Mexican Alvarez, 35, has won world titles in four different weight classes but faces an uncertain future after his third defeat in 68 fights since making his debut as a 15-year-old.

Undisputed light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, one of the three boxers to beat Alvarez, described him and Crawford as “legendary fighters”.

But Jake Paul, YouTuber turned boxer, said: “Canelo putting his hand up like he won. Canelo been overrated.”

Stevenson, who was ringside to support Crawford, said: “It’s a lot of soft fighters in the sport who are scared to fight against other great fighters.

“But salute to you champ, not being scared to put it on the line against everybody. You are a legend.”