In Las Vegas this past weekend, Crawford dethroned Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez in a unanimous decision, becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion.
But what stunned the world even more was what happened after the scorecards were read: Crawford returned the belts to Canelo.
How the Judges Scored It
- Judge 1: 116-112 Crawford
- Judge 2: 115-113 Crawford
- Judge 3: 115-113 Crawford
It was a close but clear victory. Crawford boxed smart, using speed, precision, and patience to neutralize Canelo’s power. He made history, becoming the first male fighter ever to be undisputed in three weight classes.
Crawford’s Unprecedented Gesture
Yet in the ring, when the belts were draped across his shoulders, Crawford did something unheard of. He lifted them off, walked over to Canelo, and handed them back.
“This man carried the sport for a decade,” Crawford said. “Tonight, I proved myself. But respect is bigger than titles. These belts belong to Canelo’s legacy.”
The crowd gasped, then roared. For the first time in years, boxing wasn’t just about belts—it was about honor.
Why Fans Will Never Forget
- Crawford won, but chose humility over hardware.
- Canelo lost, but walked out still embraced as a champion.
- Fans witnessed something rarer than a knockout—sportsmanship at its peak.
Beyond the Belts
Crawford defeated Canelo on September 13, 2025. But folklore will remember the moment Bud returned the belts. It was less about who held the gold, and more about who held the respect.
In a sport built on ego, blood, and bragging rights, Crawford’s gesture reminded everyone that sometimes, the noblest victory is in how you treat your rival.
