LAS VEGAS – Terence Bud Crawford is on the verge of accomplishing something that has never been done before in the sport of boxing by becoming the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in three different weight classes.
Crawford, 37, is a four-division world champion, having won titles at lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, and junior middleweight, while toting an unblemished 41-0 record with 31 knockouts.
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Bud has competed at the championship level for over 11 years, breaking through after his first title defense of the WBO Lightweight Championship against the undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2014.
Bud dropped Gamboa four times before the fight was stopped in the ninth round, establishing him as an elite prizefighter.
In 2017, Crawford made boxing history by defeating Julius Indongo to become the first undisputed champion at 140 pounds in the modern four-belt era.
Bud then moved up to welterweight in 2018, defeating Jeff Horn to become a three-division world champion.
Crawford defended his WBO welterweight title, stopping notable fighters like Jose Benavidez Jr., Amir Khan, Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter.
Despite growing demand for a unification fight with fellow welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., the bout did not happen until July 29, 2023.
Crawford dominated Spence Jr., dropping him three times before a round nine stoppage, becoming the first man to be a two-division undisputed champion in the modern era.
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Crawford moved up to 154 pounds to challenge WBA champion Israel Gonzalez, also known as Israel Madrimoff, which was a tactical chess match.
However, Bud’s skill and ring IQ earned him a unanimous decision victory, earning him the distinction of becoming a four-division world champion.
Crawford’s next fight is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Las Vegas against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez.
Both men are four-division world champions and among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
The size difference between Crawford and Álvarez is significant.
Crawford’s best weight has been 147 pounds, while Canelo has won titles at 154, 160, 168, and even light heavyweight at 175.
Crawford has never fought at 160 or 168 pounds professionally and will be nearly 38 years old at the time of the fight.
Crawford has stopped every opponent at 147 pounds, but Madrimov ended his knockout streak at 154.
Álvarez has never been officially knocked down and is known for his toughness and durability.
To win, Bud will likely need to outbox Álvarez over 12 rounds, a challenging task against such a skilled opponent.
Despite Canelo’s recent fights being mostly unanimous decisions, Crawford believes this high-profile matchup will bring out the best in both fighters.
A win would make Crawford the first three-time undisputed world champion in the modern four-belt era, a historic achievement.
In a Ring Magazine interview during fight week, Crawford expressed excitement and readiness for the bout.
He acknowledged the fight as a once-in-a-generation event and said he feels great fighting at 168 pounds without the stress of cutting weight.
When asked what means more—beating Álvarez or becoming the first three-time undisputed champion—Crawford said both are important, but becoming three-time undisputed means more because it is something that has never been done before.
Bud also addressed doubts and skepticism throughout his career, saying they have fueled his motivation.
Crawford emphasized that whether he is the underdog or the favorite does not matter; he is focused on winning.
Bud emphasized the importance of loyalty to his team, noting that it feels great to achieve success alongside those who have been with him from the beginning.
Crawford concluded with a message to fans, urging them not to miss the fight and promising an exciting night of action.
Catch Bud taking on Álvarez for his undisputed super middleweight championship, which includes the WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC super middleweight titles as well as the Ring Magazine championship on Saturday, Sept. 13, inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Netflix.
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