By Tephanie Delaney, Cultural Kare Magazine
16th September 2025
Thomas “Hitman” Hearns has long been celebrated as one of boxing’s greatest warriors—a man who carved his name into history with world titles in five different weight divisions. Recently, Hearns reflected on his own career, saying that out of the 67 professional fights he waged, one opponent stood taller than the rest.
“I would say Wilfred Benitez was very good. He was slick and very crafty. I like Benitez’s craft. He moved well and fights all around the ring,” Hearns recalled.
Hearns and Benitez clashed at the Louisiana Superdome in December 1982, where Hearns dethroned the defensive genius via majority decision to claim the WBC light-middleweight crown. Benitez, who became the youngest world champion in boxing history at just 17, remains a symbol of brilliance in the sport’s golden era.
But on Saturday night in Las Vegas, a new chapter was written in boxing history—and Hearns was there to see it unfold. Sitting ringside alongside International Boxing Promoter E. Jay Mathews, Hearns witnessed Terence “Bud” Crawford deliver a performance that many are already calling a masterpiece against Canelo Alvarez.
Crawford’s Clinical Mastery
International Boxer Promoter E. Jay Mathews didn’t mince words about what he saw in the ring:
“Crawford fought the perfect fight against Alvarez, the bigger, slower fighter in hand and foot speed. Alvarez has always had slow feet but on Saturday night it looked like he was standing in one place all night. Throwing one punch at a time while Crawford was throwing punches after punches, combination after combination.”
From the opening bell, Crawford’s sharp jab, fluid movement, and relentless combinations had Alvarez struggling to find rhythm. What was supposed to be a clash of two great champions quickly became a showcase of Crawford’s brilliance.
Fans Weigh In
For many fans, the result was undeniable. Kevin Murray of Brooklyn Park, MN admitted his admiration for Alvarez but couldn’t overlook the dominance he had just witnessed:
“Pure dominance by Terence Crawford. I’ve been a Canelo fan for years, and wanted him to win. However, I have to give credit where it’s due, and he had Canelo off balance all night, frustrated that he couldn’t get anything off. He was off rhythm and had no answers.”
A Clinic in Precision
Boxing enthusiast Frank Sentwali Gardner described Crawford’s performance as a masterclass:
“It was a mental, physical, surgical, calculated ass whooping delivered by Crawford. A boxing clinic in every sense of the word.”
And for Leanna Love, the fight was both strategic and brutal, showcasing Crawford’s command of the moment:
“It was a real fight. I thought Crawford had a couple options after cutting him with that left to come back with that right. He could’ve knocked him out. Overall great fight. You could see the strength in them both but I knew Crawford was going to win—just wish he would’ve punished him a little bit more.”
The Sports Agent’s Eye
Kelley Hall, Sports Agent at JCK Sports Group, emphasized Crawford’s preparation and dominance:
“I knew no one would be knocked out but this was one of Crawford’s best fights. He moved up in weight class. He put on more muscle for this fight because this was a really big fight. Errol Spence would not have won. It would’ve been a huge gap. It would not have been close.”
Linking Past to Present
The presence of legends like Thomas Hearns, alongside influential figures like E. Jay Mathews, underscored how Crawford’s triumph is being measured against the greats of the past. Just as Hearns once praised the brilliance of Wilfred Benitez, fans and promoters alike are now praising Crawford’s ability to neutralize one of boxing’s most celebrated champions.
On a night filled with history, it was clear: Crawford didn’t just defeat Alvarez—he elevated his legacy. And with icons like Hearns and Mathews ringside, the torch of greatness was visibly passed from one era to the next.
