Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford delivered a landmark performance by defeating Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13. Now Stephen A. Smith has weighed in on him facing Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The victory crowned Crawford as the undisputed super middleweight champion and made him the first male boxer in history to unify three weight divisions: super welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight.
The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113, reflecting Crawford’s ability to control the fight across 12 rounds. This win improved Crawford’s professional record to 42-0, including 31 knockouts.
Crawford’s decision to move up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez was viewed with skepticism, as many questioned whether he could handle the power and experience of the Mexican champion.
However, Crawford’s performance demonstrated not only technical skill but also resilience under pressure. He maintained composure during exchanges with Alvarez and displayed the combination of speed, timing, and precision that has characterized his career.
Analysts noted that Crawford’s ability to adapt to a larger opponent while maintaining defensive awareness was critical to his success.
Post-fight reactions and comparisons
Following the fight, Alvarez, who experienced only his third professional defeat, offered high praise for Crawford. He stated, “I think Crawford is way better than Floyd Mayweather,” referencing his prior bout against the undefeated Mayweather in 2013.
Alvarez highlighted Crawford’s strategic acumen, noting that the fight required him to navigate a challenger who combined technical proficiency with the willingness to exchange punches.
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith provided additional analysis, emphasizing Crawford’s unique strengths.
“I’m not surprised. I took [Crawford] to win by decision coming into the fight. Watching Canelo in his career, it was expected that he wasn’t gonna get knocked out, especially by the smaller man,” Smith said.
“But did Crawford have enough power and boxing skills to keep Canelo off of him to some degree? For the most part, that answer was yes,” Smith said, per a video on FightHype’s YouTube.
“But then [Crawford] stepped in there, and he exchanged on several occasions, and survived, and prospered. And I gotta give credit where credit is due,” Smith added.
“I expected the boxing superiority, but what I didn’t expect was for him to stand in there and exchange, and survive. And he did that on several occasions, and that’s why he deseres so much credit.”
Asked if he was better than Mayweather, Smith said: “I’m not gonna sit up here and say that. I think that Floyd Mayweather was such a magician defensively. You have to look at Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in this regard: Once he moved up to welterweight, his hands were always damaged.
“So he kinda knew he wasn’t gonna be able to knock you out, for the most part. And still, he walked into the ring and put on masterful performances because he was so superior, skill-wise and defensively.”
Crawford’s incredible ability to shapeshift
The victory also reinforces Crawford’s reputation for strategic adaptability. Moving up in weight, he faced a seasoned and physically imposing opponent yet controlled the pace and tempo of the fight.
Observers noted that his timing, defensive adjustments, and accurate punching were decisive factors, particularly in the middle rounds where momentum shifts were most likely.
Looking ahead, Crawford’s next steps in the super middleweight division are the subject of speculation. Potential matchups could further elevate his legacy, as he seeks to consolidate his position as one of the sport’s premier talents.
Regardless of future opponents, his victory over Alvarez marks a defining moment, demonstrating skill, resilience, and a capacity to excel across multiple weight classes.
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