Terence Crawford has made the formal announcement that he will be retiring from boxing. This conclusion marks the conclusion of one of the most illustrious and disciplined careers that the sport has seen in the modern age. The decision was made only a few short months after Crawford solidified his reputation by achieving victory against Canelo Alvarez in September, thus becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion.
This win spurred extensive discussion about what other possible outcomes may be in the future. In the immediate aftermath of the victory, fans and observers suggested that Crawford, also known as “Bud,” may try competing in the middleweight category to make history by becoming the first boxer to win a world championship in six different weight classes.
There were very few people who questioned the potential of his winning, given his track record of dominating weight divisions and destroying great opponents. As an alternative, the 37-year-old has decided to go a new route, as he disclosed on Tuesday that his time spent competing in the ring has ultimately come to an end.
Crawford broke the news to his followers by means of a profoundly personal video that he uploaded to his YouTube page. In the video, he discussed the factors that led to his choice and reflected on a journey that has played a significant role in shaping his life.
Every single warrior is aware that this time will arrive. It is impossible to predict when. I have spent my whole life trying to achieve something. Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you, but you keep coming up, and you keep proving everyone wrong. That sensation is what counts.
“This sport gave me every opportunity. I battled for my family, I fought for my hometown, and I fought for the child I used to be, the child who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves, and I did everything in my own manner. I devoted every single breath I had, every single fight, every single victory, and every single ounce of my heart to this sport. As for what is ahead, I am content with it. This is the moment now. I am grateful to you.
I’m going to remove myself from the competition. Not because I’ve finished fighting, but rather because I’ve gained victory in a new type of conflict. The one in which you leave on your own terms and conditions. This does not constitute a farewell; rather, it is only the conclusion of one conflict and the beginning of another.
Many people in the boxing world were taken aback by the statement, especially in light of Crawford’s previous supremacy and the overall appearance of his physical condition. Crawford is departing at the top, unbeaten and unchallenged, with nothing left to prove. This is in contrast to many champions who remain in their positions for an excessively long time or who are driven out by deterioration.
The switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska, followed up with another statement that elaborated on his thinking and expressed his thanks for the road that led him from a challenging childhood to renown on a worldwide scale.
The opportunity to realize a goal that began a long time ago, long before the lights, the spectators, or the world championships, has been a blessing for me. At every level of this journey, from Omaha to the most prestigious platforms in boxing, every step was gained by the application of sacrifice, dedication, and faith.
“I devoted every ounce of my being to this sport. I was able to compete against the greatest, advance through weight classes, and make history on my own individual terms. 42-0, Undisputed three times. The world champion in the fifth division. There are no shortcuts. There is no justification. This is not a farewell to boxing; rather, it is a kind of gratitude. I would want to express my gratitude to my family, my fans, my team, and my city for being there for me through every chapter. My gratitude goes out to the sport for helping me become the person I am today.
The fact that Crawford is retiring with a perfect professional record of 42-0 is an accomplishment that alone positions him in a select group of individuals. The manner in which those victories were collected is even more astonishing.
In addition to winning world championships in five different weight classes, he became the undisputed champion in the super-lightweight and welterweight categories, and he gained a third undisputed gold in the super-middleweight category. Not only was he acclaimed for his adaptability and ring intelligence throughout his career, but he was also renowned for his willingness to compete against superior opponents on his own principles.
Crawford is going to be recognized as one of the most complete boxers of his age by a great number of fans and other competitors. Others believe that his resume and record of not losing a single bout place him firmly in the debate of the best fighters in the history of the sport. Crawford departs from boxing in the same manner in which he lived inside it: disciplined, purposeful, and in charge of his own fate. This is regardless of how history finally evaluates him.
