A rematch has now been ordered after an electrifying first fight in Las Vegas.
Terence Crawford became the new undisputed super middleweight champion on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium, defeating Canelo Alvarez in a bout that lived up to expectations.
While the fight was competitive, ‘Bud’ clearly controlled most of the rounds, putting on a spectacular performance from start to finish.
Meanwhile, Callum Walsh stayed unbeaten with a win over Fernando Vargas Jr. in the co-main event, though the fight did not quite live up to its billing.
Looking back, many fans felt that the bout before it deserved to be higher up the card, given how much it delivered.
WBC orders Christian M’billi vs Lester Martinez rematch
While Canelo may have come out on top against Crawford in one area, the fight was not really a back-and-forth contest. Instead, it was more about Crawford’s dominance throughout the night.
The co-main event told a different story. Christian M’billi and Lester Martinez met for the interim WBC super middleweight title, and this one lived up to its billing.
The fight went the full 10 rounds, and with both fighters having their moments, there was little debate when the judges ruled it a draw.
The WBC has ordered an immediate rematch between the two undefeated competitors, following M’billi’s successful title defence on Wednesday.
They now have 30 days to reach an agreement or face a purse bid if terms cannot be settled within that window.
Why the M’billi vs. Martinez 2 winner could end up holding one of Crawford’s titles
M’billi was in line to become the mandatory challenger for the main event winner if he had come out on top, given his status as WBC interim super middleweight champion.
There are still pathways for the rematch winner to face Crawford, but it is far from a certainty. The fight is being billed as a title eliminator, yet several factors could get in the way.
The timing might not work out either. By the time this rematch takes place, Crawford’s situation at super middleweight may have changed significantly.
If he decides not to defend his title anytime soon, there is a chance it could be vacated and put up for grabs between these two fighters.
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