SHOCKING NEWS: Terence Crawford Fails Substance Test – Canelo DEMANDS Title Be Stripped!

In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the boxing world, Terence “Bud” Crawford, fresh off his historic victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 13, 2025, has reportedly failed a post-fight substance test, prompting Canelo to demand that Crawford’s newly won undisputed super middleweight titles be stripped. The bombshell revelation, announced on September 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM ICT (5:00 AM EDT) by the Nevada Athletic Commission, has sent shockwaves through the sport, casting doubt on Crawford’s legacy and igniting a fierce debate about fairness and integrity in boxing. Canelo’s fiery response has added fuel to the controversy, setting the stage for a potential legal and professional showdown.

The Fight That Made History

On September 13, 2025, Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) made history by defeating Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, claiming the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles. The fight, watched by a record 70,482 fans and millions on Netflix, saw Crawford outbox the Mexican superstar with superior speed and precision, becoming the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles in three weight classes in the four-belt era. However, the celebration was short-lived as news of Crawford’s failed test emerged.

The Failed Substance Test

According to a statement from the Nevada Athletic Commission, Crawford tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in a routine post-fight drug test conducted immediately after the bout. While the specific substance has not been disclosed pending further analysis, sources close to the commission told ESPN that it is a “significant violation” that could lead to severe penalties, including suspension and title forfeiture. The news broke just 48 hours after the fight, stunning fans and analysts who had hailed Crawford’s performance as a career-defining moment.

The commission is awaiting results from Crawford’s B-sample, which will be tested within 72 hours. If confirmed, the violation could result in the fight being ruled a no-contest and Crawford’s titles being vacated, per World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and boxing regulations. This marks the first major scandal in Crawford’s otherwise spotless career, raising questions about the validity of his victory over Canelo.

Canelo’s Outraged Demand

Canelo Alvarez, already vocal about perceived dirty tactics in the fight, wasted no time reacting to the news. In a fiery post on X at 5:16 AM EDT on September 15, 2025, Canelo wrote, “I knew something was off! Crawford cheated to win, and now the truth is out. Strip his titles NOW! Boxing deserves justice!” During an emergency press conference in Las Vegas, Canelo doubled down, stating, “This is a disgrace to the sport. I fought clean, gave my all, and he used drugs to beat me. Those belts belong to me. The fans deserve better.”

Canelo’s team has formally petitioned the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF to vacate Crawford’s titles and reinstate him as champion. “We’re exploring all legal options,” said Canelo’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “If the B-sample confirms this, it’s a black mark on boxing.” Canelo’s accusations have fueled a social media frenzy, with #StripCrawford trending globally on X, amassing over 5 million engagements. One user posted, “Canelo was robbed! Crawford’s a cheat #JusticeForCanelo,” while another defended Crawford, writing, “Wait for the B-sample. Bud’s been clean his whole career #TeamCrawford.”

Crawford’s Camp Responds

Crawford’s team issued a brief statement denying wrongdoing, calling the test result a “misunderstanding” and expressing confidence in the B-sample analysis. “Terence Crawford has always been a clean fighter and passed every test in his career,” said his manager, Brian McIntyre, to BoxingScene. “We’re cooperating fully and expect to be cleared.” Crawford himself has not commented directly, but a source close to him told The Athletic he is “devastated” by the allegations and insists he did not knowingly take any banned substances.

The controversy has sparked speculation about accidental contamination, a common defense in doping cases, or potential sabotage. Crawford’s camp pointed to his clean record across 42 professional fights and rigorous testing during his career. However, skeptics on X noted the timing, with one user posting, “Crawford jumps two weight classes and beats Canelo? Now this? Smells fishy #BoxingScandal.”

The Boxing Community Reacts

The scandal has divided the boxing world. Analyst Timothy Bradley Jr., who commentated the fight for ESPN, expressed shock, saying, “If true, this tarnishes a historic moment. Crawford’s legacy is on the line.” Former champion Andre Ward urged caution, stating, “Let’s wait for the full investigation. False positives happen.” On X, fans are polarized, with some calling for Crawford’s suspension and others defending his character. “Canelo’s just bitter he lost. Bud’s the real champ #Innocent,” one tweet read.

The involvement of Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who bankrolled the fight, has also drawn scrutiny. Some X users speculated about political motives, with one writing, “Saudi money wanted Crawford to win. Now this? Too convenient #Rigged.” Others dismissed such claims, noting Alalshikh’s role in securing Canelo a reported $100 million purse.

What’s Next for Boxing?

The Nevada Athletic Commission has promised a transparent investigation, with results from the B-sample expected by September 18, 2025. If the violation is confirmed, Crawford could face a suspension of up to two years, a fine, and the loss of his titles, potentially triggering a rematch or title vacancy. The WBA, which stripped Crawford of his 154-pound belt before the fight, may elevate interim champion Abass Baraou to full champion status in that division, further complicating the landscape.

Canelo, meanwhile, is pushing for immediate action. “I want my belts back,” he told Sports Illustrated. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about cleaning up boxing.” Promoters are already discussing a potential rematch, with Netflix eyeing another blockbuster, but the outcome hinges on the investigation. The scandal has also reignited calls for stricter doping protocols, with fans and analysts demanding year-round testing.

A Legacy in Jeopardy

Terence Crawford’s failed substance test and Canelo Alvarez’s demand to strip his titles have plunged boxing into chaos, threatening to overshadow one of the sport’s greatest moments. As the world awaits the B-sample results, the debate rages on X, in gyms, and across airwaves: Is Crawford a cheat, or is this a tragic misunderstanding? With Canelo vowing to reclaim his legacy and Crawford fighting to clear his name, this scandal could reshape boxing’s future. Stay tuned for updates as this explosive story unfolds.