Terence “Bud” Crawford etched his name into boxing history by defeating Canelo Álvarez in a unanimous decision on Saturday night, becoming the first fighter to be undisputed champion in three weight divisions. The bout, one of the most anticipated in recent memory, not only shifted the balance of power in the ring but also drew attention to the staggering paydays that accompanied it.

How Much Did Crawford Make vs Canelo?

In the build-up to the blockbuster fight, Crawford openly revealed that his purse for the showdown was $10 million. While the figure appeared modest compared to Canelo’s earnings, Crawford insisted that the decision was driven by legacy rather than money.

“I’m doing it for the opportunity, baby. The legacy outweighs the money,” Crawford said on a podcast before the bout, as per a report by CBS.

The figure aligns with his statements, though it does not account for potential revenue from pay-per-view (PPV) shares, sponsorships, or future promotional boosts.

How Much Did Canelo Get Paid?

Canelo Álvarez, one of the biggest draws in combat sports, reportedly walked away with a far larger paycheck. UFC CEO Dana White suggested during fight week that Canelo was “probably” guaranteed at least $100 million for the clash, with estimates ranging up to $150 million.

Saudi promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, who played a key role in organizing the bout, rejected suggestions that the deal was capped at $100 million. “The contract between us and Canelo is more than that,” he asserted, without disclosing an exact figure, as per a report by The New York Times.

While the Nevada State Athletic Commission no longer requires official payouts to be made public, industry insiders have described the purse as one of the most lucrative in boxing history.

Did Canelo Lose All His Belts?

The loss to Crawford has wider implications for Álvarez’s decorated career. A four-division world champion, Canelo entered the ring as the undisputed super middleweight titleholder. Crawford’s victory means that Álvarez relinquishes his entire set of belts at 168 pounds, ending a dominant reign.

Canelo’s professional record now includes just three defeats: Floyd Mayweather in 2013, Dmitry Bivol in 2022, and Crawford in 2025. The defeat snapped a six-fight winning streak, further fueling debate over whether Álvarez’s peak years are behind him.

Canelo Alvarez, who began his professional boxing career at the age of 15, carried far greater experience into the ring against Terence Crawford. Yet, despite that edge, the Mexican star was unable to overcome Crawford’s precision and tactical superiority. The American, nicknamed “Bud,” relied on sharp combinations and an effective jab to negate the size advantage of his opponent. As the bout progressed, Crawford’s composure grew evident, with his punches finding their mark more frequently than Alvarez’s.

According to official statistics, Crawford landed a total of 115 punches, including 45 jabs, compared with Alvarez’s 99 punches and 16 jabs. The performance ultimately swayed the judges, who scored the contest 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in Crawford’s favour. With the decision, the undefeated American claimed the undisputed super welterweight title, taking all the belts from Alvarez.

Canelo vs Crawford Highlights

The bout lived up to its billing, delivering 12 rounds of tactical brilliance. Crawford’s speed, precision, and defensive adjustments consistently outmaneuvered Álvarez, who struggled to impose his trademark power punches.

By the later rounds, it was clear that Crawford had taken control, landing sharp combinations while neutralizing Canelo’s counterattacks. The judges’ unanimous decision confirmed what many ringside observers already knew: Crawford had seized the night, the belts, and boxing immortality.

What the Numbers Mean for Boxing

The stark contrast between the two fighters’ reported paydays highlights boxing’s ongoing debate over purses, star power, and marketability. Crawford, despite his historical achievements, has often commanded smaller purses compared to global icons like Álvarez.

However, with his victory, Crawford’s stock is expected to soar. Endorsements, rematch clauses, and future mega-fights could ensure his financial rewards eventually match his legacy.

For Canelo, the bout demonstrated his enduring ability to generate massive revenue, even in defeat. His fan base, built over two decades, remains one of the sport’s strongest, ensuring that his career is far from over despite losing all his belts at super middleweight.

FAQs

How much did Crawford make vs Canelo?

Crawford revealed he made $10 million for the fight, prioritizing legacy over financial gain. Additional earnings from PPV and endorsements could add to his final payout.

How much did Canelo get paid?

Canelo reportedly earned over $100 million, with some estimates ranging up to $150 million, making it one of the richest fight purses in boxing history.