Crawford Says Canelo Made a Big Mistake: ‘He Tried to Touch Gloves After the 9th Round. I Walked Away, We Aren’t Touching Hands. I Already Knew I Had Him.’

In one of the most talked-about moments after his dominant performance, Terence Crawford made it clear that he was in full control of his fight against Canelo Alvarez. The welterweight champion shared his thoughts on a critical moment in the ring—when Canelo tried to offer a gesture of sportsmanship by attempting to touch gloves after the ninth round. Crawford’s response? He walked away. “We aren’t touching hands,” he said confidently, revealing just how sure he was of his impending victory.

Crawford’s statements have caused waves in the boxing world, especially given the high expectations surrounding the match between the two fighters, who are considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. But what does Crawford’s reaction tell us about his mentality heading into the fight and the way he viewed his performance in the ring? Let’s break it down.

A Critical Moment in the Fight

The moment Crawford is referring to occurred after the ninth round of their highly anticipated showdown. By then, it was clear to many that Crawford was in control of the bout. The two fighters had gone through a tense and tactical few rounds, but Crawford was starting to assert his dominance. His superior technique, ring IQ, and counterpunching ability were beginning to frustrate Canelo, who was struggling to land clean punches.

After the ninth round, Canelo, perhaps showing signs of frustration or seeking to reset the mood, extended his gloves in an attempt at a respectful touch. In boxing, this gesture is often used to signal mutual respect between fighters, especially after a tough round or a significant exchange of blows. However, Crawford, confident in his position, didn’t entertain the idea. He walked away, making it clear to Canelo—and the watching world—that he felt he was in complete control and was not interested in any symbolic gesture of respect.

Crawford later elaborated on his decision, saying that he knew by then that victory was within his grasp. “I already knew I had him,” Crawford added, emphasizing how certain he was that the fight was going in his favor.

A Fighter’s Mentality: Confidence or Disrespect?

Crawford’s response to Canelo’s attempt at a gesture of sportsmanship may be seen by some as a sign of disrespect or a lack of humility. Boxing fans, analysts, and even fellow fighters have different views on such actions. Some might argue that Crawford’s refusal to acknowledge the glove touch could have been perceived as a slight to Canelo, especially considering Canelo’s status as a champion and his reputation as a fighter who has earned the respect of the boxing world.

On the other hand, Crawford’s comments reveal a deeper layer of his fighter mentality. For a champion like Crawford, a confident, almost cocky attitude is crucial to his success. Crawford’s words reflect the mindset of a fighter who believes in his skills and in his ability to dictate the flow of the fight. By the time he walked away from the glove touch, Crawford already knew he had done enough to secure the victory in his mind.

For Crawford, his decision was likely more about mindset than disrespect. In his eyes, the fight was over mentally, and no amount of gestures from his opponent would change that. This moment highlights how much Crawford thrives on self-belief and how he uses every opportunity—whether big or small—to reinforce his dominance in the ring.

Crawford’s Performance Against Canelo

Crawford’s confidence heading into the fight was well-earned. While Canelo was the more established name, Crawford came into the bout as the undefeated champion with a stellar track record. Crawford had dominated every opponent he faced with his exceptional skills—speed, power, precision, and intelligence.

As the fight progressed, Crawford’s abilities shone through. He was able to outbox Canelo with ease, frustrating the Mexican fighter’s attempts to land significant punches. Crawford’s footwork and timing were on display throughout the match, making it difficult for Canelo to catch him cleanly. Even when Canelo did land a few solid shots, Crawford seemed unfazed, showing his resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.

By the ninth round, it was clear to those watching that Crawford was in control. His defensive skills were superb, and his counterpunching ability kept Canelo off balance. It was this precise control of the fight that led Crawford to believe he had already won. It wasn’t about showing disrespect to Canelo—it was about confirming that his tactical superiority had given him a clear advantage.

Canelo’s Reaction: What Does It Mean?

While Crawford’s response to Canelo’s attempt at touching gloves has drawn a lot of attention, Canelo’s reaction—or lack thereof—is also worth noting. Canelo, known for his composed demeanor and sportsmanship, did not respond to Crawford’s refusal with any animosity. Instead, he simply continued to focus on the fight, even as it became increasingly clear that Crawford was the superior fighter that night.

Canelo, having fought some of the toughest opponents in the world, was no stranger to tough situations in the ring. While his performance against Crawford might not have been his best, it didn’t necessarily diminish his reputation as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Canelo has faced adversity throughout his career, and it’s likely that his calm reaction to Crawford’s gesture was a sign of maturity and experience in the ring.

The Bigger Picture: Confidence and Respect in Boxing

In the world of boxing, the line between confidence and disrespect can often be a fine one. Fighters like Crawford and Canelo operate at the highest levels, where self-belief is essential to success. At the same time, there is an unspoken code of respect between champions. The way a fighter handles themselves outside the ring, through gestures like touching gloves, can say a lot about their character.

For Crawford, his refusal to engage in such gestures wasn’t about disrespecting Canelo—it was about asserting his dominance and staying focused on his goal: victory. His belief in his own abilities was so strong that he didn’t feel the need to acknowledge anything other than the victory he had already secured in his mind.

Conclusion: Crawford’s Mentality and the Road Ahead

Terence Crawford’s comments following his fight against Canelo Alvarez will likely be remembered as a defining moment in his career. The incident reveals just how mentally strong and focused Crawford is as a fighter. His refusal to engage in a typical post-fight gesture, like touching gloves, spoke volumes about his belief in his skills and his conviction that he had already secured the victory.

As Crawford moves forward in his career, it will be interesting to see how this mentality continues to shape his approach to future fights. His confidence is undeniable, and his performance against Canelo only further solidified his place among the best in the sport. Regardless of how others perceive his actions, Crawford’s mindset will continue to drive him to greatness as he faces new challenges in the boxing world.