On a historic night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford, the 35-year-old boxing sensation, made history by becoming the first male boxer to hold all four major titles in two different weight classes. After a thrilling showdown with Errol Spence Jr., Crawford emerged victorious, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the welterweight division.
The Unprecedented Triumph
As the crowd roared, Crawford walked confidently to the boxing ring, carrying the World Boxing Organization welterweight title belt he had owned since 2018. Alongside it was the green World Boxing Council belt, freshly won from his worthy opponent, Errol Spence Jr. The International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association belts were with his entourage, marking the importance of the moment.
The Symbolic Belt Exchange
In a touching display of sportsmanship, Crawford exchanged belts with Spence after the fight. While the belts would always belong to Spence as keepsakes, the fact remained that Terence Crawford now held all the major welterweight titles, making him the undisputed champion in the division. This victory cemented Crawford’s legacy and solidified his position as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history.
The Intensity of Preparation
People close to Crawford noticed a surge in his intensity during his training camp leading up to the fight. Crawford added more to his training regimen, incorporating swimming, running, and focused recovery. This dedication was shown in the ring as he executed his strategies flawlessly.
The Fierce Battle
The showdown between Crawford and Spence was expected to be a closely contested bout, given both fighters’ impressive records and skills. Spence, known for his stiff right jab, won the first round, but Crawford quickly turned the tide in Round 2 with a well-timed right hand that sent Spence to the canvas.
Crawford’s Dominance Shines Through
As the rounds progressed, Crawford’s precision and power proved to be too much for Spence. Despite efforts by Spence’s trainer, Derrick James, to change tactics, Crawford continued to dictate the pace of the fight. A body shot in Round 7 visibly affected Spence, and in Round 9, Crawford delivered a concussive right hook that led to the fight’s stoppage.
The Statistical Triumph
The judges’ unanimous decision, scoring the bout 79-70 in favor of Crawford, reflected the dominant performance he displayed in the ring. CompuBox statistics showed that Crawford landed 185 of 369 punches, including 98 of 163 power punches, achieving an impressive 60 percent success rate in a high-stakes bout.
The Road Ahead
With this triumph, Crawford became the first person to hold all four major titles in two different weight classes (140 pounds and 147 pounds). While there is talk of a potential rematch, Crawford, now 35 and in the prime of his career, is contemplating his future. The possibility of moving up to the 154-pound junior middleweight division is on the table, but Crawford acknowledges the need for careful consideration.
The Bottom Line
Terence Crawford’s monumental triumph at T-Mobile Arena will be remembered as a pivotal moment in boxing history. His journey from a young boy starting boxing at the age of 7 to becoming the first male boxer to hold all four major titles in two weight classes is nothing short of extraordinary. As the undisputed welterweight champion, Crawford stands alone at the pinnacle of the sport, and the world eagerly awaits his next move.
