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TERENCE CRAWFORD showcased an extraordinary boxing performance, decisively defeating Canelo Alvarez and earning the title of undisputed super-middleweight champion.
The 37-year-old Nebraska star achieved a remarkable THREE-WEIGHT four-belt reign, impressing the judges with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113.
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ROUND ONE
Crawford, the Nebraska phenom, faced jeers from Canelo’s Mexican-American fans as he made his entrance at Allegiant Stadium.
Despite this, he moved through the Las Vegas ring with unwavering confidence.
Alvarez, 35, was greeted by a monochrome mariachi band adorned with sombreros.
Meanwhile, American viewers on Netflix voiced their discontent over the fight’s delayed start, while British fans were excitedly anticipating the boxing showdown with their breakfast.
Interestingly, when Michael Buffer acknowledged the Saudi sponsors, the discontented US crowd responded with boos.
Crawford switched to a southpaw stance and initiated some early jabs.
Canelo took two minutes to retaliate, landing a few solid left hooks to the body and powerful right hands.
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However, Crawford expertly blocked the headshots and fired back with a quick left hook to claim the round.
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ROUND TWO
Canelo persisted in targeting Crawford’s body with his left hook, but Crawford demonstrated to the judges that he was undeterred.
Keeping active with his jabs, Crawford nonetheless endured some notable power shots from Canelo that elicited cheers from the crowd.
Despite landing a solid check-hook that reddened Canelo’s skin, the round concluded in favor of Canelo.
ROUND THREE
Crawford claimed the third round with a well-timed one-two counter following another of Canelo’s left hooks aimed at the body.
Canelo dictated the rhythm, yet Crawford exhibited comfort countering from the back foot while landing shots from a distance.
Seizing the moment while Canelo took a breather, Crawford capitalized on the opportunity.
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ROUND FOUR
Crawford opened the fourth round explosively, bombarding Canelo with rapid-fire punches from various angles.
Initially, the round swung in favor of the American, but Canelo retaliated with two precise right hooks to Crawford’s head.
Crawford absorbed the shots comfortably and finished the round strong, reclaiming the upper hand.
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ROUND FIVE
The fifth round was marked by intensity as Canelo nearly sent Crawford tumbling over the top ropes into the VIP section.
He chased Crawford around the ring for three minutes before they clinched against the ropes.
Instead of separating, Canelo hoisted Crawford off the ground.
Had he miscalculated, they both could have fallen.
As the bell rang, the situation calmed, concluding Canelo’s successful round characterized by pressure.
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ROUND SIX
Crawford’s left hand marked Canelo’s right cheek and eye as he landed effectively from a distance.
Crawford thrived in the mid-rounds, consistently hitting jabs while deftly avoiding Canelo’s counters.
The two-weight undisputed champion exhibited agility and confidence.
After clearly winning the round, Canelo’s corner urged him to step up his aggression.
ROUND SEVEN
Crawford boldly exchanged punches with Canelo in the center, which paid off handsomely.
After six cautious rounds, he engaged in fierce exchanges of hooks.
Canelo seemed taken aback that he couldn’t overpower Crawford, who demonstrated greater volume and precision.
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ROUND EIGHT
While Canelo exerted effort, Crawford executed a masterful defense, effectively warding off punches.
Promoter Dana White appeared so engrossed in the action that he was typing on his phone throughout the round.
Both corners urged their fighters to elevate the intensity, aware of the close margins.
ROUND NINE
As the round began, both seasoned fighters unleashed a barrage of punches, but an accidental head clash left Crawford with a cut around the eye.
Crawford struck back with quick combinations that surprised Canelo.
Meanwhile, the crowd voiced their displeasure over the necessary rest moments.
ROUND TEN
By the tenth round, Canelo likely realized that his singular power punches were ineffective against Crawford, yet he did not adjust his strategy.
Crawford masterfully played the matador, slipping through Canelo’s defenses and evading counterattacks with ease.
Even Canelo’s heaviest strikes were anticipated, while Crawford ramped up his offensive output, adding flair to his showboating.
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ROUND ELEVEN
Crawford displayed a masterclass as the fight progressed, skillfully evading punches while countering efficiently.
Canelo showed visible frustration after landing a jab, countering with a right hand.
Still, Crawford remained composed, scoring from a defensive stance and shaking his head whenever Canelo attempted to hit his gloves.
ROUND TWELVE
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Crawford was lauded by his corner for a stunning boxing display, and they encouraged him to maintain the momentum.
Canelo’s team expressed the need for a strong finish in this closely contested match.
In the end, Crawford excelled in the final round, pushing Canelo back and smiling as he did so.
Canelo appeared defeated as Crawford took command, emphasizing the lack of a backup plan for the Mexican fighter.
Crawford finished the bout by cornering the supposedly larger, fiercer opponent and dictating the closing moments.
