Terence Crawford rewrote boxing history with his victory over Saul Canelo Alvarez (left) // Photo: gettyimages.com
The victory over Alvarez allowed Crawford to achieve a unique achievement – for the first time in the “era of four belts” to become the absolute champion in three weight categories at once. The American is the absolute world champion in the welterweight, bantamweight and middleweight divisions of the four key world boxing associations – WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO.
According to Netflix streaming service, the fight for the title of absolute world champion in the second middleweight division became the most watched title fight in the XXI century. It topped the viewing charts in 30 countries including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Australia, the U.K., and was among the ten most watched in 91 countries. The bout had a combined audience of 41 million viewers. Only non-title fights were viewed more, the highest rated of which is currently the fight between legendary boxer Mike Tyson and American blogger Jake Paul (108 million viewers).
Terence Crawford gave his opponent credit after the fight. “Around the sixth round I felt like I needed to step up a little bit and take control of the fight because things started to go my way for me. God blessed me and allowed this event to happen. It’s not about me, it’s about him. Saul Canelo is a great champion, a tough opponent. I take my hat off to him and have nothing but respect for him,” the Guardian quoted the American boxer as saying.
The Mexican boxer at the press conference shared his main disappointment during the fight. “Crawford is a great fighter. I tried my best, but I just couldn’t understand his style… You have to accept defeat and come to terms with everything. Sometimes you try your best and your body can’t keep up – that’s my frustration. My body just wouldn’t let me move anymore,” complained Saul Canelo.
For 37-year-old Crawford, this victory was the 42nd in his career and allowed him to maintain his status as an undefeated boxer. In turn, 35-year-old Alvarez suffered his third career defeat with 63 wins and two draws.
