September 13, 2025, will go down as one of the saddest days in the career of Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the historic Mexican boxing star. The Jalisco native stepped into the ring at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford, who had moved up two weight divisions to challenge for Canelo’s 168-pound belts.
The night turned into a painful chapter for Álvarez. Crawford not only handled the jump in weight but also delivered a spectacular performance in the ring. The Mexican champion never found his rhythm, and in the end, Crawford became the new undisputed super middleweight champion (168 lbs), stripping Álvarez of all his titles.
All three judges scored the fight in Crawford’s favor: 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. In front of a packed Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, Canelo lost his undisputed crown at super middleweight-a reign he had held for years.
Mexican journalist questions Canelo’s career
Despite Álvarez’s undeniable success, his career has always divided opinion in Mexico. Critics argue that while he has achieved much, he has never silenced his detractors. Following this defeat, the backlash intensified.
One of his harshest critics, Mexican journalist David Faitelson-now working for TUDN-was quick to react. Faitelson, who has been banned from Canelo’s events for over a year, used his X (formerly Twitter) account to take aim at Álvarez, calling him “a limited boxer.”
“Canelo says he takes risks… What risk? Forcing a boxer to move up two weight divisions? Collecting a purse of more than $100 million? Saúl Álvarez has always been a limited boxer with exceptional marketing. The ‘myth’ is coming to an end,” Faitelson wrote.
Álvarez never managed to get into the fight. Crawford frustrated him with an effective jab, sharp counterattacks, and, above all, patience. Ultimately, the American walked away with the 168-pound titles, leaving the Mexican champion empty-handed.
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