By Antonio Losada
Copyright newsweek
Canelo Alvarez took a few hours out of the spotlight but finally broke his silence after Saturday’s historic loss to Terence Crawford in Las Vegas.The bout, held at Allegiant Stadium, drew a record 70,482 fans — the largest crowd in Las Vegas boxing history.Crawford, moving up two weight classes, controlled the fight from the middle rounds onward, earning final scorecards of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113. On the other side, it was Alvarez’s first defeat at super middleweight and only the third of his career, following losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol.The Mexican boxer issued his first public comments on X, praising Crawford while addressing his own future following the unanimous-decision defeat.”I feel very proud of everything I’ve achieved so far; we always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning,” Canelo wrote (originally in Spanish) on X. “I am very grateful to my team for all the sacrifices we’ve made together over all these years.”I already won because I have my family with me and millions of fans who have never stopped supporting me ❤️”¡Viva México, Cabrones!🇲🇽”Canelo’s message came with both words of respect for Crawford and a clear statement of determination to move forward despite Saturday’s setback to the 37-year-old, now the first male boxer with three unified division titles.Crawford’s jabs and movement consistently disrupted Alvarez’s rhythm on Saturday, and by the sixth round, swelling under Alvarez’s right eye started to put an end to the Mexican’s chances of winning.The American, on the other hand, saw a clear opening and started gaining more and more control, which ended up with Crawford dictating the pace in the championship rounds, leading up to his upset victory.For Alvarez, the defeat carries major implications at 35 years old. The Mexican champion’s record now stands at 63-3-2, and questions linger about whether he will adjust his approach and face someone else, or seek redemption in a rematch against the third man to ever beat him.Crawford, meanwhile, sits atop the sport after his upset win and will get to pick whoever he wants to fight next.With his legacy secured at multiple weight classes, Crawford has already been linked to a future fight against David Benavidez, as suggested by Saudi Arabian sports promoter Turki Alalshikh following Saturday’s event.
