Biggest Winner: Terence Crawford
It shouldn’t be understated just how much “Bud’s” stock will skyrocket after making history, becoming the first male boxer to be undisputed champion across three weight classes following his big win over Canelo. He proved once again that he is indeed one of the greatest boxers to ever step foot inside the ring with his win over the now-former undisputed Super Middleweight champion. Aside from all of the money and hardware he will take home in victory, Crawford banked bragging rights, too, silencing the doubters who said he couldn’t win the big fight. And it’s a big, “I told you so” to all of the promoters who never gave him the big opportunities he always wanted. What was even more impressive is that Crawford made it look somewhat easy, as he had Canelo confused and frustrated all night. As for what’s next for “Bud,” he can pretty much write his own ticket moving forward, but for now, he says he will take plenty of time off to enjoy his historic win before he decides his next move. And it will be a very well-deserved break.
Walsh locked down the biggest win of his young career, taking on and defeating Vargas Jr., handing him his first-ever loss after 10 rounds of back-and-forth action. Walsh showed that the spotlight wasn’t too much for him on such a big event, managing to stay cool in the pocket and fire off his offense to win the clear-cut decision on all of the judges scorecards. And he did it in front of Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, who were undoubtedly pleased to see the first fighter signed by Zuffa Boxing put on a great show.
Honorable Mention: Christian Mbilli, Lester Martinez
Mbilli and Martinez delivered an absolute show in their Super Middleweight showdown, as both men came out swinging heavy leather from the opening bell all the way until the final one sounded. They gave each other their best shots and took them, much to everyone’s delight. It was such a great fight that it would have been a pity to see either of them lose, so perhaps that’s why it was ruled a draw. To reward them for their performances, they will likely receive an extra $100,000 in post-fight bonus money.
Biggest Loser: Canelo Alvarez
It’s unfair to call Canelo a loser here just for the sheer fact that he has accomplished so much and is one of the all-time greats, but he has to take the spot here because I feel he could have done more in the Crawford fight. It’s not that he didn’t try, but the new champion made it hard on him. “Bud” used great footwork to evade the big shots, and when he did get clipped, he ate them right up. Canelo, at times, was visibly frustrated and got away from his gameplan, throwing sloppy punches fight fans are not accustomed to seeing from one of the best boxers ever. Crawford had him figured out and there was simply nothing Alvarez could do to get it going, losing a one-sided decision to a man who was moving up two weight classes to chase history. Alvarez’s career accomplishments and status as one of the best ever are already set, but the loss will sting for awhile.
