Terence Crawford Explains Real Reason for Giving Away Belts to Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford gets vocal about the reasoning behind handing back Canelo Alvarez the championship belts personally.

Terence Crawford Explains Real Reason for Giving Away Belts to Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford gave Canelo Alvarez his belts back (via Instagram, Sports Illustrated)

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Traditionally, in the aftermath of a boxing title fight, sanctioning bodies hand the defeated champion’s belts to the winner for photos, interviews, and the post-fight ceremony. Once the formalities are complete, the belts are then returned to the former champion, usually by the sanctioning bodies or by the opponent’s team.

However, Terence Crawford recently revealed why he chose to personally return Canelo Alvarez‘s belts to him. For the unversed, history was made when ‘Bud’ Crawford defeated Alvarez via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) to become the first male undisputed three-weight world champion of the four-belt era.

The victory not only kept Crawford’s undefeated record of 41-0 intact but also cemented his legacy. Rather than letting the officials or his team handle the exchange, ‘Bud’ personally walked over and handed the Mexican’s belts back at the post-fight presser.

American TV personality and sports analyst Stephen A. Smith recently hosted Crawford on The Stephen A. Smith Show. The two spoke about the Nebraska native’s masterclass against Alvarez and his plans. However, Smith was eager to know the reasoning behind Crawford’s decision to hand the belts back personally to the Mexican superstar.

They his belts. You know I wanted to be the one that gave them back to him. They are my belts, but you know my belts are gonna come personalized. I took his titles, the belts is going home with him, the titles is coming home with me. Imma get my new belts, and his belts are going with him, and I just felt like it was right that I should be the one to present them back to him.

Terence Crawford via The Stephen A. Smith Show

The distinction may seem small, but in a sport built on symbolism, it carried weight. By taking on a role usually reserved for the sanctioning bodies, Crawford shifted the post-fight moment from an institutional handoff to a direct exchange between fighters. That difference created a visual that boxing audiences are not used to seeing, as the belts are usually returned backstage.

The moment also highlighted the respect that Crawford has earned throughout his career, with dominant performances against the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter. ‘Bud’ has racked up an undefeated personal record of 42 wins over his 17-year-long career. However, his personality and charisma outside the ring have made him a fan favorite.

While both Alvarez and Crawford amassed large amounts from the superfight, their mutual respect and humble approach have left fans in awe. In the end, Crawford’s victory over Alvarez was historic on its own, but the way he handled the belts made the aftermath equally memorable.

Terence Crawford weighs in on Floyd Mayweather comparisons made by Canelo Alvarez

After showcasing technical brilliance against Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford not only cemented himself as one of the ‘Greatest of All Time’ but also silenced all his critics and doubters. Going into the fight, ‘Bud’ was constantly doubted by the Combat Sports community and fans alike regarding the competition he had faced.

However, Alvarez’s comments termed him as the better boxer than the legendary Floyd Mayweather. When asked about which of the tougher competitions he faced, Alvarez wasted no time in diminishing Mayweather in comparison to Crawford.

Terence Crawford talks about Canelo Alvarez's comparisons to Floyd Mayweather
Terence Crawford talks about Canelo Alvarez’s comparisons to Floyd Mayweather (via CBS Sports, Boxing News)

The Guadalajara native termed Crawford as “way better than Mayweather” in the post-fight press conference. When asked about Alvarez’s comments on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Crawford had nothing but words of praise and appreciation for his former rival.

I mean, that’s a great compliment, I think that he has been in the ring with both of us, so he would know you know from his own experience. A lot of people they can say this, they can say that, but only a few people can say that they have been in the ring with Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather and give their own assumption.

Terence Crawford via The Stephen A. Smith Show

Coming from a man who shared the ring with both fighters at different points in his career, the statement stands as one of the most substantial endorsements Crawford has ever received. Together, their exchange not only fueled the endless GOAT conversation but also underscored the rare respect shared between two icons at the pinnacle of the sport.

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