Terence Crawford cried.
Tears of joy.
On an epic night for boxing, Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision and won the undisputed world super middleweight title in their mega-fight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, Sept 13.
The judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, 115-113, and Crawford wept after the scorecards were read and he was declared the winner.
The confidence Crawford exuded the week leading up to the boxing match livestreamed by Netflix turned out to be justified. He entered the bout as the underdog but kept Alvarez off-balance with superior offense and defense.
Crawford also overcame skepticism that moving up two weight classes for the title fight would prove to be too big of a challenge against Alvarez, who lost his world super middleweight title. Crawford proved to be too quick and skillful for the powerful Alvarez.
With the victory, Crawford became the first male boxer to win undisputed titles at three weight classes. He also reigned as undisputed champion at the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Crawford, the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, improved to 42-0.
Alvarez, the 35-year-old star from Mexico, fell to 63-3-2. His two other losses came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Crawford had only praise for his opponent.
“Canelo’s a great champion,’’ Crawford said during an in-ring interview. “I got to take my hat off to him. He’s a strong competitor. Like I said before, I got nothing but respect for Canelo. I’m a big fan of Canelo and he fought like a champion.’’
What’s next for Terence Crawford?
Crawford, who turns 38 later this month, said he doesn’t know if the fight against Alvarez will be the last of his career.
“I got to sit down with my team and we going to talk about it,’’ he said.
Crawford, asked if he’d like to say anything to boxing fans around the world, said, “I’d just like to say, thank you. Thank you to all the supporters. Thank you to all the haters. I appreciate every one of them. You made this a great event.’’
What Canelo Alvarez said after loss
Alvarez said he took a risk by accepting the fight, which was viewed primarily as a chance for Crawford to establish his greatness.
“I’m a winner for being here,’’ Alvarez said. “There’s no defeat here. The fact that I’m here makes me already a winner. After everything in my career, I’ve come to life to actually take risks and that’s what I did. I take risks.’’
Alvarez also praised the new champion. “Crawford is a great fighter, a skilled fighter,’’ Alvarez said.
Alvarez, asked if he wanted to fight Crawford again, said, “Like I said to him, I feel great sharing the ring with great fighters like him. And if we do it again, it’s going to be great.’’
USA TODAY Sports provided updates, analysis and highlights from the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card:
Canelo vs. Crawford: Round-by-round analysis
Round 1
Terence Crawford flicks a couple of rights as the fight begins. More rights, but nothing scoring. Alvarez in no hurry to punch. Alvarez stalking a bit and Crawford looks a little tentative and on the move. Alvarez lets fly with a right but it’s off the mark. Alvarez lands with a right and left to the body. Crawford fires back with two punches of his own. Alvarez lands a left and Crawford responds with a jab. Alvarez 10, Crawford 9
Round 2
Crawford’s path to victory meant winning early rounds. But Alvarez looks active and he throws some decent lefts. Crawford may be settling in, firing jabs, staying on the move and looking for openings. Crawford moves forward and lands. Crawford slips a punch and throws one that’s off the mark. But Crawford showing impressive quickness. Alvarez 19, Crawford 19
Round 3
Alvarez stalking again. Crawford on the way and lands a shot. Alvarez loading up with bigger punches. But Crawford has not been hurt. Crawford using that jab to keep distance between him and Alvarez as Alvarez moves in. Still more tactical than slugging. Alvarez 29, Crawford 28
Round 4
Crawford closes the distance and lands some hard shots to Alvarez’s head. Stings him again. Crawford is on the move but it’s clearly no sign he’s defenseless. Alvarez looks a little frustrated with his face reddened. Crawford so far able to dodge the big shots and counters with two left hooks and a jab. Alvarez lands a big right as the round ends. Crawford smiles. Alvarez 38, Crawford 38
Round 5
Now Crawford’s stalking, incredibly enough. Alvarez throwing thunderbolts. So far, Crawford has been able to avoid damage. He moves in behind a jab and catches Alvarez with a left. Alvarez catches Crawford in the body and he’s on the move again. Alvarez and Crawford in a clinch and Alvarez lifts Crawford. Crawford 48, Alvarez 47
Round 6
Crawford scores early and tattoos Alvarez with a left. The evidence: redness around Alvarez’s right eye. Crawford baiting a little with an odd expression directed at his opponent. Crawford catches Alvarez again. Nothing head-snapping, but it’s a scoring punch. Crawford 58, Alvarez 56
Round 7
Crawford touching Alvarez with soft punches. Setting up a rhythm. Good defense from Crawford, who’s blocking punches. Crawford occasionally on the move. Alvarez hasn’t found his sweet spot. Alvarez works Crawford into a corner but fails to capitalize. Crawford 68, Alvarez 65
Round 8
So far, Alvarez’s size and power has proven to be largely inconsequential. Crawford lands another left to Alvarez‘s face and darts away. Alvarez throws a big right and Crawford shakes his head. Alvarez lands a powerful left to the body. He’s not planning to jab his way to victory. Crawford 77, Alvarez 75
Round 9
Crawford opens with a series of blows! The crowd sounds anxious as its hero looks to be in trouble. Crawford got cut with an accidental headbutt. Alvarez apologized. Alvarez lands and Crawford is on the move again before popping Alvarez with some shots. Crawford looks very comfortable in the ring. Crowd boos as Crawford moves. They trade punches but nothing devastating. Crawford 86, Alvarez 85
Round 10
Crawford not getting drawn into a firefight. Crawford beating Alvarez to the punch, but Alvarez does score with the left. Crawford staying on the move, but Alvarez scores again with the left to the body. Crawford slips a punch. Crawford 96, Alvarez 94
Round 11
Crawford scores with uppercuts and Alvarez responds with a body shot. Crawford shows a willingness to stand in there and he catches Alvarez with a left uppercut. Increasingly, Crawford looks to be in control. And then Alvarez lands an uppercut. A big one. Crawford lands a combo and pops Alvarez in the kisser. Alvarez looks frustrated. He lands a left and Crawford responds with two quick shots. Crawford 106, Alvarez 103
Round 12
Alvarez showing desperation here, moving with urgency and unleashing big shots. Crawford catches Alvarez with a stinging left. Crawford looking as comfy as can be. One minute left. He tags Alvarez with an uppercut. Alvarez looks foiled as Crawford lands the final blows of the fight. Crawford 116, Alvarez 112
Canelo vs. Crawford crowd favorite
During introductions, the crowd made it clear when they showered Crawford with boos. And, yes, those fans also bathed Alvarez in cheers.
Canelo vs. Crawford entrances
Alvarez made his way to the ring to the sound of – you guessed it – mariachi. Green, red and white lights in the seats created the colors of the Mexican flag. Crawford made his walk carrying a guitar case and it’s unclear why.
Canelo vs. Crawford draws Mike Tyson, other stars
Mike Tyson was among the celebrities in attendance at Allegiant Stadium, along with Michael J. Fox, Dave Chappelle, Sofia Vergara, Mark Wahlberg, Jeremy Renner, Jason Statham and Charlie Sheen.
Canelo vs Crawford main card fights: Results and analysis
Callum Walsh def. Fernando Vargas Jr. by unanimous decision
Callum Walsh, under the guidance of UFC CEO Dana White, took another step toward a potential title shot.
Walsh (15-0) did it by beating Vargas Jr., son of retired boxing star Fernando Vargas Sr., by unanimous decision in their 10-round super welterweight bout.
The judges scored it 99-91, 99-91, 100-90.
Vargas (17-1) had his moments, using his quickness to sneak in punches. But Walsh, the 24-year-old from Ireland, looked inactive for stretches of the fight but did enough to win virtually all of the rounds while landing a steady diet of combinations.
With only one loss, the 28-year-old Vargas figures to get another opportunity on a big stage.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
Callum Walsh and Fernando Vargas Jr., a couple of southpaws, both throw punches early. Vargas looks quicker, but not quick enough to avoid some body shots. Walsh takes a shot to the chest and ends up on the canvas, but there’s no sign it’s a knockdown. Walsh is quickly up on his feet and the fight continues. Vargas 10, Walsh 9
Round 2
Walsh showing poise and seems in control. Walsh noticeably bigger. Will he use the advantage? Not sure, but he landed a nice hook to the body. Vargas 19, Walsh 19
Round 3
Vargas digs into Walsh’s body. But Walsh responds with a body shot of his own. Walsh in rhythm and finding openings for combinations. Walsh 29, Vargas 28
Round 4
Vargas connects with a big left and throws it again as he closes the distance with Walsh. But Walsh moves forward and delivers a combination. Vargas answers with a body shot. Walsh connects with a couple of nice lefts. Walsh 39, Vargas 37
Round 5
Crisp shots exchanged as the round opens. Walsh looks comfortable when he’s in range. But Vargas is keeping it more than interesting. Walsh 48, Vargas 47
Round 6
Vargas capitalizes on his quickness with quick shots to the head. He lands a couple of hard jabs. But Walsh finishes the round strong. Walsh 58, Vargas 56
Round 7
Vargas lands a couple of stinging shots that get Walsh’s attention. He lands a couple more. But Walsh isn’t hurt. Walsh works the body and suddenly Vargas is retreating. Walsh 68, Vargas 65
Round 8
Walsh goes through a long stretch of almost inactivity before landing a nice combination. Vargas, by contrast, is staying busy. Walsh lands a hard right and shows some authority at the end of that round. Walsh 78, Vargas 74
Round 9
Walsh comes out aggressively and foils Vargas’ plan to set the tone. More one-and-done punches from Vargas. It’s clearly hard for him to get in position for KO-type blows. Walsh is turning it up, with one combination after the next. Vargas quickens his pace. Walsh 88, Vargas 83
Round 10
Walsh looks in full control. Vargas shows no signs of the capability of delivering a KO blow. But credit Vargas for his effort. Walsh unloading punches. Makes you wonder where this has been for the past nine rounds. Walsh 98, Vargas 92
Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez declared split draw
They could’ve shrunk the ring to 8-by-8 for this fight. Or just shoved these guys in a phone both.
Fighting in close quarters, Mbilli and Martinez traded shots throughout their 10-round super middleweight bout. It ended in a split draw.
One judge scored it 97-93 for Martinez. One judge scored it 96-94 for Mbilli. The third judge scored it 95-95.
Which left both fighters unbeaten. Mbilli, a 30-year-old from France, is 29-0-1. Martinez, a 29-year-old from Guatemala, is 19-0-1.
The ring announcer saluted their work before the scorecards were read, and based on the beating they absorbed, they deserved it.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
Christian Mbilli stalks from the start and presses the action against Lester Martinez. He pushes Martinez into a corner but then eats a big right. They’re trading big punches, and Mbilli’s still trying to push forward. And succeeding. The slugging is relentless. Mbilli 10, Martinez 9
Round 2
They’re firing fast and furious as the round begins. No surprise these guys are unbeaten, but hard to imagine this ending in a draw. One could be finishing the night on the canvas with these kind of blows. The crowd shows appreciation. Mbilli 20, Martinez 18
Round 3
More Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots at the outset. The action slows a tad. The previous pace might have been unsustainable. Mbilli stuns Martinez with a couple of shots. And the action escalates as the round comes to an end. Mbilli 30, Martinez 27
Round 4
Mbilli still letting the punches fly, and Martinez standing his ground – and connecting with his share of punches. But Martinez is having trouble matching Mbilli’s activity level. Mbilli headhunting and caught Martinez with a right, but the round belonged to Martinez. Mbilli 39, Martinez 37
Round 5
What a war. Neither willing to retreat. Trading punches in bunches. But Mbilli is initiating the action. Compubox offers a clue: Mbilli has landed considerably more shots than Martinez. Mbilli 49, Martinez 46
Round 6
Mbilli moving Martinez around, against the ropes. But Martinez drifts away and they circle back to the center of the ring. Mbilli 59, Martinez 55
Round 7
Still fighting in a phone booth. Would creating distance lead to a KO blow? We might not find out because Mbilli wants to fight in close quarters and Martinez has complied. Mbilli 69, Martinez 64
Round 8
Fighting toe-to-toe, furious chopping shots. What, you expected something different? Martinez sneaks free of the ropes with a swift move. But, guess what? He’s back on the ropes. Mbilli keeps the pressure on. Martinez lands a big left uppercut. And another big right. Mbilli 78, Martinez 74
Round 9
Martinez scoring more and shoves Mbilli away. Back comes Mbilli, and Martinez lands some big shots. Mbilli clearly felt it, along with the punches that came next. Martinez is gaining momentum. Mbilli 87, Martinez 84
Round 10
Mbilli keeps coming forward despite absorbing big shots in the ninth round. Martinez hits Mbilli with a head-snapping right, but he’s quickly punching again. Martinez hurts Mbilli and the final battle ensues, a remarkable exchange of punches. Mbilli 96, Martinez 94
Mohammed Alakel def. Travis Kent Crawford by unanimous decision
Crawford has been planning to give up boxing and join the military. Well, Alakel put him through basic training – boxing style, replete with lefts, rights and jabs.
He bloodied Crawford’s nose while winning the fight by unanimous decision.
A promising Saudi boxer, Alakel withstood Crawford’s charge in the middle of the fight and largely controlled the 10-round lightweight bout.
The judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.
Alakel, 21, capitalized on his lanky frame in hitting Crawford with stiff rights and lefts along with his jab. He bloodied Crawford’s nose but did not break his spirit.
Alakel improved to 6-0. Crawford, a 22-year-old from Texas, dropped to 7-5.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
Mohammed Alakel lands an early right against Travis Crawford. And the lanky Alakel lets that right fly again. He’s popping away with the left, too. Crawford’s face already looks reddened. Alakel showing confidence with his left and right, along with the jab. Alakel 10, Crawford 9
Round 2
Crawford comes out for the second round, hopefully with a better game plan. Instead, he’s looking like a punching bag again. Alakel looks terrific with the assortment of punches and quickness. But Crawford finally lands a BIG right. Alakel now looking a little tentative and Crawford showing assertiveness. Alakel 20, Crawford 18
Round 3
Crawford has turned up the aggression and is swinging with the right. Alakel proving to be less effective when backing up. Alakel is covering up at the sign of Crawford’s right, but he’s unleashing his own punches – including a right hook to the head. Crawford coming forward and Alakel counters. Alakel 30, Crawford 27
Round 4
Crawford has likely lost the opening three rounds, but he’s fighting with spirit. And Alakel is capitalizing on his length and throws a big right. Alakel lands a nice combo that includes a body shot and Crawford responds with jabs. Alakel 40, Crawford 36
Round 5
Alakel opens by sneaking a jab through Crawford’s high guard and the pace quickens as Alakel unleashes punches. Crawford turns aggressive but Alakel stands his ground. Crawford smiling, as if the punches aren’t hurting. Not sure I buy it, with blood dripping from Crawford’s nose. Alakel 50, Crawford 45
Round 6
Alakel is capitalizing on his length advantage with the jab. But Crawford is stalking. Alakel slows a bit as Crawford picks up the pace. Crawford lands a big right and then a body shot. Alakel 59, Crawford 55
Round 7
Crawford committed to stalking. Alakel punishes him with the hook and slows Crawford with a hard left. Crawford loses steam and Alakel shows some of his early-round magic. Alakel 69, Crawford 64
Round 8
It’s probably too late for Crawford to get back into this fight without a stoppage. But it’s a competitive fight, even though Alakel is the more disciplined and skilled boxer. Crawford’s showing toughness, eating punches but standing his ground. Alakel’s volume too much for Crawford. Alakel 79, Crawford 73
Round 9
Crawford looks a little more static, and Alakel capitalizes with a series of punches. Crawford lacks the zest and fire he showed a few rounds ago and Alakel lands a nice left to the temple. Crawford picks up the pace and, with Alakel against the ropes, lands three big shots as the round ends. Alakel 88, Crawford 83
Round 10
Crawford needs a knockout and he’s going to go for it. Comes out swinging. Alakel responds but Crawford fights through and they traded solid punches. Both boxers showing fight. Well, now Alakel is trying to run out the clock – and he does. Alakel 98, Crawford 92
Canelo vs Crawford prelim fights: Results and analysis
Brandon Adams def. Serhii Bohachuk by unanimous decision
It was a fight without brakes, only accelerators.
In a rematch of their 2021 fight that Adams won by eighth-round TKO, they came out at full speed for their 10-round middleweight fight.
Round after round, the slugfest continued. But Adams hit harder and it had an impact – on Bohachuk and the judges.
The judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 in favor of Adams, a 36-year-old from California who improved to 26-4. Bohachuk, a 30-year-old Ukrainian, fell to 26-3.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
No backing down and no wasting time as the fighting starts. Serhii Bohachuk and Brandon Adams content to trade punches. Adams lands a hard left and establishes more aggression. But Bohachuk responds. One blow after another and both landing punches. Adams 10, Bohachuk 9
Round 2
Adams strikes with a left and then drills Bohachuk with a right. It’s more big exchanges. Bohachuk connects with a terrific uppercut and the slugfest continues. An incredible fight. Adams closes the round strong, but Bohachuk wins the round. Adams 19, Bohachuk 19
Round 3
Bohachuk slugging away, and he’s landed about double the punches of Adams. But Adams’ punches are thudding. Bohachuk finding his rhythm here and there’s no letup. Bohachuk 29, Adams 28
Round 4
Adams drills Bohachuk with a couple of body shots. Shots with power. It’s more non-stop trading of punches and we’re glad Compubox is around to keep count. Adams digs into the body hard, with more force than Bohachuk does. Adams on the assault as the round ends. Bohachuk 38, Adams 38
Round 5
Boxers firing from the sound of the bell. But Adams is firing thunderbolts. Bohachuk responds, but Adams looks unhurt. Neither boxer shows any fatigue, but you wonder if Adams’ punches are going to have greater impact as the fight progresses. Adams punishing Bohachuk as the round ends. Adams 48, Bohachuk 47
Round 6
Adams unleashing punches with the same fury. Bohachuk scoring too, but not with the same ferocity. Adams lands a solid left to the body and Bohachuk winces. Bohachuk may be protecting his body more after that big shot. Adams 58, Bohachuk 56
Round 7
They meet at the center of the ring, again. Hard to keep track of all the punishing shots. But Adams’ punches still look a level up. Bohachuk fires back a series of shots and, well, back comes Adams. Adams 68, Bohachuk 65
Round 8
Adams delivers a couple of big rights. So much for pure boxing. This is slugging, and slugging, and slugging. Adams catches Bohachuk with a left hook and Bohachuk wobbles as the round ends. Adams 78, Bohachuk 74
Round 9
Adams fires early, connecting with the head and body. Things slowing down. A smidge. Suddenly Adams is whaling away, especially with that left hook to the body. Adams 88, Bohachuk 83
Round 10
Adams is smiling as he touches gloves with Bohachuk as the final round begins. He’s not playing it safe either. Look at those blows go. Bohachuk shows less fight than in earlier rounds. Bohachuk walks down Adams into the corner and Adams marches his way out. It ends as it started, punches flying. Adams waves to the crowd and fans respond with cheers as the round ends. Adams 98, Bohachuk 92
Jermaine Franklin Jr. def. Ivan Dychko by unanimous decision
Franklin fell into his opponent in the final round as if he had more to give.
Turned out he gave enough, in the eyes of the judges, and beat Dychko by unanimous decision in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
The judges scored it 96-93, 95-94 and 97-92 for Franklin, who took the fight on short notice and a big challenge.
The 6-foot-9 Dychko towered over the 6-foot-3 Franklin. But the fight often looked lackuster and the crowd responded with boos. Franklin helped quiet the boos by showing more urgency.
Franklin improved to 24-2. Dychko, a 35-year-old from Kazakhstan, fell to 15-1.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
Ivan Dychko, at 6-foot-9, has a massive height advantage over Jermaine Franklin Jr. Franklin looks like he’s living off the training from a fight, say, three years ago. But he’s never been knocked down, so maybe Dychko has some work to do. Dychko using his left and lands a solid right, then connects with another to Franklin’s body. Dychko 10, Franklin 9
Round 2
Hard to imagine Franklin is 6-foot-3 and only has a six-inch height difference with Dychko. But he neutralizes it briefly with a shot to Dychko’s body. Franklin firing with more power, but Dychko remains in control again. Dychko 20, Franklin 18
Round 3
Dychko lands a right and back comes a right from Franklin – his first good punch of the fight. But volume counts and Dychko has thrown almost twice as many punches as Franklin. Dychko throwing his jab. Dychko 30, Franklin 27
Round 4
Franklin is trying to get close to Dychko. Well, too close as Dychko lands a solid right. Franklin lands a solid body shot but it’s one (punch) and done and Dychko gets behind his jab and starts clinching. Franklin unloads another body shot and is showing more energy and urgency. Dychko 39, Franklin 37
Round 5
Franklin opens the round by landing a big left, but is still having trouble following up his shots. Dychko uses his jab to set up a nice right. Lots of clinching, and the mostly empty stadium still generates whistles of disapproval. More clinching ensues. Dychko 49, Franklin 46
Round 6
The boos erupt early in this round. Limited engagement here. More clinching, as Dychko drapes his body over Franklin. Punch and clinch. Punch and clinch. YAWN. Franklin lands a nice left but fans are still upset. Dychko 58, Franklin 56
Round 7
Franklin shows more aggression and tries to attack Dychko’s body, then landed a right to the head. And another big right to Dychko’s head. Franklin lands a crisp combination. Dychko 67, Franklin 66
Round 8
Dychko using his jab again. Wonder what happened to the right. Anybody seen Dychko’s right hand? Franklin lands a big right! Referee deducts a point from Dychko for repeatedly draping his body over Franklin. That’ll please the crowd. Another huge right from Franklin. Franklin 76, Dychko 75
Round 9
Dychko shows more urgency, leading with the jab but finally throwing the right again. Franklin having a harder time closing the distance with his 6-foot-9 opponent. More power on display. Franklin 85, Dychko 85
Round 10
Franklin lands a nice combination and shows more urgency. Dychko sneaks in a solid right, and Franklin responds with his own. Franklin falls into Dychko, tank looks empty but manages to land a solid left to Dychko’s head. Crowd boos as the fight comes to an end. Dychko 95, Franklin 94
Reito Tsutsumi def. Javier Martinez by TKO
Tsutsumi, a top prospect from Japan, only bolstered his stock with a victory over Martinez.
The two boxers exchanged punches for the opening minute before Tsutsumi went on the attack, pounding Martinez with body shots.
Next, Tsutsumi alternated between punches to the body and head, and soon enough Martinez was reeling across the ring. It came to an end when Martinez flopped onto the canvas, which triggered a knockdown and an eight-count from the referee.
The referee waved off the fight at 2:18 in the first round without any protest from Martinez.
Tsutsumi improved to 3-0 and Martinez fell to 7-3.
Round-by-round analysis:
Round 1
Reito Tsutsumi stalks early but Javier Martinez holds his ground. They trade blows early, neither fighter inclined to back away. Tsutsumi lands some nasty body blows and Mamrtinez looks hurt. The Japanese fighter working the body and head down. Martinez big swinging … and a miss. He’s hurt badly. Flops to the ground and it’s a knockdown! And the referee halts the fight.
Sultan Almohammed def. Martin Caraballo by unanimous decision
Almohammed, a 17-year-old from Saudi Arabia, turned in an electric performance in his pro debut.
Armed with power in both hands, Almohammed pounded Caraballo throughout the four-round lightweight bout.
Caraballo landed plenty of punches, but few, if any, had the force of Almohammed’s shots.
While Almohammed improved to 1-0, the 21-year-old Caraballo fell to 0-1-1.
Raiko Santana def. Steven Nelson by TKO
Santana, a Cuban, walked to the ring and climbed inside with a cigar in his mouth. What looked like a prop quickly became a victory cigar after the light heavyweight fight.
Although he did not light up the cigar, he did light up his opponent.
Late in the first round, Santana rocked Nelson with a straight right. Santana followed up with a flurry of punches that staggered Nelson, who was saved by the ropes.
But he was not saved by the referee, who halted the fight with 22 seconds left in the round.
Santana, 32, improved to 13-4. Nelson, 37, fell to 20-2.
Marco Verde def. Sona Akale by TKO
Verde, who won an Olympic silver for Mexico in the 2024 Paris Games, showed flashes of gold in his victory over Akale in their super middleweight fight.
Verde, 23, knocked down Akale two minutes into the fight with a left and two rights.
Aklae, a seasoned 37-year-old, continued to endure punishment and stayed on his feet. But the onslaught became too much for the referee, who halted the fight at 1:11 in the fourth round when Verde tattooed Akale with another left.
“Oh, my God,’’ Akale shouted when the referee stopped the fight. “What are you doing?’’
Doing the right thing, it appeared, as Akale bled from the mouth and was connecting on about 10 percent of his punches.
Verde improved to 3-0 and Akale fell to 9-4.
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Time, PPV, streaming for fight
Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 13
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Alvarez vs Crawford main event estimated ringwalks: 11 p.m. ET
Stream: Netflix (Prices start at $7.99/month)
What time is the Canelo vs. Crawford fight?
Canelo Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in a main card that begins at 9 p.m. ET on Netflix. Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. The prelims will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET on Tudum.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford main card, ring walk start times
Main card start time: 9 p.m. ET
Main event ring walks: 11 p.m. ET (approximate)
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight card
Main card
Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford; Super middleweight bout, 168 lbs
Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr.; Super welterweight co-main event
Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez; Super middleweight bout
Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford; Lightweight bout
Prelim Card
Serhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams; Middleweight bout
Ivan Dychko vs. Jermaine Franklin; Heavyweight bout
Reito Tsutsumi vs. Javier Martinez; Super featherweight bout
Sultan Almohammed vs. Martin Caraballo; lightweight bout
Steven Nelson vs. Raiko Santana; Light heavyweight bout
Marco Verde vs. Sona Akale; Super middleweight bout
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford full card, odds
Card information according to Netflix; Odds via BetMGM (if available)
Main Event
Canelo Álvarez (-160) vs. Terence Crawford (+145); Super middleweight, 168 pounds
Callum Walsh (-295) vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. (+225); Super welterweight co-main event
Christian Mbilli (-185) vs. Lester Martinez (+145); Super middleweight
Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford; Lightweight
Preliminary card
Serhii Bohachuk (-500) vs. Brandon Adams (+350); Middleweight
Ivan Dychko (-120) vs. Jermaine Franklin (-105); Heavyweight
Reito Tsutsumi (-5000) vs. Javier Martinez (+1500); Super featherweight
Sultan Almohammed vs. Martin Caraballo; lightweight
Steven Nelson (-320) vs. Raiko Santana (+240); Light heavyweight
Marco Verde vs. Sona Akale; Catchweight
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Predictions
USA TODAY Sports: Josh Peter picks Terence Crawford
Canelo is the bigger fighter. The stronger fighter. The more tested fighter. But Crawford’s boxing IQ coupled with his skills are off the chart. Prediction: Crawford by decision.
ESPN: Amir Khan picks Crawford
Khan said, ‘It’s a great fight for the fans. If it comes down to being a boxer and moving around, I got Crawford destroying Canelo easily. Canelo has to dig deep and go back to how he used to fight back in the day against the likes of Floyd Mayweather and those guys where he doesn’t give a damn and walks through you. But it’s a 50-50 fight. I lean toward Crawford. Why? Because Crawford is the fresher fighter. Canelo has had too many tough fights.’
The Sun: Tyson Furry picks Canelo
Chisanga Malata writes on Tyson Furry’s comments: ‘(It’s a) very tough fight, different weight categories. What weight would this fight happen? I don’t know. At 168, I’m gonna say Canelo. At 140, I’m gonna say Crawford. So I’ll go with Canelo.’
DAZN: Eddie Hearn picks Crawford
Christopher Walker writes on Eddie Hearn comments: ‘Crawford has got to fight a boring fight to beat him. He’ll engage way more than Scull. I had the fight quite close. 115-113. Maybe 116-112, and that was Scull. Crawford is on another level than that.’
Pro Boxing Fans: Benavidez picks Canelo
Jonathan Nagioff writes on David Benavidez comments: ‘I think Canelo’s going to win, only because of the size. Crawford is coming up three weight classes, so I think Canelo is more of a natural super middleweight. This is Crawford’s first super middleweight fight.’
Ring Magazine: Dmitry Bivol believes Terence Crawford can win
In an interview with Ring Magazine, Bivol stated, ‘My first reaction when I heard about the fight was about Crawford’s size. Is it appropriate for him to move up two weight classes? However, when I saw him in Dubai a month ago, I realized he is physically imposing and possesses excellent skills. He is one of my favorite boxers, and I believe he is capable of winning this fight.’
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford live stream, price
Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, and the event will be streamed on Netflix, with coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can subscribe for as low as $7.99 to watch the event.
Has Canelo ever been knocked down?
No, Canelo Alvarez has never been knocked down. Neither has Terence Crawford. That’s a combined 108 fights without the fighters getting knocked down.
Who is Terence Crawford? Everything to know about Canelo’s opponent
It’s unlikely Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will be scared to fight Alvarez, given the path he has taken from his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, to this career-defining moment.
Growing up, Crawford has said, he put on boxing gloves, hit the streets and fought in alleys.
That is, unless his mother arranged fights on the front lawn when she offered neighborhood kids $10 if they could beat her son.
Just like now, Crawford was undefeated, the boxer has said.
USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter has more on Terence Crawford’s path to boxing glory.
Canelo Alvarez: Keys to victory
As Terence Crawford aims for an upset victory against Canelo Alvarez Sept. 13, special insight is available from the brains behind boxers who stood toe-to-toe with Alvarez.
One man is Abel Sanchez, who trained Gennadiy Golovkin for the electric first two fights of Golovkin’s trilogy with Alvarez. The other is Joel Diaz, who coached Dmitry Bivol in 2022 when Bivol defeated Alvarez by unanimous decision.
Crawford is the faster boxer. The better-conditioned boxer. And draws praise for his smarts inside the ring.
But…
‘In a 12-round fight with that big truck of Canelo just pounding and pounding, it’s going to take its toll,” Sanchez said.
Read here for more keys to victory for Canelo Alvarez.
Terence Crawford: Keys to victory
Forget what the odds say about the Sept. 13 fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez and who is the betting favorite.
Listen to what top trainers told USA TODAY Sports.
“Do I think he has a chance?’’ Robert Garcia, The Ring’s Trainer of the Year for 2024, said. “I think he has a great chance.’’
Read here for in-depth keys to victory for Terence Crawford over Canelo Alvarez.
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford payout, purse
It’s a big fight with an even bigger paycheck.
Canelo Alvarez is guaranteed to make more than $100 million to fight Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi matchmaker and deal broker who has led his country’s massive investment in boxing.
One of the biggest deals Alalshikh made is a four-fight deal with Alvarez. And on Sept. 11, during the final press conference before the two boxers face off, he responded when asked if he would become the first person to guarantee a Mexican athlete $100 million.
Read here for more on the payout, purse for the clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Canelo vs Crawford weight: What does size say about fight?
Michael Spinks. Sugar Ray Leonard. Roy Jones Jr.
The history of those boxing legends provides reason to believe Terence Crawford can overcome what’s viewed as his biggest challenge in fighting Canelo Alvarez on Saturday, Sept. 13.
That challenge is the jump up two weight classes that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) had to make to fight Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) in the 168-pound super middleweight division, with Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight title on the line.
Crawford jumped up from 147 pounds to 154 pounds in his last fight. Now he’s leaping again, approximately 14 pounds, and headed into uncharted territory. By contrast, Alvarez is a natural 168-pounder and has fought twice at the 175-pound light weight division.
USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter has more on the weight issue facing Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez.
Why is Canelo-Crawford on Netflix?
While this is not Netflix’s first foray into boxing, the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford fight is generating unprecedented buzz. Netflix made history by broadcasting the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in November 2024, achieving 38 million concurrent streams in the U.S. to become the most streamed sporting event in history. It also streamed the women’s boxing trilogy fight, Taylor vs. Serrano 3, in the summer of 2024. — Elizabeth Flores
With Canelo Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight title on the line, the Mexican star will be fighting more than Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Las Vegas.
Canelo Alvarez record: Boxer fighting for his legacy
He’ll also be fighting for his legacy.
Aris Pina, a voter for the International Boxing Hall of Famer, said he thinks Alvarez ranks among the Top 30 boxers all-time. Barry Tompkins, a highly regarded boxing analyst, said he thinks Alvarez is in contention for the mythical crown of best Mexican boxer ever.
The prevailing sentiment: Alvarez’s legacy hinges in part on the outcome of his fight against Crawford, who like Alvarez, has spent time atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Alvarez is 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts.
“His record speaks for itself,’’ Tompkins said. “And to his credit, he’s fought everyone who’s come along.’’
Canelo vs. Crawford main card: must-watch main card fights
USA TODAY Sports’ Elizabeth Flores highlights a pair of main card fights to consider ahead of Canelo vs. Alvarez. On Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez, Flores writes:
‘WBC interim champion Christian Mbilli is set to face off vs. Lester Martinez in a super middleweight fight at 154 pounds. Mbilli, undefeated and untied in 29 fights, will go up against Martinez, who also boasts an undefeated record with 19 wins. Both fighters, known for their powerful punches, will face off in 12-round battle, with one boxer likely to suffer their first career loss.’