Terence Crawford wins third ESPY Best Fighter award after Canelo upset

Terence Crawford claimed his third ESPY Best Fighter award on Tuesday, a victory that reignited arguments over how the sport’s top fighter should be judged. The honor came after his September 2025 upset of Canelo Alvarez, a performance that made him the first boxer to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes during the four-belt era.

What happened?

Crawford’s ESPY win arrived just months after he dethroned Canelo Alvarez on 21 September 2025 in Las Vegas. The victory capped a year in which Crawford fought once but delivered one of boxing’s defining moments. ESPN’s selection process opened the award to fan votes after nominees were chosen by a committee, blending achievement with popularity.

Critics questioned whether a single performance should outweigh fighters who stayed busier. Some fans argued the early rounds of the Crawford-Canelo fight lacked sustained action, while others pointed to Crawford’s limited activity during the eligibility period. The debate exposed a split over what the Best Fighter label actually means.

Why it matters for Terence Crawford

The award underscores Crawford’s standing as one of boxing’s marquee attractions. His September victory over Canelo wasn’t just a win-it was a statement that reshaped the pound-for-pound conversation. Yet the backlash shows how even historic moments can’t silence critics who demand volume over spectacle.

ESPN’s process also highlights a gap between traditional boxing awards and the ESPYs. Boxing writers’ honors often reward activity and consistency, while the ESPYs lean on fan passion and a single signature moment. Crawford’s third ESPY proves the award’s power to elevate a career-defining night above a crowded field.

How the ESPYs pick their winners

ESPN chooses nominees without publishing a formula, leaving activity levels and significance open to interpretation. The network has never detailed how it weighs a fighter’s schedule against a single knockout punch. That mystery fuels arguments every July when the winners are revealed.

Crawford’s inclusion on the ballot came after his September triumph, but his win wasn’t the only factor. The nomination itself signaled that ESPN valued a historic achievement over a full-year grind. The final vote then handed the trophy to the fighter who resonated most with fans.

What comes next?

The debate won’t fade. Supporters argue Crawford’s Canelo upset alone justifies the award, while critics insist the Best Fighter honor should track a full year of dominance. The split mirrors boxing’s broader identity crisis-between spectacle and grind, between one-night legends and year-long machines.

Crawford, meanwhile, remains focused on his next move. His camp has yet to announce a fight, but the ESPY win keeps him in the sport’s crosshairs. The question now: Can he back up the talk with another blockbuster? Or will the critics demand more before they crown him the year’s best?