At the post-fight press conference at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on 13/9/2025, Canelo and Crawford expressed mutual respect. "He's a strong opponent, a great champion," Crawford said. "I respect and am a big fan of Canelo. Today, he fought like a champion."

Canelo returned the compliment with a bold statement: "I think Crawford is much better than Mayweather."

Canelo Alvarez (right) takes a punch during his fight against Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, USA on 14/9/2013. Photo: AP

Canelo Alvarez (right) takes a punch during his fight against Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, USA on 14/9/2013. Photo: AP

In September 2013, at just 23 years old, Canelo entered the biggest fight of his career against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas. Despite his youth and superior physique, the Mexican boxer was completely outmatched by the American's masterful defensive counter-punching style. Throughout the 12 rounds, Canelo rarely landed a clean punch, while Mayweather consistently scored with jabs. As a result, Canelo lost by unanimous decision, suffering his first career defeat.

A similar scenario unfolded at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas last week, as Canelo appeared powerless and completely neutralized by his smaller opponent. After 12 rounds without a knockout, Canelo again lost by unanimous decision, relinquishing his super middleweight belts to Crawford.

"You have to accept defeat," Canelo admitted. "We all know Crawford is a great boxer. I tried my best, but I couldn't find a solution. Sometimes you want to, but your body doesn't allow it anymore."

Terence Crawford (right) lands a punch on Canelo Alvarez during their super middleweight unification bout at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, USA on 13/9/2025. Photo: EPA

Terence Crawford (right) lands a punch on Canelo Alvarez during their super middleweight unification bout at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, USA on 13/9/2025. Photo: EPA

The victory over Canelo improved Crawford's professional record to 42 wins, including 31 knockouts. It also made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed championships in three different weight classes, a feat previously achieved only by the legendary Henry Armstrong in 1938.

Crawford previously dominated the light welterweight (63.5 kg) division in 2017 and the welterweight (66.7 kg) division in 2023. Turning 38 in two weeks, Crawford still astonished experts by jumping two weight classes and immediately defeating Canelo to conquer the super middleweight division.

Mayweather, born in 1977, boasts a perfect 50-0 professional record. He has been a 15-time world champion across five weight classes and is considered the best boxer of all time, according to Boxrec.

When compared to Mayweather, Crawford stated: "Mayweather was the best in his era. I am the best boxer in my era. There's no need to compare the two."

Crawford considers this his biggest career milestone, having moved up two weight classes, been considered the underdog, and promptly defeated the long-reigning super middleweight star. The 37-year-old even joked that he knew the outcome as soon as Canelo signed the fight contract.

Hong Duy (The Guardian)