On a night that drew massive crowds in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford managed to overcome Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez in a grueling 12-round battle in the super middleweight division. The victory was decisive: Crawford was crowned undisputed champion after the bout on Saturday, September 13. However, what captured even more attention was not only the triumph itself, but the gesture that followed: at the end of the fight, Crawford approached “Canelo” to return the four belts he had been carrying, the titles from the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Organization (WBO), the World Boxing Association (WBA), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
The gesture was seen by many as an act of respect and sportsmanship in a sport often defined by fierce rivalry. Despite the loss, “Canelo” thanked his team and fans, stating that he “accepts defeat with humility” and that both his experience and his legacy remain intact.
Why does the return of the belts carry more meaning than it seems?
Because it symbolizes that, even when there is a new champion, integrity and honor also matter in boxing. That moment reinforces the idea that victory is not everything if dignity and respect toward one’s opponent are lost.
