In a historic showdown at Allegiant Stadium, Terence Crawford outpoints the Mexican superstar to become the first fighter in modern boxing to unify titles in three weight classes.

Terence “Bud” Crawford etched his name into boxing history on Saturday night in Las Vegas, defeating Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez by unanimous decision to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world. The fight, held at Allegiant Stadium—a venue that had never previously hosted a boxing match—drew a record crowd of 70,482, marking the largest boxing audience in the city’s history. Crawford, who moved up two weight classes for the bout, improved to 42-0 with 31 knockouts, while Álvarez suffered his third career loss, the first since 2022 when he was outpointed by Dmitry Bivol.

The contest was a tactical battle between two of the sport’s elite fighters. Crawford, known for his precision and adaptability, outmaneuvered Álvarez, who struggled to find a rhythm or counter the American’s strategy. The turning point came in the sixth round, when Crawford began to take control of the fight, landing sharp left hands and gradually dictating the pace. Despite a brief stoppage due to an accidental clash of heads, Crawford remained composed and continued to dominate the later rounds.

Crawford’s victory not only solidified his legacy but also marked a significant milestone in boxing history. He joins an elite group of fighters, including Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., who have won lineal championships in four different weight classes. For Álvarez, the loss was a sobering moment, as he fell to 63-3-2, ending a long unbeaten streak at 168 pounds.

The event also signaled a shift in boxing’s business model, with the fight streamed on Netflix, offering a new approach to expanding the sport’s reach and appeal. This marked the debut of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing under TKO Holdings, backed by a significant investment from Saudi sports magnate Turki al-Sheikh. The fight took place amid political maneuvering in Washington over a new Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which could reshape the sport’s regulatory landscape.

Crawford, who once survived a bullet to the head in a tragic incident, has built his reputation on problem-solving and adaptability. His ability to dissect opponents’ styles and adjust his own has made him one of the most respected fighters of his generation. After the fight, he praised Álvarez, calling him a “great champion” and expressing respect for his performance. However, when asked about his future, Crawford remained noncommittal, saying he would need to discuss it with his team.

For Álvarez, the loss was a stark reminder of the challenges of moving up in weight classes. Despite his dominance in four divisions, he was outmaneuvered by a fighter who had previously proven his ability to transition successfully between weight classes. The fight was also a symbolic moment for the sport, as it took place on Mexican Independence Day, a weekend that was seemingly set up for Álvarez’s triumph.

In the end, it was Crawford who stole the show, securing a place among boxing’s all-time greats and redefining the narrative of the sport in the process. The event also marked the first time a major boxing match was held at Allegiant Stadium, a venue typically reserved for NFL games, highlighting the growing popularity and mainstream appeal of boxing. Millions of viewers around the world watched the fight on Netflix, which streamed the event at no extra cost to subscribers, signaling a potential shift in how boxing is consumed and monetized in the digital age.