Surgery Complete – Crawford Dissects Canelo
On a night billed as a collision of two pound‑for‑pound greats, Terence “Bud” Crawford delivered a performance that will be studied for years. In front of a sold‑out Allegiant Stadium 70,482 fans and millions watching on Netflix, the Omaha native rose two weight divisions to dethrone Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, becoming the first male fighter in history to be undisputed champion in three different weight classes.
This was not a brawl. It was a masterclass — a surgeon at work, dismantling one of boxing’s most decorated champions with precision, patience, and poise.
Round 1 – Establishing the Operating Table
Crawford began in southpaw, circling away from Canelo’s power hand. He probed with a long jab, touching the body early to draw Canelo’s guard down. Canelo pressed forward but landed little clean, while Crawford’s timing and footwork set the tone.
Round 2 – First Incision
A crisp counter left from Crawford stopped Canelo mid‑step. Bud varied his jab — sometimes pawing, sometimes snapping — to disrupt rhythm. Canelo’s hooks to the body were blocked or rolled off the shoulder.
Round 3 – Angles and Patience
Crawford switched orthodox mid‑round, firing a lead right that split Canelo’s guard. He pivoted out of corners effortlessly, forcing Canelo to reset. The Mexican star’s output dipped as he searched for openings that weren’t there.
Round 4 – Targeting the Liver
Bud’s left to the body began to land with regularity. He doubled it up — body then head — forcing Canelo to widen his stance. The champion’s jab was absent, allowing Crawford to dictate range.
Round 5 – Disrupt and Punish
Every time Canelo loaded up, Crawford beat him to the punch. A sharp three‑punch combination drew roars from the crowd. Canelo’s frustration showed as he swung wider, missing badly.
Round 6 – Mid‑Fight Control
Crawford’s ring generalship was absolute. He feinted Canelo into overcommitting, then countered with clean, scoring shots. The Mexican’s vaunted body attack was neutralised by Bud’s lateral movement.
Round 7 – Turning the Screw
Bud’s jab became a spear, snapping Canelo’s head back. He mixed in uppercuts when Canelo dipped low, further discouraging forward pressure. The challenger’s confidence was now complete.
Round 8 – The Clinic Continues
Crawford’s punch selection was surgical — lead hooks, check counters, and perfectly timed step‑backs to make Canelo miss by inches. The crowd sensed the inevitability of the outcome.
Round 9 – Breaking the Will
A flush right hook from southpaw staggered Canelo briefly. Crawford didn’t rush; instead, he methodically piled on points, keeping the champion off‑balance and reactive.
Round 10 – Defensive Brilliance
Canelo’s best rally of the fight was smothered by Bud’s head movement and clinch control. Crawford’s economy of motion was a masterclass in conserving energy while dominating exchanges.
Round 11 – Statement Round
Bud opened up with combinations, punctuating them with a snapping jab. Canelo’s face showed the wear — swelling under both eyes — as the challenger closed the show in style.
Round 12 – Closing the Surgery
With the fight in the bag, Crawford stayed disciplined, refusing to give Canelo a Hail Mary moment. He finished as he started — in control, composed, and utterly unflustered.
Operating Table
Winner: Terence “Bud” Crawford — Unanimous Decision
Official Scores:
• Tim Cheatham: 116–112 Crawford
• Steve Weisfeld: 117–111 Crawford
• Max DeLuca: 118–110 Crawford
Crawford’s tactical brilliance was reflected on all three cards, with each judge awarding him a clear margin of victory. The spread shows how consistently he controlled the action, round after round, against one of the sport’s most decorated champions.
For Gulf fight fans, it was a reminder that greatness isn’t just about power or size — it’s about mastery, adaptability, and the courage to chase history.
