Imagine witnessing a boxing legend rewrite history right before your eyes—that's the sheer thrill of Terence Crawford's unforgettable triumph over Canelo Alvarez just last month! But here's where it gets controversial: was this victory a masterclass in strategy, or did raw emotion steal the show in the ring?
Terence Crawford, the seasoned veteran hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, delivered a performance that shattered expectations and claimed the undisputed super-middleweight championship from Canelo Alvarez at a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13. For those new to the sport, an 'undisputed championship' means holding all major title belts in a weight class, making it the ultimate accolade in boxing—think of it as the equivalent of a grand slam in tennis or a perfect game in baseball.
In achieving this feat, Crawford kept his professional record spotless at 42 wins and zero losses, etching his name as the first male boxer ever to secure undisputed titles across three different weight divisions. This is the part most people miss: it's not just about skill; it's about endurance and adaptability that turn good fighters into immortals.
Enter David Benavidez, the current WBC light-heavyweight champion and one of boxing's rising superstars. He's clearly inspired by Crawford's path, and in a candid chat with Fight Hype, Benavidez shared what truly stood out to him about the five-weight world champion's clash with Canelo. Surprisingly, it wasn't the fancy footwork or precise punches—it was Crawford's unwavering 'heart' that captured his admiration.
As Benavidez put it, 'What impressed me the most was Crawford’s ability to stay focused in the fight and not only just to stay focused and box, but he also got rugged in there. He started brawling with him towards the late rounds. That’s something I appreciate in a fighter, he was already up he could have chose to just box but he went in there and tried to brawl with him in the last round so that’s really what impressed me, his heart, his heart more than anything impressed me.' In simpler terms, for beginners, this means Crawford didn't play it safe by sticking to his strengths; instead, he showed grit by mixing it up with Alvarez in close-quarters combat, even when victory seemed within reach through smarter tactics.
Now, this choice raises eyebrows—could Crawford have lost it all by trading blows at the end? Or does that willingness to risk everything define true championship spirit? It's a debate that could divide fans: some might argue it was reckless, while others see it as the essence of bravery in the squared circle.
Looking ahead, Crawford is likely to step back from the ring for a breather before plotting his next move. Rumors swirl that he might drop down to middleweight, aiming to conquer a sixth weight class and cement his legacy as boxing's most versatile titan. Think of it like a chess grandmaster adding another board size to their repertoire—ambitious and awe-inspiring.
What do you think? Should Crawford have played it conservative in those final rounds, or was his brawling instinct a stroke of genius? And is chasing six weights worth the potential toll on his body? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Benavidez's take, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Let's discuss!
- Canelo (https://www.secondsout.com/topic/canelo/)
- David Benavidez (https://www.secondsout.com/topic/david-benavidez/)
- Terence Crawford (https://www.secondsout.com/topic/terence-crawford/)
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