Terence Crawford beats Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez by unanimous decision to become undisputed super-middleweight champion

Terence Crawford elevated himself further into boxing history with a stunning unanimous points victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

In a highly-anticipated bout, Crawford defied the odds to become undisputed super-middleweight champion after winning 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 on the judges’ scorecards.

Crawford’s triumph, and the manner of it, is the more remarkable by the fact he jumped up two weight classes before putting on a boxing clinic in front of a 70,000 crowd at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

With the majority of those in attendance supporting Alvarez, Crawford was unfazed as he becomes the first male fighter in the modern era to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions.

The 37-year-old will savour this early birthday present, he turns 38 on September 28, after reminding everyone of his repertoire of boxing IQ, skill, defence, power and timing to take his undefeated professional record to now 42-0.

Terence Crawford’s confidence justified

Speaking after his win, Crawford said: ‘When I set my sights on doing something and I know what I’m capable of, it’s not like a surprise to me.

‘It’s a surprise to y’all because y’all didn’t believe me … but for me, I knew I could do it, I just needed the opportunity.’

What next for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez?

Fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend, Alvarez – who loses for the third time in his 68th bout – had his status, pride and the hopes of a nation on the line, but came up against a generational great.

‘I feel great to share the ring with great fighters like him. If we do it again then it’ll be great,’ he said.

‘My legacy is already there and I like taking risks because I love boxing.

‘I’m a winner for being here. The fact I’m here makes me a winner. I take risks and that’s what I did.’