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Crawford Defeats Canelo in Historic Upset

Boxing just reminded us why it’s called the sweet science. On September 13, 2025, inside a roaring Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Terence “Bud” Crawford—at 38 years old and fighting two weight classes above his natural division—did the unthinkable. 

He outboxed and outclassed Canelo Alvarez, handing the Mexican superstar a unanimous decision loss with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113.

This wasn’t just a win. It was history in motion. Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed champion in three weight classes, cementing his place among the greatest to ever lace up gloves.

Technical Wins the Battle

Terence Crawford beats Canelo Alvarez
Image from David Becker

Going into the fight, Alvarez held the size advantage as the reigning super middleweight king with a record of 63-2-2. Most pundits, even we at S5 Casino, expected him to bully Crawford, who had spent most of his career at lightweight and welterweight before moving up. The question was whether a 38-year-old Crawford could withstand the physicality of a naturally bigger Canelo.

Instead, it was Alvarez who struggled. Crawford’s trademark footwork and switch-hitting arsenal confused the champion all night. Whenever Canelo tried to close the distance, Bud slipped away, firing jabs and sharp counters that kept him honest. The Mexican icon landed his power shots in spurts, but Crawford’s discipline and composure made those moments rare.

Judges Side with the Technician

The scorecards told the story: 116-112, 115-113, 115-113—all for Crawford. It wasn’t a blowout, but it was clear enough. Crawford’s timing, ring IQ, and defense neutralized Canelo’s usual pressure. What many expected to be Canelo’s showcase turned into Crawford’s masterclass.

And here’s the kicker, Ka-S5: this was against a younger, stronger champion, in front of a pro-Canelo crowd in Vegas. That’s the definition of taking destiny into your own gloves.

A Legendary Win

Terence Crawford (blue gloves) punches Canelo Alvarez (red gloves) for the Undisputed & Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Championship at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/TKO Worldwide LLC)
Image from Ed Mulholland

Crawford’s victory checks multiple historic boxes:

  • Three-division undisputed king – Nobody in the four-belt era has done this before. Not Mayweather. Not Pacquiao. Only Crawford.
  • Perfect record intact – Crawford is now 42-0, a spotless resume that speaks for itself.
  • Beating the odds at 38 – In boxing, 38 is often “veteran exit time.” Instead, Crawford turned it into “prime legacy time.”
  • Size disadvantage overturned – He jumped two divisions, from welterweight (147 lbs) to super middleweight (168 lbs), and still came out on top.

For context, fighters moving up often lose power, speed, or endurance. Crawford showed he could carry his skill set anywhere on the scale.

A Double Win

Along with Crawford’s win, a lucky S5 Casino Facebook follower earned ₱220 in-game credits for correctly predicting the outcome.

Player Kh************dd was among the first to comment on the Facebook post, receiving a ₱20 bonus. Her time to shine came once the 12-round match was done—correctly guessing that Crawford would be the champion. An additional ₱200 was sent to her S5 Casino account as a reward.

Talk about a double win (inside and outside of the ring, literally)!

What’s Next for Both?

For Canelo, the loss stings deeply. His record now stands at 63-3-2, and while he remains one of boxing’s most accomplished champions, the aura of invincibility has dimmed. He was even called “overrated” by some, and retirement whispers are growing louder, especially after consecutive tough outings.

For Crawford, the possibilities are endless. Does he stay at super middleweight and defend his new crown? Or will he pick and choose mega-fights to close out a career already bound for the Hall of Fame?

One thing’s certain: boxing fans just witnessed a turning point. The sport’s torch may have officially passed from Canelo to Crawford.

A Final Bell Witnessed by S5 Casino Players

Boxing is at its best when it shocks the world—and this fight did exactly that, Ka-S5! The smaller, older warrior climbed two weight classes, flipped the script, and schooled a superstar in his own division. Terence “Bud” Crawford didn’t just defeat Canelo Alvarez—he crushed the doubts, silenced the critics, and shattered the limits of age and size.

At S5 Casino, we call that a once-in-a-generation moment. If you rode with Crawford on your bet slip, saludo—because you backed a legend who just stamped his name in boxing history.

This wasn’t just a win. It was proof that true greatness knows no boundaries. No weight. No age. Just pure dominance.

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