“The end of an undefeated legend” Canelo Álvarez suffers devastating knockout by Terence Crawford – “The King” collapses in the  ring for 25 minutes!

On a night that will go down in boxing history, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez’s reign as one of the sport’s untouchable icons came to a shocking end on April 18, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Facing pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford in a highly anticipated superfight, Canelo suffered a brutal knockout that left the sold-out crowd and millions watching around the world in stunned silence. For 25 laboring minutes, “The King” lay motionless in the ring, sparking fears for his health and marking the end of his undefeated aura. Here’s how the seismic upset unfolded and what it means for the future of boxing.

The buildup: a clash of titans

Billed as the “Light of the Century,” Canelo Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) vs. Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) was a dream matchup that pitted two of boxing’s biggest stars against each other. Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, entered the ring as a heavy favorite, riding a wave of dominance that had seen him conquer multiple weight classes. Crawford, the undefeated welterweight and junior middleweight champion, stepped up two weight classes to challenge Canelo, drawing skepticism from analysts who questioned whether his speed and skill could overcome the size gap.

The pre-fight hype was electric, with both fighters trading barbs. Canelo dismissed Crawford’s chances, calling him “too small” and predicting a “painful lesson.” Crawford, known for his icy confidence, responded, “I don’t care about size, I break wills.” Promoters hyped the fight as a battle of heart, power, and legacy, with ticket prices and pay-per-view projections soaring. Few could have predicted the chaos that would unfold.

The fight: a masterclass turned into a nightmare

From the opening bell, Crawford showed why he’s considered one of the best technicians in boxing. His lightning jab and elusive footwork frustrated Canelo, who struggled to land his power shots. Crawford’s ability to switch stances kept Canelo off balance, and by the third round, the smaller man was landing crunching combinations that drew gasps from the crowd. “Crawford is making Canelo look human!” exclaimed ESPN’s Andre Ward from ringside.

Canelo, however, found his rhythm in the middle rounds, using his size advantage to bully Crawford against the ropes. A thunderous left hook in round five rocked Crawford, who smiled defiantly but was clearly shaken. The back-and-forth exchanges had fans on their feet, with each fighter refusing to back down. By round eight, both men were battered, with Canelo’s face swelling and Crawford sporting a cut under his eye. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.

The Knockout: A Moment of Horror

In the ninth round, the unthinkable happened. Crawford, sensing an opening, unleashed a blistering combination, a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook, which caught Canelo on the chin. The Mexican superstar’s legs buckled, and he hit the canvas with a sickening thud. The arena fell silent when referee Kenny Bayless walked out of the fight at 1:42 of the round, declaring Crawford the Knockout winner.

What followed was even more heartbreaking. Canelo lay motionless on the mat, surrounded by medical personnel who rushed to his side. For 25 agonizing minutes, the boxing world held its breath as doctors worked to stabilize him. Initial reports suggested a severe concussion, with fears of more serious injuries. Social media exploded with concern, with fans and fighters posting prayers for Canelo’s recovery. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” tweeted former champion Tony Bellew. “Please be okay, Canelo.”

The consequences: a dethroned king

Canelo was eventually stretched out of the  ring and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was reported in stable condition but under observation. His team issued a brief statement: “Saul is a warrior and will come back stronger. Thank you for the support.” Crawford, visibly shaken despite his victory, dedicated the win to his family but expressed concern for his opponent. “I didn’t want it to end like this,” he said at the press conference. “Canelo is a legend, I just pray he’s okay.”

The knockout has sparked endless debate. Some hail Crawford’s performance as a masterclass, cementing his status as the pound-for-pound best. Others argue that Canelo’s decision to face a smaller, faster opponent was a miscalculation that exposed his vulnerabilities. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who had predicted a Canelo victory, called the result “devastating” but promised his fighter would return. “This is not the end for Canelo, it’s a setback,” Hearn insisted.

What’s next for boxing?

The consequences of Crawford’s victory are monumental. At 37, Crawford has silenced skeptics who questioned his ability to compete at heavier weights, and calls for a rematch are already growing. However, Canelo’s health remains the priority, and experts urged a lengthy recovery period before discussing a return. The loss ends Canelo’s reign as the face of boxing and opens the door for new stars to emerge.

The fight also raises questions about the risks of weight class jumps in boxing. Crawford’s win mirrors historic upsets like Sugar Ray Leonard’s victory over Marvin Hagler, but Canelo’s prolonged collapse has reignited debates about fighter safety. “We need better protocols,” said analyst Ramon Musa. “Nobody wants to see a legend fall like that.”

Canelo Álvarez’s devastating knockout of Terence Crawford on April 18, 2025, will go down as one of the most shocking moments in sports history. For 25 minutes, the world watched in fear as “The King” lay defeated, his invincible aura shattered by the relentless Crawford. While Canelo’s legacy as a warrior lives on, tonight belongs to Crawford, who proved that skill and heart can bring down even the mightiest giants. As the boxing world grapples with the fallout, one truth is clear: the ring has a new rule, and the sport will never be the same.