In an explosive development that has shaken the foundations of world boxing, Terence “Bud” Crawford has been officially accused of doping after not overcoming prohibited substance test carried out after his controversial victory over Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez on September 13, 2025 at the Allegant Stadium of Las Vegas. The World Boxing Association (WBA), in a statement issued on September 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm PDT (9:00 am Ict, September 24), confirmed that the results of the tests are clear, revealing the presence of a synthetic testosterone derivative in the Crawford system. The WBA has intervened immediately, provisionally suspending the Supermedian title of Crawford, while Canelo demands the cancellation of the result and the restitution of its belts. This scandal, added to accusations of arbitration partiality and conspiracy, could allow Canelo to maintain their titles and redefine one of the most controversial fights in history.

The doping test that changes everything

The Nevada Athletic Commission, in collaboration with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), announced that Crawford’s sample A, taken after its unanimous decision victory (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) on Canelo, gave positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid. Sample B, analyzed on September 22, confirmed the result, triggering the formal doping accusation. The substance, identified as a synthetic testosterone derivative, is prohibited by the World Anti -Doping Agency (Wada) and could result in a suspension of up to two years for Crawford, as well as the loss of the titles of the AMB, CMB, OMB, IBF and The Ring that won when defeating Canelo.

The fight, seen by 70,482 fans in the stadium and 41 million in Netflix, made Crawford the first male boxer to achieve the status of undisputed champion into three divisions in the era of the four belts. However, doping positive has tarnished his victory, feeding Canelo’s claims that he was “forced to lose” due to a corrupt system.

WBA intervention

The WBA, after reviewing the results of the tests and the evidence of irregularities in the fight, acted quickly. “The results of the tests are clear and cannot be ignored,” said the WBA in its statement. “We have provisionally suspended the Supermedian title of Terence Crawford and we have scheduled an audience for September 25, 2025 to determine the sanctions.” The organization is also evaluating the result of the fight, which could allow Canelo to maintain or recover its titles. The CMB, OMB and IBF have indicated that the WBA decision will follow, increasing the pressure on Crawford.

The WBA intervention occurs in the midst of multiple scandals: referee Thomas Taylor admitted to having favored Crawford under external pressure, a filtered score card showed Canelo as winner (117-111), and Manny Pacquiao accused a “disguised man” of orchestrating the result. Crawford’s cryptic confession— “He paid me and asked me to use …” “The suspicions that doping was part of a broader conspiracy intensified.”

Canelo’s reaction

Canelo, upon learning of the doping accusation during a live broadcast on Instagram on September 23, seen by 5 million followers, demanded immediate justice. “Crawford is a cheater! They stole with drugs and corruption,” he said. “Return me my titles now. Mexico does not accept this shame.” His legal team, led by Ricardo Castañeda, presented a formal request to the four sanctioning organizations to cancel the result and declare Canelo Champion. “Crawford’s doping is the definitive proof that the fight was a farce,” said Castañeda.

In X, Mexican and international fans have exploded, with the hashtags #despojenacrawford and #Canelocampeon generating 22 million interactions. “The doping test confirms it! Canelo was stolen #Vivamexico,” a user wrote. Another added: “Crawford used steroids to win. Anize that fight! #JusticiaParacanelo.”

Crawford’s defense

The Crawford team denied the accusations, claiming that the substance could have entered its system by accidental pollution. “Bud is a clean athlete,” said coach Brian McIntyreESPN. “This is an attempt to stain your legacy.” Crawford, facing the possible loss of his titles, tweeted: “I did not take anything illegal. I will try my innocence #budthegoat.” However, its credibility is in question after its partial confession and the evidence of collusion with the referee.

Some fans defended Crawford in X: “Canelo is taking advantage of this to excuse his #Teambud defeat.” However, the compubox data, which show that Canelo connected 99 power strokes compared to the 115 of Crawford, have strengthened the argument that the doping gave Crawford an unfair advantage.

Research and consequences

The September 25 hearing of the WBA and the Nevada Athletic Commission will examine the Crawford doping, the text messages that suggest collusion with the referee Taylor, and the filtered card that favored Canelo. If the violation is confirmed, Crawford could lose all their titles, which would return to Canelo or be vacant, triggering a tournament. An annulment of the result would open the door to a rematch in 2026, with revenue projections of more than 600 million dollars, according toBoxingScene.

The Saudi Turki Al-Sheikh financier, who supported the $ 500 million contract, faces questions, although he denies any implication. “Boxing must be fair,” he said in a statement. The calls for reforms, including stricter anti -doping tests and score assisted by AI, are gaining strength.

A critical moment for boxing

The official doping accusation against Terence Crawford, backed by the clear results of the WBA tests and intervention, has placed boxing at a crossroads. Canelo’s demand to recover his titles has joined fans, with x flooded with low #Canelocampeon. While the September 25 audience is approaching, the fate of the Supermedian titles and the legacy of Crawford hits a thread. Will Canelo recover your crown, or will Crawford achieve clean your name? Follow the updates in X while this explosive saga develops.