‘Perfection – Crawford is among boxing gods’

Terence Crawford is among the “boxing gods” after his masterclass against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas, says former world champion Tony Bellew.

Crawford, 37, moved up two weight classes to dethrone the undisputed super-middleweight champion by unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

The American is the first male boxer to become undisputed champion in three weight classes in the modern era.

He extended his undefeated record to 42 fights and his consecutive world title run to 20.

“When they first mentioned this fight I was laughed at for picking him.

“People want to say he’s boring! Nothing boring about pure boxing and perfection.

“Game plan was on point and Bud was exceptional.”

Crawford thanked his supporters and his haters in his post-fight speech after going up against the “face of boxing” in Alvarez.

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and Britain’s former European middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz described Crawford as one of the greatest boxers in history.

Mexican Alvarez, 35, has won world titles in four different weight classes but faces an uncertain future after his third defeat in 68 fights since making his debut as a 15-year-old.

Undisputed light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, one of the three boxers to beat Alvarez, described him and Crawford as “legendary fighters”.

But Jake Paul, YouTuber turned boxer, said: “Canelo putting his hand up like he won. Canelo been overrated.”

Stevenson, who was ringside to support Crawford, said: “It’s a lot of soft fighters in the sport who are scared to fight against other great fighters.