By Admin In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Terence “Bud” Crawford delivered a brutal fifth-round knockout to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The fight, billed as a “Once In A Lifetime” clash for Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight titles, saw Crawford, a former two-division undisputed champion, defy the odds by moving up two weight classes to dethrone the Mexican icon. The victory not only cemented Crawford’s legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats but also cost Canelo an estimated $55 million purse, marking a seismic shift in the sport’s hierarchy.
Canelo, 35, entered the ring as the favorite, boasting a record of 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts and an unblemished super middleweight record. His dominance at 168 pounds, coupled with his experience against elite fighters like Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev, made him seem untouchable. Crawford, however, at 37 and with an unblemished 41-0 record, showcased his technical brilliance and devastating power. The Nebraska native, known for his switch-hitting style and high ring IQ, had never fought above 154 pounds, making his performance against the naturally larger Canelo all the more remarkable.
The fight began cautiously, with Canelo leveraging his physicality to control the early rounds. However, Crawford’s speed and counterpunching began to unravel the champion by the third round. In the fifth, a perfectly timed right uppercut from Crawford caught Canelo flush, sending him to the canvas for the first time in his career. The 65,000 fans in attendance gasped as Canelo struggled to rise, only for Crawford to unleash a barrage of punches, ending with a left hook that left the Mexican star unconscious. Referee stopped the bout at 2:47 of the fifth round, crowning Crawford the new undisputed super middleweight champion.
The boxing world erupted in disbelief. Social media platforms, including X, buzzed with reactions, with fans and analysts hailing Crawford’s historic achievement. “Bud just redefined greatness,” one post read, while another lamented, “Canelo’s reign is over.” The knockout marked the first time Canelo had been stopped, shattering his aura of invincibility. For Crawford, the win made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight classes, adding to his titles at light welterweight and welterweight.
Canelo’s defeat also sparked debate about his future. Having fought 67 professional bouts since age 15, questions about his physical decline have intensified, especially after failing to score a knockout in four years. Meanwhile, Crawford’s performance has positioned him as a pound-for-pound king, with calls for a rematch or a clash with other top fighters like David Benavidez. As the dust settles, Crawford’s triumph on Netflix’s global stage has not only rewritten boxing history but also signaled the rise of a new era in the sport.