Sports

Record-Setting Night Sees Crawford Best Canelo

Published

5 months ago

September 17, 2025

Mark Shone, Coach

Fists Fly, Stars Shine and Crawford Boxes Past Canelo Before a Record-Breaking Crowd That Proved Vegas Is the Fight Capital of the World.

September 13th, 2025

With energy at a maximum Las Vegas exploded last night as 70,482 fans packed Allegiant Stadium to witness a historic boxing showdown that shattered records: highest attendance in stadium history, highest-grossing single-day event ($47,231,887), and the second-biggest indoor boxing crowd in U.S. history, surpassing Ali-Spinks II. An estimated 41 million more around the globe tuned in live on Netflix, marking a bold new era where blockbuster fight nights reach fans everywhere, no matter where they are. The streaming connection turned a packed Vegas arena into a worldwide coliseum, letting viewers across continents experience the energy, drama, and sheer spectacle in real time.

Ringside was a who’s-who of entertainment and athletic royalty. The crowd shimmered with stars like Wilmer Valderrama, Mike Tyson, Jason Statham, Mashawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Wiz Khalifa, Dave Chappelle, Mr. Beast, Charlize Theron, Rob Lowe, Brenda Song, Macaulay Culkin, Michael J. Fox, Mark Wahlberg, Chuck Liddel, Michael Chandler, Marc Anthony, Sofia Vergara, Logan Paul, and legendary fighters past and present including Deontay Wilder and Tommy Hearns. Throw in Charlie Sheen, Lizzo, SZA, Jeremy Renner, Josh Duhamel, Michael Che, Chance The Rapper, Magic Johnson, Tracy Morgan, and David Spade, and the result was a kaleidoscope of celebrity, boxing royalty, and pure star power that matched the intensity in the ring.

Prelims Spark the Action

The undercard delivered early fireworks:

Marco Verde (2-0, 2 KOs) stayed unbeaten with a fourth-round TKO over Sona Akale in a super middleweight catchweight bout.
Cuban light heavyweight Raiko Santana (12-4, 6 KOs) stunned Steven Nelson (20-1, 16 KOs) with a first-round TKO, handing Nelson just his second career loss.
Saudi debutant Sultan Almohammed impressed in his first outing, outpointing Martin Caraballo (0-0-1).
Japan’s Reito Tsutsumi (26-2, 5 KOs) blasted out Javier Martinez (10-1-1, 3 KOs) in round one.
Heavyweight veteran Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs) relied on experience to earn a unanimous decision over unbeaten Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KOs).
In the final prelim, Brandon Adams (25-4, 16 KOs) outworked power-punching Serhii Bohachuk (26-2, 24 KOs) to earn a unanimous decision in a competitive middleweight bout.

Main Card Highlights

Members of Tool kicked off the main event festivities, and the crowd vibed to a mariachi band reminiscent of Desperado, which set the tone for what would be a night of unforgettable fights.

Lightweight Bout: Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Crawford

Saudi prospect Mohammed Alakel (4-0) controlled the early rounds and coasted late to a unanimous decision over Travis Crawford, kicking off the main card with a confident performance.

WBC Interim Super Middleweight Title: Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez

This bout had the crowd buzzing. Both fighters traded heavy head-and-body shots in a thrilling third round. Lester Martinez delivered on his promise to “put Guatemala on the map,” and after ten grueling rounds, the judges scored it a split draw. Wide score disparities didn’t dampen the excitement—this was fight of the night material.

Super Welterweight Co-Main: Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr.

Ireland’s Callum Walsh (14-0, 11 KOs) dominated Fernando Vargas Jr. over ten rounds, with judges scoring it 100-90, 99-91, 99-91. Walsh remained unbeaten, proving he’s ready for the next level, while Vargas Jr. showed flashes but couldn’t match Walsh’s speed and precision.

Main Event: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford

It was obvious from the get-go that Canelo had the majority of the crowd behind him, but unwavered Terence “Bud” Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) imposed his gameplan to perfection. As Canelo alluded to after the fight, he was impossible to solve. Everything Canelo threw was met with precise counters. Crawford’s movement, speed and ability to take angles were impressive. However, the ninth round delivered the night’s most explosive action with both fighters trading power shots as fans in Vegas and viewers streaming worldwide collectively lost their minds. While Crawford dominated early, Canelo fought back late and dug to the body, but Crawford never lost control.

After 12 rounds, the judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, 115-113, giving Crawford the victory. By stepping up two weight classes, he became the first male fighter in boxing’s four-belt era to claim undisputed titles in three divisions—capturing the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBF, and The Ring super middleweight championships.

The stakes were monumental. Canelo Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), already a legend after victories over Shane Mosley, Gennady Golovkin, and Miguel Cotto, sought to add Crawford to his storied resume and cement his legacy across multiple weight divisions. Omaha’s Terence Crawford, a household name after defeating Ricky Burns, Jose Benavidez Jr., Amir Khan, Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr., had moved up in weight to 154 pounds against Israil Madrimov before stepping into the ring with Canelo for the biggest win of his career.

In defeat, Canelo admitted he struggled to figure out Crawford’s style, couldn’t get off his best shots, and went so far as to say Mayweather, who also defeated him, isn’t anywhere near Crawford’s level. A captivating fight went the distance, with both men leaving it all in the ring.

A Global Stage

Beyond the fights, Turki al-Sheikh and Netflix brought the spectacle to a global audience, eliminating pay-per-view barriers and allowing millions to watch live. Commentary came from Jon Anik, Max Kellerman and Andre Ward, with Michael Buffer on the mic, while experts like Mario Lopez, Antonio Tarver, Mark Kriegel and Mike Coppinger provided insight throughout the night.

From Mohammed Alakel’s confident opener to Terence Crawford’s historic triumph over Canelo, this night combined record-breaking attendance, star-studded glamour, and thrilling boxing action into a spectacle that truly reached fans everywhere.

Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Martin Caraballo exchanges punches with Sultan Almohamed during their light welterweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Canelo Alvarez (R) throws a right punch against Terence Crawford (L) in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Canelo Alvarez exchanges punches with Terence Crawford in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: A general view is seen as Canelo Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in their undisputed super middleweight title fight during Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Reito Tsutsumi (L) reacts after his first-round knockout against Javier Martinez (R) during the X round of their super featherweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Rob Lowe and Magic Johnson attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Jermaine Franklin Jr. lifts Ivan Dychko during the fourth round of their heavyweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Brandon Adams and Serhii Bohachuk exchange punches during their middleweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Jermaine Franklin Jr. lands a left at Ivan Dychko during their heavyweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Serhii Bohachuk (R) lands a right at Brandon Adams (L) during their middleweight bout at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ring announcer, Michael Buffer, introduces Travis Crawford and Mohammed Alakel before their lightweight bout during Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford, fight night events at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crawford after his win. (Photo by Gavin Bond for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: UFC legend Chuck Liddel attends Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford, fight night events at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gavin Bond for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Jason Statham, Bela Bajaria, CCO, Netflix, Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Sheikh, Mark Wahlberg, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, Mark Shapiro, Chief operating officer of TKO Group Holdings Inc and guests attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Logan Paul attends Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
Mbilli vs. Martinez
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Tyler Lepley and Miracle Watts attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Marshawn Lynch photographs Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mike Tyson attends Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Jason Statham and Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Lizzo and SZA attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Nadia Ferreira and Marc Anthony attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Mike Tyson, Chance the Rapper and Tracy Morgan attend Netflix's Canelo v Crawford Fight Night at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix)
Canelo vs. Crawford
Canelo vs. Crawford
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Walsh vs. Vargas Jr
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Mbilli vs. Martinez
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