Terence Crawford Becomes a 3x Undisputed Champion

Terence “Bud” Crawford has done the unthinkable. Moving up three weight classes, he defeated Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision to become a three-time undisputed champion—a feat that cements his place among the greatest fighters in boxing history.

From the opening bell, Crawford set the tone. He established his jab, controlled distance, and never allowed Canelo to dictate the pace. By the fourth round, Bud began letting his hands go, mixing sharp counters with calculated pressure. He wasn’t just boxing beautifully—he was proving a point.

The biggest question going into this fight was whether Crawford could handle Canelo’s power. He answered that quickly. At times, he stood directly in front of Canelo, blocking and slipping shots with ease while firing counters that earned Canelo’s respect. Crawford’s defense was airtight, his offense versatile, and his ring IQ on full display. He mixed body work with sharp combinations and executed a flawless game plan.

Canelo, on the other hand, struggled. His reliance on single power shots, rather than using the jab or throwing combinations, made him predictable. That style has worked for him in the past against less confident fighters, but against a generational talent like Crawford, it wasn’t enough.

With this victory, Crawford’s legacy is untouchable. A five-division world champion and now a three-time undisputed champion across three different weight classes, he has firmly placed himself in the conversation with Floyd Mayweather and other all-time greats. At 38 years old, with generational wealth and an all-time résumé, Crawford has nothing left to prove. He could walk away today as one of the greatest ever. Still, knowing Bud’s mentality, retirement may not come just yet. Rumors are already swirling about a potential move to 160 pounds in pursuit of a sixth division title.

As for Canelo, he still has two fights left under Turki Alalshikh’s guidance. But after more than 20 years in the sport, it might be time to consider retirement. His legacy as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time is secure, but stylistically, he may not be able to adapt at this stage.

Regardless of what comes next, one thing is clear: Terence Crawford is the greatest boxer of this generation—and one of the greatest of all time.

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