The sports world has been buzzing nonstop about the night Terence Crawford toppled Canelo Alvarez under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium. The fight wasn’t just another clash between two champions; it became a cultural event, a spectacle that grabbed the attention of millions around the globe.
Yet through all the noise, one voice remained quiet, until now. Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, the NBA legend whose opinion still carries weight in every corner of sports media, finally revealed how he felt about the record-shattering showdown. And when Magic speaks, fans tend to listen. So, what exactly did he see that night in Las Vegas?
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Magic Johnson reveals how Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez “revitalized” boxing
The Lakers legend didn’t hold back as he wrote on X, “I had the great pleasure of attending the Crawford vs. Canelo fight and it blew my mind that over 70,000 fans were in attendance at Allegiant Stadium generating over $47 million in live gate revenue – the third highest in boxing history!”
For a man who’s seen plenty of historic sporting moments, that says something. He went further, pointing out the sheer reach of the event. According to him, “There were over 41 million global viewers on Netflix, making it the most viewed men’s championship boxing match of the century. “
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Let’s pause here for a second, as the backdrop is already etched in boxing history. Terence Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to claim undisputed titles in three divisions. At nearly 38, he made the leap from 154 pounds to 168 to dethrone boxing’s biggest star. Judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113, but anyone watching knew Crawford looked firmly in control.
Canelo Alvarez had entered the bout as the heavy favorite. Size was meant to be his trump card. But when the bell rang, Crawford’s quickness, timing, and jab dismantled that narrative.
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And even Magic Johnson pointed it out as he further wrote, “Crawford did a great job of commanding the fight and winning with his quickness, endurance, masterful movement, and strong jabs.” And perhaps the most telling part? Johnson ended his post with, “I was entertained from beginning to end. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to witness this historic fight in-person! The Crawford vs. Canelo fight revitalized boxing.”
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That’s a bold statement, but one that echoes the sentiment many fans felt as they watched a new era unfold. Over 41 million tuned in on Netflix, making it the most-watched men’s title fight of this century. While it didn’t surpass Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson’s jaw-dropping 108 million from last year, it still crushed every traditional championship fight in recent memory.
Add to that the record-setting live gate revenue, which was also pointed out by Magic Johnson, and you get a night that blended spectacle with sport in perfect fashion. For Terence Crawford, the victory adds another jewel to his crown, but the question now becomes, what’s next for ‘Bud’?
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Sebastian Fundora ready to roll out the red-carpet if Crawford moves to super welterweight
The question of Terence Crawford’s next move looms larger than ever. Fresh off dethroning Canelo Alvarez and cementing himself as a three-division undisputed champion, ‘Bud’ stands at a crossroads. Fans and fighters alike are already speculating.
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One man who isn’t shying away from the conversation is Sebastian Fundora. The towering WBC super welterweight champion has made it clear that if Crawford decides to return to 154 pounds, the door is open. Speaking to FightHype.com, Fundora admitted uncertainty about Crawford’s plans but still extended the invitation as he stated, “I don’t know [if Crawford will return to super welterweight]. From what I saw, he’s going back to 160. But, yeah, we welcome him.”
For now, Fundora has business of his own. On October 25, he’ll defend his WBC strap against Keith Thurman in Las Vegas. A victory would mark his third successful defense, further solidifying his reign. Meanwhile, the other belts in the division sit with Abass Baraou (WBA), Xander Zayas (WBO), and Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF). The path is crowded, but for a fighter of Crawford’s stature, doors tend to open quickly.
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Still, there’s a wrinkle. The WBA already stripped Crawford of his super welterweight title, and he hasn’t shown much interest in reclaiming it. Instead, whispers of a middleweight run have grown louder. At 160, Terence Crawford could chase an unprecedented sixth division crown, something that would add another layer to his already historic career!