Canelo Alvarez Explodes: WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine Super Middleweight World Champion and Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2-39 KOs) has stirred controversy by claiming that Terence “Bud” Crawford’s (41-0-0-31 KOs) undefeated record is not legitimate.
According to Canelo, Crawford either lost or drew in his last fight last year against WBA Super Welterweight Champion Israil Madrimov (12-2-1-7KOs)
Canelo Alvarez names the fight where Terence Crawford should have lost his undefeated record 😲https://t.co/KSALDHvYvt
— talkSPORT Boxing (@boxing_ts) April 24, 2025
📍 The bout, organized under the banner of Riyadh Season, ended with Crawford declared the winner after 12 tough rounds. But Canelo strongly disagrees with the judges’ decision.
🗣️ “He lost or it was a draw. That fight could have gone very differently. That’s why weight classes exist in boxing,” said Canelo.
The official scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, 115-113, but many fans and pundits believe Madrimov clearly landed the cleaner, harder punches in almost every round.
Crawford’s swollen, battered face was enough proof for many that he had been through hell inside the ring. 😖🥊
🧠 Madrimov, a highly decorated amateur, was fighting in his biggest pro bout to date. While he brought intensity and accuracy, the transition from amateur to professional elite level is a massive leap—both physically and mentally.
Canelo Alvarez Explodes
And yet, he delivered a stellar performance that many argue should have handed Crawford his first loss.
💬 Prior to the fight, many experts, including GG, had already warned that Madrimov’s style could cause serious problems for Crawford. And the predictions were spot-on.
🎯 Canelo’s statement only adds to the growing pressure on Crawford. Many fans agree with the champ—Crawford didn’t deserve the win and was “gifted” the victory because of his global popularity, while Madrimov lacked mainstream recognition.
🗯️ “It was a shameful decision for the sport. Madrimov deserved a rematch—but instead of clearing doubts, Crawford chose to chase bigger paydays and higher divisions,” GG said
🔁 Madrimov, however, isn’t without fault. In the championship rounds (11th and 12th), he seemed to ease off the pressure. GG Counterpunch!
Whether it was due to fatigue or overconfidence, no one can say for sure. But in boxing, the final rounds often carry the most weight with judges. Losing momentum late can change the outcome.
👑 Now, all signs point to a massive showdown this September as Crawford plans to skip a tune-up fight and jump straight into a super middleweight mega-fight against none other than Canelo Alvarez himself. Yet questions remain—can Crawford truly hang at 168 lbs without ever testing the waters?
📉 Many see the Canelo vs Crawford fight as nothing more than a fantasy mismatch, with the outcome all but predictable. Canelo is the undisputed king at 168, and Crawford may be biting off more than he can chew.
