every bit the Canelo’s equal in the Mexican’s optimal weight class. And, in crucial moments through the bout, he proved to be just that little bit better.
“Bud” looked the better man through large spells of the bout, held inside the 70,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. But, despite most media observers suggesting that Crawford had won relatively comfortably, the scorecards read like a much closer contest.
Two judges scored the bout 115-113, with the other scoring it 116-112. The wider score seemed more appropriate given how the action played out, as the American appeared to dictate terms through much of the 12-round world title contest.
“I told y’all, I’m not here just by coincidence,” he told Max Kellerman after his victory.
“Canelo is a great champion, you know? I got to take my hat off to him. He’s a strong competitor. Like I said before, I got nothing but respect for Canelo. I’m a big fan of Canelo, and he fought like a champion.”
After a landmark win for his stellar boxing career, Crawford admitted that he wasn’t sure whether he would continue boxing, but he was sure to show his appreciation to the fans who packed Allegiant Stadium for the fight.
“I’d just like to say thank you. Thank you to all the supporters. Thank you to all the haters. I appreciate every one of y’all,” he said.
“We made this a great event. Shout out to everybody that came to support Canelo. I appreciate all y’all coming to support me and this fella. I’m happy that he gets to make it home to his children (and) I get to make it home to my children.”
Despite finding himself on the wrong end of the scorecards on this occasion, Canelo seemed relatively content, and said he was happy to have shared the ring with a fellow great of the sport.
“I feel great to share the ring with great fighters like him, and if we do it again, it’s going to be great,” he said, hinting at a rematch.
“But you know what? I’m glad to share the ring with great fighters, and I’m glad to be here.
“I already did a lot in boxing. I already accomplished a lot in boxing. My legacy is already there. I can risk, because I love boxing.”
Losing isn’t something we see too often from Canelo, but after the third defeat of his career, he was asked if he felt any different to his past bouts. In response, Canelo kept it classy as he paid tribute to his opponent.
“No, I feel great. I feel great. I feel strong,” he insisted.
“You know, Crawford is a great fighter, skilled fighter, and I give the credit to Crawford, obviously, and I feel great. I still feel the same.”
Canelo vs Crawford: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Terence Crawford def. Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-13, 115-113) – for undisputed super middleweight title
- Callum Walsh def. Fernando Vargas Jr. via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 100-90)
- Christian Mbilli vs Lester Martines scored a split draw (97-93, 94-96, 95-95)
- Mohammed Alakel def. Travis Crawford via unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Brandon Adams def. Serhii Bohachuk via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92)
- Jermaine Franklin def. Ivan Dychko via unanimous decision (96-93, 95-94, 97-92)
- Reito Tsutsumi def. Javier Martinez via TKO – Round 1, 2:18
- Sultan Almohammed def. Martin Caraballo via unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
- Raiko Santana def. Steven Nelson via TKO – Round 1, 2:38
- Marco Verde def. Sona Akale via TKO – Round 2, 1:11
