LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Terence “Bud” Crawford has written his name into boxing history, becoming the first male fighter to capture three unified division titles after defeating Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision on Saturday night in front of a record-breaking crowd at Allegiant Stadium.

The historic showdown, already billed as one of the biggest events in Las Vegas boxing history, lived up to its hype as Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) showcased his trademark precision and skill to dethrone Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) and claim the super middleweight crown.

Judges’ Scores and Reaction

Crawford’s victory was sealed with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112. The Associated Press had it even wider, 118-110, for the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska.

Even before the official decision was read, Crawford dropped to his knees in the ring, overcome with emotion. As his name was announced, he broke down in tears — a rare moment of vulnerability for a man long considered one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best.

“I’ve dreamed of nights like this,” Crawford said afterward. “To make history against a legend like Canelo, in front of this kind of crowd, it’s everything I ever worked for.”

A Historic Defeat for Canelo

For Canelo Alvarez, the 35-year-old icon of Mexican boxing, the loss was especially bitter. It marked his first defeat in more than three years, since dropping a unanimous decision to Dmitrii Bivol in May 2022.

Alvarez had entered the bout as the sport’s biggest draw, fighting before a heavily pro-Canelo crowd. Yet, as the fight wore on and Crawford’s dominance became clear, chants of “Crawford” began echoing throughout Allegiant Stadium. Even Alvarez’s loyal fans did not drown them out, recognizing the significance of the moment.

“This doesn’t take away from Canelo’s greatness,” Crawford said. “But tonight, it was my night.”

A Record-Breaking Night in Las Vegas

The setting added another layer of history. Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, hosted its first boxing event, and the turnout smashed multiple records.

• 70,482 fans filled the venue, more than doubling the previous Las Vegas fight attendance record of 29,214, set in 1982 when Larry Holmes stopped Gerry Cooney.

• It also eclipsed the stadium’s previous record for any sporting event — 63,969, set during a USC-LSU football game in 2024.

The star-studded crowd underscored the magnitude of the event. Ringside were boxing legends Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Thomas Hearns, and Julio César Chávez. Celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Charlize Theron, Michael J. Fox, comedians Dave Chappelle and Tracy Morgan, and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith (who was loudly booed) were also in attendance.

The Fight Itself

The bout began cautiously, with both fighters studying each other and trading jabs through the early rounds. Crawford, known for his adaptability and ring IQ, established his rhythm by the middle rounds, using superior speed and counterpunching to frustrate Alvarez.

The action reached its peak in the ninth round. Crawford pressed forward with crisp combinations that visibly staggered Alvarez. A clash of heads momentarily halted the action, but Crawford quickly regained control and continued to dominate. From that point on, Alvarez struggled to mount any meaningful offense as Crawford dictated the pace until the final bell.

“I felt like I was faster, sharper, and just better prepared,” Crawford explained. “He’s a great champion, but I had the answer for everything he tried.”

Beyond the Ring: Boxing in a New Era

This fight also marked a potential turning point in boxing’s business model. For the first time, a blockbuster bout of this magnitude was streamed on Netflix rather than shown on traditional pay-per-view. Promoters believe this could attract the largest global audience for a boxing match in decades, harkening back to when big fights were broadcast on free television in the 1970s.

The card was co-promoted by UFC President Dana White in collaboration with Riyadh Season, signaling a new era of crossover promotion and streaming partnerships.

Undercard Results

The night also featured key undercard bouts:

• Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) of Ireland outclassed Las Vegas native Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-1, 15 KOs), winning by scores of 99-91, 99-91, and 100-90. Vargas Jr. fought under the shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Fernando Vargas Sr., but couldn’t match Walsh’s speed and power.

• Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) of France retained his WBC interim super middleweight belt after a split draw against Guatemala’s Lester Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs). Judges scored the fight 97-93 for Martinez, 96-94 for Mbilli, and 95-95 even.

Crawford’s Legacy Secured

With this victory, Crawford remains undefeated and further solidifies his case as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. By conquering three divisions at the unified level, he has achieved something no male fighter had ever done before.

“I’ve always believed in my skills, but to go out there and prove it on the biggest stage, against a legend, means the world to me,” Crawford said. “This is history.”