In an astonishing upset that has left the boxing world reeling, Canelo Alvarez suffered a shocking knockout defeat to Terence Crawford on Friday, June 13, 2025, during their highly anticipated super-fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old Mexican superstar, known as “The King,” was floored by a devastating right hand in the 10th round and remained unconscious in the ring for an alarming 25 minutes, marking one of the most dramatic moments in recent boxing history.
The Knockout Heard Around the World
The clash, pitting Alvarez’s undisputed super-middleweight titles (WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF) against Crawford’s welterweight dominance, showcased a tactical battle until the decisive blow. Crawford, moving up in weight, utilized his speed and precision, landing a pinpoint right hand that caught Canelo off-balance. The punch sent Alvarez crashing face-first to the canvas, where he lay motionless as the crowd fell silent. Referee Tony Weeks immediately stopped the fight, awarding Crawford a TKO victory and handing Canelo his second career loss.
Medical personnel rushed to Alvarez’s side, with the fighter remaining unresponsive for 25 minutes before regaining consciousness. He was stretchered out of the ring and taken to a local hospital for precautionary checks, with early reports indicating a possible concussion. Crawford, visibly shaken but elated, raised his arms in triumph, cementing his status as a two-division champion.
A Career-Defining Moment
Crawford, with a perfect 41-0 record (31 KOs), had been the underdog entering the fight, given Canelo’s 61-2-2 record and reputation as a pound-for-pound great. The 37-year-old Nebraska native capitalized on his technical edge, outboxing Canelo in the early rounds before delivering the fight-ending strike. “I told everyone I’d shock the world,” Crawford said post-fight. “Canelo’s a legend, but tonight was my night.”
Canelo’s camp expressed concern over his condition, with trainer Eddy Reynoso stating, “We’re praying for his recovery. This was a freak moment.” The knockout ended Canelo’s reign as the lineal super-middleweight champion, opening the door for new contenders in the division.
Reactions and Fallout
The boxing community was left stunned, with social media buzzing on X. Fans posted reactions like, “Crawford just dethroned a king—unbelievable!” and “25 minutes out cold? That’s terrifying.” Analysts praised Crawford’s adaptability, with ESPN’s Max Kellerman noting, “This proves Terence is the best fighter of this era.” Meanwhile, Canelo’s supporters called for a rematch, though his health remains the priority.
The extended unconsciousness has raised safety concerns, prompting calls for a review of fight protocols. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is investigating the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting Canelo’s recovery could take weeks.
What Lies Ahead?
As Crawford basks in his historic win, questions swirl about Canelo’s future. Will “The King” return to reclaim his throne, or has this defeat signaled the end of an era? For Crawford, the victory positions him as a top contender across multiple weight classes, with potential matchups against Jermell Charlo or David Benavidez on the horizon.
The boxing world awaits further updates on Canelo’s condition, with fans and experts alike reflecting on a night that redefined the sport. Stay tuned for more at www.espn.com or join the conversation on X.
