Terence Crawford Shocks the Boxing World: Knocks Out Canelo Alvarez, Ends Undefeated Reign in 25 Minutes, and Pockets $90 Million

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Terence Crawford delivered a career-defining performance, knocking out Canelo Alvarez in a dramatic 25-minute showdown at Allegiant Stadium. The fight, dubbed “El Fin de Un Rey Invicto” (The End of an Undefeated King), saw Crawford not only dethrone the reigning super middleweight king but also walk away with a staggering $90 million purse, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history.

Canelo Álvarez, the 35-year-old Mexican superstar with a 62-2-2 record entering the fight, was the heavy favorite to defend his undisputed super middleweight titles against Crawford, who was moving up two weight classes from 154 to 168 pounds. The buildup to the fight had been intense, with Canelo initially dismissing Crawford as an easy opponent, even stating that he would only take the fight for a guaranteed purse of $150 million. However, after months of negotiations led by Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh, the fight was finalized, with Canelo earning $150 million and Crawford getting $90 million, a figure confirmed by boxing insider Dan Rafael.

The fight itself was a clash of styles that lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year. Crawford, known for his speed, accuracy, and adaptability, started cautiously, using his footwork to evade Canelo’s powerful combinations while landing sharp punches to keep the Mexican at bay. Canelo, on the other hand, sought to impose his physicality, stalking Crawford and unloading heavy body shots in the early rounds. By the fourth round, Canelo appeared to be in control, with the crowd roaring as he landed a vicious left hook that momentarily staggered Crawford.

But Crawford, the 37-year-old American with an unblemished 41-0 record, showed why he has been considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. By the fifth round, he began to find his rhythm, countering Canelo’s aggression with lightning combinations. A pivotal moment came in the seventh round when Crawford landed a perfectly timed right hook that Canelo didn’t see coming, a punch he had predicted could hurt the Mexican due to his smaller, quicker frame. Canelo’s legs buckled, and although he survived the round, the momentum had shifted.

The end came in the eighth round, just after the 25-minute mark of the fight. Crawford, sensing that Canelo was still reeling, unleashed a flurry of punches, culminating in a devastating left uppercut that sent Canelo crashing to the canvas. The referee waved off the fight at 2:47 of the round, declaring Crawford the winner by knockout. The Las Vegas crowd erupted in a mixture of disbelief and awe as Crawford celebrated, having ended Canelo’s reign as the undisputed super middleweight champion.

After the fight, Crawford was friendly and confident. “I’ve been a fan of Canelo for years, but I knew I could beat him,” he said in the ring. “I come from a smaller weight class, and my speed was the difference. If you land a punch, he doesn’t see, he can get hurt, and that’s what happened.” Crawford’s victory not only earned him the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF super middleweight titles, but also solidified his claim as one of the top three fighters in boxing history, a goal he had established before the fight.

For Canelo, the loss marks a significant setback. The Mexican icon, who had only lost twice before, to Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022, now faces questions about his future. Some critics, like Chris Williams of Boxing News 24, had warned that Canelo was avoiding tougher opponents like David Benavász, who had moved up to 175 pounds. Crawford, however, proved to be the ultimate challenger, using his speed and ring IQ to overcome the size difference.

The financial stakes of the fight were astronomical, with the event generating massive revenue through ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and sponsorships, especially given its alignment with Mexican Independence Day weekend. While Canelo’s $150 million purse reaffirmed his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Crawford’s $90 million haul marked a career high, reflecting the magnitude of the upset.

As the boxing world digests this seismic shift, all eyes are on what’s next for both fighters. Crawford has hinted at staying at 168 pounds to defend his newly won titles, while Canelo Alvarez may look to regain his crown in a rematch. One thing is certain: Canelo Alvarez’s knockout of Terence Crawford will be remembered as a defining moment in boxing history, where an underdog defied the odds to overthrow a king.