In one of boxing’s most anticipated clashes of recent years, Terence Crawford shocked the world by defeating Canelo Álvarez in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight headlined the Riyadh Season mega-card, once again showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing dominance in hosting blockbuster sporting events.
Crawford controlled much of the action with his trademark patience and pinpoint counterpunching. From the opening rounds, Canelo pressed forward, looking to cut off the ring, but Crawford’s jab and lateral movement frustrated the Mexican superstar.
By the middle rounds, the momentum had shifted firmly in Crawford’s favor. His precise combinations in the 7th round drew gasps from the crowd, with several clean counters snapping Canelo’s head back. While Álvarez had his moments — particularly with body shots in rounds 5 and 9 — he struggled to find the consistency that made him one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats.
Scorecards told the story:
The official scorecards for Terence Crawford’s dethroning of Canelo Alvarez #CaneloCrawford pic.twitter.com/2xgoPFaEyD
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) September 14, 2025
The unanimous decision marked Crawford’s biggest career win, solidifying his place as one of the best fighters of his generation.
Why It Matters:
- Crawford proved he can compete — and win — at multiple weight divisions.
- Canelo now faces serious questions about his career longevity at 34.
- Saudi Arabia cemented itself as boxing’s new “Las Vegas” with this mega-event.
Fan reactions flooded social media, with #CanelovsCrawford trending worldwide. Many called it “Crawford’s masterclass,” while others debated if age and mileage finally caught up with Canelo.
I actually believe Crawford may be the best fighter of all time.
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) September 14, 2025
TERENCE CRAWFORD DEFEATS CANELO
HE IS NOW THE FIRST MAN IN THE HISTORY OF BOXING TO BECOME A THREE WEIGHT UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆🏆🏆
STOP DISRESPECTING HIM AND ACCEPT THAT HE IS ONE OF THE GOATS pic.twitter.com/WPZUl4r1a9
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) September 14, 2025
👑 Terence Crawford is the first fighter in men’s boxing to become a three-weight undisputed world champion in the four-belt era:
✅ Undisputed Super-Lightweight
✅ Undisputed Welterweight
✅ Undisputed Super-Middleweight#CaneloCrawford on Netflix l #RiyadhSeasonCard |… pic.twitter.com/lSwrMAAA5E— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 14, 2025
Bud Crawford is the goat!!! Shoutout to Canelo as well, sorry it wasn’t your night. #CaneloVsCrawford
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) September 14, 2025
