38 year old Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford became the first male boxer in the four belt era to become undisputed champion in three different weight classes on Saturday night, keeping his undefeated record intact.

He backed up his words with a masterful display, winning a unanimous decision against Mexican favourite Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Allegiant Stadium.

The judges scored the fight 116–112, 115–113, 115–113.

Crawford (42–0, 31 KOs) last fought over a year ago, beating Israil Madrimov at 154lbs. Since then, he has gradually gained muscle and strength to compete at the much bigger 168lbs. He won his first title at 135lbs against Scotland’s Ricky Burns in 2014.

From the opening bell, Crawford was determined to earn Canelo’s respect early, taking control of the centre of the ring, but it was a battle that Canelo wasn’t going to yield easily.

As the fight progressed, Crawford kept Canelo guessing with constant, subtle movements, ensuring he was never in range long enough to give Canelo any confidence.

Canelo (63–3–2, 39 KOs) stalked, as he does, but couldn’t quite get to where he needed to be consistently. Crawford kept him at arm’s length for most of the contest, pumping the jab throughout. When the moment was right, he landed and countered with cleaner shots, sometimes in combinations.

Canelo’s trademark left hook to the body, which has caused so much damage over the years, was mostly blocked by Crawford. The few clean punches Canelo landed upstairs were taken well.

As the fight wore on, Crawford grew more comfortable, keeping us on the edge of our seats. Comfort can bring danger, and he stood and traded more in the latter rounds. You couldn’t help but wonder whether a clean shot from Canelo might turn the fight upside down.

It didn’t happen. Crawford felt comfortable and looked it. He took risks, but they were calculated.

What we witnessed was a throwback to the old school. Fighters like Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard moved up from lower weight classes to leave their mark on the sport. Crawford has done the same.

Like those legends, Crawford is supremely skilled. We’ve seen it throughout his career. His demolition of Errol Spence in what was considered a genuine 50/50 fight at the time was a statement win.

Some criticised his last victory over Israil Madrimov, but Madrimov was a highly skilled fighter in a different weight class. Crawford did what he needed to do. He always finds a way to win, and he found a way again last night.

When the scorecards were read out, there was no hollering or shouting from Bud. Just quiet celebration. Almost a silent pat on the back.

‘All praise to the Lord above me. I have to give Him all the praise because without Him I wouldn’t be here. I told you all I’m not here by coincidence. God blessed me and He made this event and this night just for me. It’s not me, it’s God,’ Crawford told Max Kellerman post-fight.

‘Canelo’s a great champion. I’ve got to take my hat off to him. He’s a strong competitor. Like I said before, I’ve got nothing but respect for Canelo. I’m a big fan of Canelo, and he fought like a champion today.’

Canelo paid tribute to the new champion but, at 35 years old and 20 years a pro, gave no indication he was ready to hang up the gloves.

‘I’m glad to share the ring with great fighters. I’ve already accomplished a lot in boxing. My legacy is already there.’ Canelo said post-fight.

‘I feel great, I feel strong. Crawford is a great fighter, a skilled fighter, and I give the credit to Crawford.’

We often wait until a boxer’s career is over to give them their props. I asked beforehand whether we were witnessing a great, a legend, right here, right now, in Terence Crawford.

Tonight’s performance confirmed that we are.

Images: Getty