Alvarez targeted the body with his left hook in the second, but Crawford used his speed and accuracy to tag the Guadalajara native upstairs.
The third saw Alvarez pressuring Crawford more, but “Bud” boxed effectively off his back foot, as he avoided any incoming fire to the head. Alvarez was landing his left hook to the body, but Crawford started adding some more offense in the fourth, confidently standing in the pocket and throwing. Alvarez responded with some of his best work of the fight, but Crawford was still in control.
Alvarez had his best round to this point in the fifth, as he boxed well from the outside and was busier with his attack, but it was Nebraska’s Crawford who regained control with strong efforts in the sixth and seventh stanzas.
As the eighth began, it was clear that Alvarez needed to start making a charge if he wanted to win the fight, and he had brief moments of success, but not enough to deter Crawford from his rhythm.
