Terence Crawford Stops Errol Spence Jr. in Round 9 to Unify Welterweight Titles in Las Vegas

Terence Crawford achieved boxing immortality on Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, stopping previously unbeaten Errol Spence Jr. with a devastating body shot in the ninth round to become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. The 36-year-old Nebraska native delivered the performance of a lifetime in front of 18,000 screaming fans, using superior ring IQ and pinpoint accuracy to break down his younger rival and claim all four major titles in one of boxings most competitive divisions.

The highly anticipated unification bout began with both fighters showing mutual respect for each others power and technical skills, leading to a tactical first half that featured more chess-like maneuvering than explosive action. Crawford appeared to be downloading information early, using his southpaw stance to create awkward angles while studying Spences aggressive pressure-fighting style. The defending champion from Omaha was patient and methodical, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash the combinations that have made him one of the sports most feared finishers.

Spence looked confident and controlled through the first six rounds, using his physical strength advantage to lean on Crawford while landing hard shots to the body and head. The 33-year-old Texan was implementing his typical game plan of wearing down opponents through sustained pressure and volume punching, appearing to be in the drivers seat as the fight entered its second half. His corner was pleased with the early returns, believing their fighter was building an insurmountable lead on the scorecards.

However, Crawford began to take over in the seventh and eighth rounds, finding his timing and distance while landing crisp counters that visibly bothered Spence. The switch-hitting master was particularly effective with his right hook, catching Spence coming forward and gradually breaking down his defenses. Crawfords corner urged him to turn up the heat, sensing that Spence was beginning to slow from the accumulated damage and the pace of the championship fight.

The end came suddenly and brutally in the ninth round when Crawford landed a picture-perfect left hand to Spences solar plexus that dropped the previously unbeaten champion to one knee in obvious pain. Referee Kenny Bayless immediately waved off the contest at 2:47 of the round, as Spence was unable to beat the count while clutching his midsection. The MGM Grand erupted as Crawford celebrated the biggest victory of his stellar career, having finally unified all the titles in the welterweight division.

The victory represents the culmination of years of frustration for Crawford, who had been calling for this fight since 2019 while watching other welterweight champions avoid him due to promotional and network complications. His masterful performance against Spence proves that he remains the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing despite his age, while cementing his legacy as one of the greatest switch-hitters in the sports history. The undisputed championship also positions Crawford for potential superfights against rising stars like Ryan Garcia or a move up to junior middleweight.

For Spence, the defeat represents a crushing setback after years of building toward this moment, though his courage and skill throughout the contest earned respect from both Crawford and the boxing community. As Crawford held all four championship belts above his head while confetti fell from the MGM Grand ceiling, the boxing world celebrated the crowning of a truly deserving undisputed champion who had waited patiently for his moment to shine.