Crawford Comes Out Swinging

American stuns Alvarez, becomes first man to hold undisputed titles in 3 weight classes

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LAS VEGAS — Terence Crawford stunned Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez to claim the undisputed super middleweight world boxing crown on Sept. 13, becoming the first man to win undisputed titles in three weight divisions.

In a fight of razor-thin margins, the 37-year-old American poured it on in the closing rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory, improving his unblemished record to 42-0 with 31 knockouts.

Crawford had jumped up two weight categories to vie for history, having already counted undisputed titles at super lightweight and welterweight among his titles in four — now five — weight classes.

He silenced critics who claimed his sparkling resume was packed with substandard opponents and quietened a raucously pro-Alvarez crowd of 70,482 at Allegiant Stadium, home of the National Football League's Las Vegas Raiders.

"For sure this is definitely a signature win," Crawford said. "Moving up two weight classes, being the B-side, fighting a guy that's been undefeated in the division, undisputed.

"My other undisputed runs I had titles, I was coming in as a champion as well. But this one I was coming in as an underdog, no championship belts and I felt like everything was on the line."