Terence Crawford has officially announced his retirement from boxing, bringing an end to one of the most decorated and disciplined careers the sport has seen in the modern era. The decision comes just months after Crawford cemented his legacy by defeating Canelo Alvarez in September to become undisputed super-middleweight champion, a victory that sparked widespread debate about what might come next.
In the immediate aftermath of that win, fans and analysts speculated that Crawford, known as “Bud,” could attempt to drop down to middleweight and chase history as a six-division world champion. Given his track record of conquering weight classes and dismantling elite opponents, few doubted the possibility. Instead, the 37-year-old has chosen a different path, revealing on Tuesday that his time in the ring has come to a close.
Crawford shared the news through a deeply personal video posted to his YouTube channel, where he explained the reasoning behind his decision and reflected on a journey that has defined his life.
“Every fighter knows this moment will come. We just never know when. I spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you, but you keep showing up, and you keep proving everyone wrong.
“This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family, I fought for my city, I fought for the kid I used to be, the one that had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves, and I did it all my way. I gave this sport every breath I have, every spar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart. I’ve made peace with what’s next. Now, it’s time. Thank you.
I’m stepping away from competition. Not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different kind of battle. The one where you walk away on your own terms. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the end of one fight, and the beginning of another.”
The announcement stunned many in the boxing world, particularly given Crawford’s recent dominance and apparent physical condition. Unlike many champions who linger too long or are forced out by decline, Crawford is leaving at the top, undefeated and undisputed, with little left to prove.
The switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska, followed up with another message that expanded on his mindset and gratitude for the journey that took him from a difficult upbringing to global acclaim.
“I’ve been blessed to live out a dream that started long before the lights, the fans, or the world titles. From Omaha to the biggest stages in boxing, every step of this journey was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and faith.
“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. 5 Division World Champion. No shortcuts. No excuses. “This isn’t goodbye to boxing…it’s a thank you. Thank you to my family, my team, my city, and the fans who rode with me through every chapter. Thank you to the sport for shaping the man I am today.”
Crawford retires with a pristine professional record of 42-0, an achievement that alone places him in rare company. More remarkable is the way those wins were accumulated. He became undisputed champion at super-lightweight and welterweight, added a third undisputed crown at super-middleweight, and claimed world titles across five divisions. Throughout his career, he was praised not only for his versatility and ring IQ but for his willingness to face elite opposition on his own terms.
For many fans and fellow fighters, Crawford will be remembered as one of the most complete boxers of his generation. For others, his résumé and undefeated record put him firmly in the conversation among the greatest fighters of all time. However history ultimately judges him, Crawford leaves boxing as he lived within it: disciplined, deliberate, and in control of his own destiny.
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