The boxing world was left in stunned silence on the evening of September 13, 2025, as Terence “Bud” Crawford delivered a devastating knockout to undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, marking one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory. The highly anticipated clash, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as part of the Riyadh Season event, saw Crawford, moving up two weight classes, dethrone the Mexican icon in a manner that left fans and analysts reeling. Canelo, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, collapsed in the ring and remained unconscious for an astonishing 25 minutes, turning the fight into a moment that will be etched in boxing history.
The bout began with the expected intensity, with Canelo leveraging his experience and power to dominate the early rounds. The Guadalajara native, with a record of 63-3-2 and 39 knockouts, came out swinging, aiming to add Crawford to his legendary resume that includes victories over Gennady Golovkin and Miguel Cotto. However, Crawford, the undefeated four-division champion from Omaha with a record of 42-0 and 32 knockouts, showcased his superior speed and precision from the outset. As the fight progressed, the 37-year-old’s tactical brilliance began to unravel Canelo’s defense, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
The turning point came in the ninth round when Crawford landed a perfectly timed counterpunch—a blistering right hook—that caught Canelo square on the chin. The impact sent the 35-year-old champion crashing to the canvas, his body limp as the crowd gasped in disbelief. Referee Tony Weeks immediately waved off the fight, but the severity of the knockout became apparent as Canelo lay motionless, requiring extensive medical attention. Paramedics rushed into the ring, and it took 25 agonizing minutes for the Mexican star to regain consciousness, a scene that left the 60,000-strong audience in a state of shock and concern.
Crawford’s victory marked his first undisputed title at super middleweight and solidified his claim as the pound-for-pound king, a title he had long pursued. The knockout was a testament to his adaptability, as he overcame the significant weight disadvantage—moving from 154 pounds to 168 pounds—to execute a game plan that neutralized Canelo’s power. Post-fight, Crawford paid tribute to his opponent, saying, “Canelo’s a legend, but tonight was my night. I had to dig deep and show the world what I’m capable of.” His performance silenced critics who had doubted his ability to compete at this weight, with many now hailing him as the new face of boxing.
The aftermath was chaotic, with Canelo’s team rushing to his side as he was stretchered out of the ring and transported to a local hospital for observation. Early reports indicate no life-threatening injuries, but the prolonged unconsciousness has raised concerns about his future in the sport. Canelo’s promoter, Eddy Reynoso, who had boldly predicted a knockout victory for his fighter, was visibly shaken, offering no immediate comment as the focus shifted to his fighter’s health. The incident has sparked debates about the risks of high-profile matchups and the physical toll on aging champions.
Fans and pundits took to social media to express their reactions, with posts found on X reflecting a mix of awe at Crawford’s dominance and worry for Canelo’s condition. Some celebrated the upset, calling it “the end of an era,” while others expressed hope for Canelo’s recovery, noting his contributions to the sport. The knockout has also intensified discussions about the sport’s safety protocols, with calls for stricter medical evaluations following such incidents.
For Crawford, the win opens new doors, with potential rematches and challenges against other elite fighters like David Benavidez on the horizon. The Riyadh Season organizers, led by Turki Alalshikh, hailed the event as a success despite the dramatic outcome, with ticket sales surpassing expectations and the fight drawing a global audience on Netflix. As the boxing community processes this seismic shift, all eyes remain on Canelo’s health and whether “The King” will rise again or step away from the ring that once crowned him.