Terence Crawford wins ESPY Award, beating Justin Gaethje in controversial vote

Terence Crawford secured the 2026 ESPY Award for Best Fighter, defeating UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a vote that has drawn criticism from MMA circles. The boxing legend, who retired after his historic win over Canelo Alvarez in September 2025, was honored for his unprecedented achievement of becoming the first male boxer in the four-belt era to win undisputed titles in three weight divisions.

What happened at the ESPY Awards?

The ESPY Awards ceremony took place on July 16, 2026, in New York City, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Crawford was nominated alongside Gaethje, Claressa Shields, and Gabriela Fundora. Despite Gaethje’s impressive year-winning two fights in six months, including a 7-to-1 underdog victory over Ilia Topuria-Crawford’s historic win over Canelo Alvarez proved decisive for the voters.

Why the controversy?

MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz, who represents Gaethje, expressed his disbelief at the result. 'It’s crazy how Crawford wins ESPYs over Justin Gaethje,' he wrote on X, calling the outcome 'mind blowing.' Abdelaziz highlighted Gaethje’s underdog victories, arguing that his achievements were equally deserving of recognition.

However, boxing fans and analysts defended Crawford’s win. 'I love Justin, but Crawford went up weight classes and won,' one fan argued. Others pointed out that Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez, a two-division champion, was a historic achievement that transcended weight classes.

What does this mean for Terence Crawford’s legacy?

Crawford’s ESPY win adds another accolade to his already illustrious career. His victory over Canelo Alvarez in September 2025 cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers of his era. The ESPY Award further solidifies his legacy, recognizing his dominance across multiple weight divisions.

For Gaethje, the loss stings, but his performances in 2026 have already earned him widespread acclaim. The UFC star’s two victories, including his stunning upset of Ilia Topuria, have cemented his place among the sport’s elite. While the ESPY snub may fuel his motivation, Gaethje’s focus remains on defending his lightweight title.

The debate over who deserved the ESPY Award will likely continue, but one thing is clear: both Terence Crawford and Justin Gaethje have left an indelible mark on their respective sports.