By now, most of us have seen the video clips floating around: boxing champion Terence “Bud” Crawford handing over three championship belts to Canelo Álvarez. At first glance, it looked like Crawford was surrendering his hardware to the Mexican superstar. But let’s clear the air—because the truth is a little different.
Respect, Not Surrender
Yes, Crawford did physically hand over the belts. But no, this did not mean Canelo was suddenly reinstated as the champion. The gesture was symbolic—a show of respect to a former champ who had once held those titles. In boxing, where ego often overshadows humility, that act stood out.
Brian McIntyre (trainer of Crawford), after the win over Canelo
“You know what? We going to get back in the gym. We gonna get back in the gym and we’re going to assess that. Right now I just want him to go on vacation, have some fun, spend some time with his family ‘cause we trained for like probably a half a year for that fight. A lot of time spent away from home, a lot of time spent away from the family so I just want him to get back home.”
Custom Gold Awaits
The reality is that Crawford isn’t giving up his place in the sport. In fact, he’s leveling up. Reports confirm that Crawford will soon receive his own custom-designed championship belts, explicitly tailored to honor his legacy. Giving the belts back wasn’t about losing—it was about showing class while moving forward.
Why It Matters
In a sport where trash talk sells pay-per-views and rivalries fuel headlines, Crawford’s gesture was refreshing. It reminded fans that boxing isn’t just about fists and fame; it’s also about respect, tradition, and passing the torch.
Final Word
Crawford giving back the belts to Canelo wasn’t a handover of power—it was a salute. And with his own custom belts on the way, it’s clear that Crawford’s reign is far from over.