Terence Crawford, a champion across five divisions, announced his retirement from professional boxing on Tuesday. This declaration arrives a mere three months after he etched his name in history by becoming the first and only boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three separate weight classes. He secured this unprecedented accomplishment with a victory over Canelo Alvarez in September, claiming the undisputed super middleweight title.
Crawford's Announcement and Legacy
Crawford took to social media to share his decision, stating he was "walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove." The boxer elaborated further on his YouTube channel, explaining that he wasn't stepping away because he was finished fighting, but because he had "won a different kind of battle - the one where you walk away on your own terms."
He emphasized that this wasn't a goodbye, but rather the conclusion of one fight and the commencement of another. He expressed gratitude for the sport, stating he gave it "every breath I had. Every scar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart."
Crawford retires with an unblemished record of 42-0, including 31 knockout victories. Beyond his recent super middleweight triumph, he previously achieved undisputed status in the welterweight division by defeating Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023, and in the junior welterweight division with a win over Julius Indongo in August 2017.
His illustrious career includes holding 18 major world championships across five weight classes: lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, and super middleweight. He was ranked #1 in ESPN's Top 100 fighters of 2025 and retires as the sport's top pound-for-pound fighter.
From Underdog to Undisputed
Crawford reflected on his journey, highlighting his relentless pursuit of a feeling – "the one you get when the world doubts you and you keep showing up and you keep proving everyone wrong" – rather than material accolades.
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford turned professional in 2008 after failing to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. His early career lacked the fanfare of some of his contemporaries, and he remained relatively unknown until stepping in on short notice to face Breidis Prescott in 2013. This fight, which served as the co-main event for Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado 2 on HBO, saw Crawford decisively outpoint Prescott. He subsequently captured his first major world title by defeating Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title in 2014.
| Weight Class | Major Titles | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | WBO Title | Defeated Ricky Burns for the title in 2014 |
| Junior Welterweight | Undisputed Champion | Stopped Julius Indongo in August 2017 |
| Welterweight | Undisputed Champion | Defeated Errol Spence Jr. by knockout in July 2023 |
| Super Middleweight | Undisputed Champion | Defeated Canelo Alvarez in September 2025 |
The Path to Retirement
Crawford's career trajectory shifted after parting ways with Top Rank following his 2021 victory over Shawn Porter. This decision paved the way for a highly anticipated showdown with Errol Spence Jr. for the unified welterweight championship. Crawford's dominant performance against Spence solidified his position as one of the premier fighters of his era.
Not content with welterweight dominance, Crawford pursued a fight against Canelo Alvarez, who competed three weight classes above him. Following a victory over Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds in 2024, Crawford secured a September bout with Alvarez. Despite the size disparity, Crawford expertly outboxed Alvarez, securing a unanimous decision victory. While speculation arose regarding a potential fourth undisputed title attempt at 160 pounds or a lucrative fight against Jake Paul, Crawford ultimately chose to retire.
FAQs
Why did Terence Crawford retire from boxing?
Terence Crawford retired because he felt he had nothing left to prove, having achieved undisputed champion status in three weight classes and winning a different kind of battle - walking away on his own terms. He emphasized it wasn't because he was finished fighting, but because he had accomplished all he set out to do.
What are Terence Crawford's major accomplishments in boxing?
Crawford is the first and only boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight classes (junior welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight). He retires with a perfect 42-0 record, holding 18 major world championships across five weight classes and ranked #1 pound-for-pound.
What was Terence Crawford's path to becoming a boxing champion?
Crawford turned professional in 2008 after failing to make the Olympics. After a relatively unknown start, he gained prominence with a victory over Breidis Prescott in 2013 and won his first major title in 2014, defeating Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title.
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