In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, American boxing legend Terence Crawford has declared his retirement from the ring. The news came via his social media channels, just a few months after he registered the biggest victory of his storied career.
A Perfect Career Comes to an End
Terence Crawford retires with an unblemished professional record of 42 wins and 0 losses, with 31 of those victories coming by way of knockout. At 38 years old, the native of Omaha, Nebraska, stated that he has nothing left to prove in the sport, leading to his decision to hang up his gloves. His retirement follows his monumental achievement on September 13, 2025, when he defeated Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez by unanimous decision to become the undisputed super middleweight champion.
In a statement published on BoxingScene.com, Crawford reflected on his incredible journey. "I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0. 3x undisputed. Five-division world champion. No shortcuts. No excuses," the fighter said.
Historic Achievements and Recent Controversy
Crawford's legacy is cemented as one of the greatest in boxing history. He is the only fighter ever to become an undisputed champion in three different weight divisions: welterweight, super welterweight, and super middleweight. An undisputed champion is defined as a boxer who holds all four major sanctioning body belts simultaneously: the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and International Boxing Federation (IBF).
However, his final months as a champion were not without controversy. The WBC recently stripped Crawford of his super middleweight title because he failed to pay the required sanctioning fees to the organization. In an official statement, the WBC explained, "Very unfortunately, the WBC did not receive an acknowledgment of receipt nor any response to any of those communications. The WBC had no choice but to act." This administrative issue, however, does not diminish the historic nature of his in-ring victory over Alvarez.
The Legacy of "Bud" Crawford
Terence "Bud" Crawford leaves the sport at its absolute pinnacle. By defeating Canelo Alvarez, he conquered a fourth weight class in spectacular fashion and solidified his claim as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his generation. His career is a testament to strategic brilliance, power, and adaptability across multiple divisions. While the boxing world may hope for a change of heart, Crawford's statement suggests a firm and final decision, closing the book on a perfect career that redefined what is possible in the modern boxing era.
