By Ponciano C. Melo Jr.
LAS VEGAS – In a boxing masterclass that left fans awestruck, Terence Crawford secured a remarkable ninth-round technical knockout over Errol Spence to claim the undisputed welterweight world title.
The unbeaten Crawford showcased his unparalleled skills, knocking down Spence three times before referee Harvey Dock called a halt to the bout at 2:32 in the ninth round of their super fight set in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Crawford’s victory was nothing short of historic as he unified Spence’s World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, and International Boxing Federation titles with his own World Boxing Organization crown.
Becoming the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era, Crawford etched his name in the annals of boxing history.
With this triumph, Crawford achieved an incredible feat, becoming the first fighter to hold all the belts in two weight divisions after previously conquering the lightweight and light welterweight divisions.
The victory was a testament to Crawford’s unwavering determination and belief in himself, despite facing doubters and critics throughout his career.
Reflecting on the significance of his achievement, Crawford remarked, “It means everything because of who I took the belts from. They tried to blackball me, they kept me out, they talked bad about me, but I just kept my head high and kept praying for an opportunity to show the world who Terence Crawford is.”
Crawford has now extended his knockout streak to 11 fights, including all eight in the welterweight division.
The highly anticipated matchup, drawing comparisons to legendary welterweight clashes of the past, saw Crawford deliver a stunningly dominant performance. Despite Spence’s early aggression, Crawford’s southpaw stance and powerful jab proved too much for his opponent to handle.
With music superstar Eminem adding to the spectacle with an in-person accompaniment for Crawford’s walk to the ring, the atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena was electric.
Boxing royalty graced the sellout crowd, including heavyweight greats Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, and legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
As the dust settles on this historic bout, Terence Crawford’s legacy as an undisputed welterweight world champion shines brightly, inspiring future generations of fighters.