Canelo Álvarez vs Terence Crawford Aftermath - Recap, reactions, and more

By Lourence Alturino

Terence "Bud" Crawford did it. Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez via unanimous decision to become the new undisputed super middleweight champion. Crawford answered every question imaginable. Jumping two weight classes and dominating Canelo in 12 rounds fully cements Bud Crawford as the greatest boxer of the generation.

Fight Recap

Throughout the fight, Crawford fought behind the jab and broke Canelo's rhythm. The active lead hand froze Canelo and Crawford was able to land solid combinations that frustrated Canelo. The big question heading in was if Crawford can handle the power of Canelo? And while Canelo landed clean, Crawford never truly gave him the opportunity to land the big one.

Crawford negated Canelo completely with his angles. Canelo could not cut off the ring effectively whatsoever and it felt like Crawford was able to escape off the ropes without any real consequence. Canelo's jab was nowhere to be found, which is something he needs to fix ASAP if he is to continue fighting. Canelo landed well to the body, but there was no full punishment given to Bud.

The power difference was non-existent; Canelo did not feel like the bigger man tonight. Crawford entered a flow state and did not let up. Canelo's high guard was attacked all night long by Crawford's stifling jab and it frustrated Canelo big time. Canelo started loading up as usual and Crawford's defensive responsibility made sure that those shots were not effective. Canelo failed to break Bud and Crawford took him to school.

Reactions

I hate to be that guy, but I told you so. Crawford needed to fight a perfect fight and he did just that. It was supposed to be a chess match for the ages, but Crawford hit checkmate earlier than many expected. Crawford gave Canelo a boxing lesson, perhaps the best anyone has ever performed against Canelo.

The scorecards did feel a little off for me as well. I personally had it 117-111 for Crawford, but I just don't see the 115-113 that two of the judges had. Canelo didn't win five rounds, so I did feel that was generous.

I genuinely have no clue what is next for these two after tonight. Both men could retire and it would be justified because what else is there to prove for them? I'd anticipate Crawford retiring more than Canelo, but again, I don't know where Canelo goes from here now that he is no longer champion. A rematch might be likely, but I'd doubt the result changes in a second bout.

After defeating Canelo, Terence Crawford becomes the first and only man to be a three-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era. Crawford has firmly etched himself into the top 10 all-time conversations, again, maybe even having an argument for #1 pound-for-pound. There is no doubt, though that Crawford is the best boxer alive and the greatest boxer of this generation.

Everyone should be thankful to even get to witness two of the very best facing off in one ring. This will forever be one of the biggest fights in boxing history. Hopefully, with Turki Al-Sheikh at the helm and Dana White creating his own company, this is the start of a boxing renaissance.