Terence Crawford Announces Retirement

On December 16, 2025, boxing superstar Terence Crawford shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement at age 38. The undefeated champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, posted a heartfelt video on social media declaring he was “walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove.”

Crawford’s decision comes just three months after his monumental upset victory over Saul “Canelo” Álvarez on September 13, 2025, where he claimed the undisputed super middleweight title in front of over 70,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

A Career of Historic Achievements

Nicknamed “Bud,” Crawford retires with a perfect 42-0 record (31 knockouts) and an unparalleled resume:

• The first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions (super lightweight, welterweight, and super middleweight).

• World titles in five divisions: lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, super welterweight, and super middleweight.

• Dominant wins over elite opponents, including Errol Spence Jr. (TKO, undisputed welterweight), Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, Amir Khan, and his career-capping masterpiece against Canelo Álvarez.

In his retirement message, Crawford reflected: “This sport gave me everything… I gave this sport every breath I have. Every scar. Every triumph. Every ounce of my heart.” He emphasized walking away on his own terms after proving doubters wrong time and again.

The Final Masterpiece: Beating Canelo

Crawford’s swan song was a masterclass against the favored Canelo, outboxing the Mexican icon over 12 rounds to win by unanimous decision. The victory solidified Crawford as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and etched his name among boxing’s all-time greats.

Legacy and Reactions

Crawford leaves the ring undefeated, a rarity in boxing, and with debates raging about his place in the GOAT conversation—often compared to legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. While some, like Jake Paul, dismissed the retirement as temporary, most view it as a fitting exit for a fighter who conquered every challenge.

From the streets of Omaha, Nebraska, to global stardom, Terence Crawford’s journey inspires. He retires not because he couldn’t continue, but because he had nothing left to prove.

Thank you, Bud. Boxing won’t be the same without you.