Everyone thought the weight would be the equalizer. That's the thing about boxing—we get obsessed with the scale. On September 13, 2025, when Terence "Bud" Crawford stepped into the ring at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, he wasn't just fighting Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. He was fighting history, physics, and a 21-pound gap that most experts said was simply too much to bridge.
But he did it.
The question of who wins Canelo vs Crawford was answered in front of 70,482 people and a massive global audience on Netflix. It wasn't a knockout. It wasn't a fluke. It was a masterclass in timing and psychological warfare that left the Mexican superstar looking human for the first time in years.
The Night Bud Crawford Shook the World
Walking into that stadium felt different. Usually, a Canelo fight is a party, a celebration of Mexican pride. This time? There was a weird tension. Crawford tipped the scales at 167.5 lbs, looking wiry but remarkably strong. People kept saying, "Canelo is a natural 168-pounder, Bud is a puffed-up welterweight."
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They were wrong.
Crawford didn't just survive; he dominated the rhythm of the fight. He stayed in a southpaw stance the entire night, which seemingly baffled Canelo. You’ve seen Canelo fight guys like Caleb Plant or Billy Joe Saunders where he eventually finds the range and breaks them. Against Crawford, that moment never came.
Bud used a piston-like jab to keep Canelo at bay. According to CompuBox, Crawford outlanded him 115 to 99 in total punches. While Canelo landed more "power" shots (83 to 70), they mostly hit Crawford's gloves or arms.
Why the Scorecards Were Decidedly Close
The judges saw it 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113.
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Honestly? Those scores felt way closer than the actual fight. If you watch the tape, there were stretches in the middle rounds where Canelo was just following Crawford around the ring, unable to cut it off. It was reminiscent of the Dmitry Bivol loss in 2022. Canelo looked tired by the 10th. He was swinging for the fences, hoping for that one-punch equalizer that has bailed him out so many times before.
But Crawford’s chin is granite. He took a few flush right hands in the 10th and 11th rounds and didn't even blink. He just shook his head and kept moving.
The Rematch: Canelo vs Crawford 2 in 2026?
Now that the dust has settled on the first fight, the boxing world is obsessing over what comes next. Canelo is currently recovering from elbow surgery, which has pushed his 2026 return back to September 12.
The rumors are swirling. Turki Alalshikh has basically confirmed that the target is an immediate rematch. Canelo wants his belts back. He wants to prove that the first fight was a bad night at the office.
- Weight won't change: It'll still be at 168 lbs.
- The Venue: Likely Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or a return to Vegas.
- The Stakes: Crawford is now the first male boxer to be undisputed in three different weight classes.
If the rematch happens, Canelo has to change everything. He can’t just rely on high-guard pressure and body shots. Crawford proved he can handle the strength. To win, Canelo has to find a way to make Crawford stand still, which is easier said than done.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s this narrative that Canelo is "washed." That’s disrespectful. He’s still one of the most skilled counter-punchers on the planet. The problem isn't that Canelo got worse; it's that Crawford is a tactical genius who happens to have a 3.5-inch reach advantage.
People forget that Crawford is actually taller than Canelo.
When you look at who wins Canelo vs Crawford, you have to look at the "it" factor. Crawford has this mean streak. He gets "pissed off" when he gets hit, as some analysts put it, and he raises his game. In the first fight, every time Canelo landed a big shot, Crawford responded with a three-punch combo. That's how you win rounds in the eyes of the judges.
Actionable Insights for Boxing Fans
If you're betting on the potential rematch or just arguing with your friends at the gym, keep these technical details in mind:
- Watch the Jab: If Crawford's jab is landing, Canelo can't get inside to work the body. This was the key to the first fight.
- Stamina is King: Canelo is 35, but he has a lot of miles on the odometer. Crawford, even at 38, looks fresher in the championship rounds.
- The Southpaw Factor: Canelo has historically struggled more with elite movers who fight from the southpaw stance. Crawford stayed southpaw for 36 minutes and never looked back.
The first fight was a legacy-defining moment for "Bud." If he wins the rematch in September 2026, he isn't just the fighter of the decade—he's arguably the greatest to ever lace them up. For Canelo, it’s about redemption. He’s never been one to shy away from a challenge, and history shows he’s dangerous in rematches. Just ask GGG.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close eye on Turki Alalshikh's social media updates for the official "Mexico Against the World" card announcement. If Canelo's elbow is 100%, expect a much more aggressive version of the Mexican King this time around.